Monika Amunyela 

Simon Ndalulilwa, also known as Simon Da Great, is determined to make a name for himself in Namibia’s creative and sport industries. 

Born and raised in Windhoek, Ndalulilwa stands out as more than just a DJ; he is a vibe curator, a university student, and a competitive rugby player. He describes himself as an ambivert, someone whose personality is shaped by diversity. 

“I have always had an ear for music. In high school, I was the kid who always knew the bangers before the songs started trending,” he said. 

Long before he got on the decks, Ndalulilwa’s life revolved around sport. His love for contact sports began with wrestling and boxing at the early age of 11. 

Despite attending a school without a rugby programme, the opportunity found him through high school scouting when a coach saw something in him and believed in him, even when he didn’t believe in himself. 

“I had no idea on how to play, but I was tall and very aggressive, so they gave me a chance, and since then I never stopped playing or loving the sport,” he said. 

Today, he plays as a winger and outside center for Unam Rugby Club, with 2026 set to be his fourth year representing the side known as the Red Army. 

Music found its way into his life through an unexpected setback. A serious injury that resulted in three broken metacarpals and it forced him to put rugby on hold for six months. With school on holiday and no training, boredom became the catalyst for curiosity. 

“My brother was already an established DJ and had his equipment lying around,” he explained. 

Under his brother’s mentorship, he learned how to DJ, unknowingly setting up a second career. After his recovery, it was time for him to choose between the nightlife and rugby, and he decided to strike a disciplined balance and do both. 

Balancing academics, sport, and performance is demanding, but Ndalulilwa thrives on structure. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in public management at the Namibian University of Science and Technology, he is firm about his priorities. 

“School comes first, then DJing, then rugby,” he said. 

As a DJ, Ndalulilwa is unapologetically versatile. 

“I incorporate classic tunes with new releases to create nostalgia while teaching the crowd something new,” he said. 

-mamunyela@nepc.com.na