What started merely as a video recording and photography studio operating with one camera has now progressed to one of the most notable media production companies in the northern parts of the country.

In an interview with VIBEZ!, founder of Racio Media Group Jonas Mungungu gets a little nostalgic about the humble beginnings of his multimedia company.

He is popularly known for being one of the pioneers in the media and entertainment industry, and running one of the leading media companies in the north. But little do people know that he actually started as an assistant of a friend who owned a media production company in Ongwediva.

“I have been working for my friend for a couple of years. I would assist him to shoot music videos and edit. But while working, I was also learning how things work. He is the one who inspired me to start my business,” he noted.

Mungungu, who was a recording artist at the time, only owned one camera which he used to shoot his music videos and performances with.

“I also got that camera from him (his friend). I was not really into music, so I started doing photoshoots and music videos for other artists. A lot of people started noticing my work, and that is how I decided to register my own business.” 

In 2017, Mungungu established the Racio Media Group, which now specialises in photography, sound and video production, film and documentary production, music video shooting, 3D Animation and visual effects, amongst many things.

“Our main office is in Ongwediva, and we recently opened another one in Outapi.” 

Mungungu said growing his business to where it is now was not a walk in the park.

“I endured many challenges such as losing income, and branching out was not easy. It took so many tears and dedication, but I have managed to rise above it all.” 

Amongst his proudest moments is creating employment for young people.

Overall, he has 15 employees, with 10 in Ongwediva and five in Outapi.

“We will be opening another branch in Windhoek soon.” 

Mungungu’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to research the services they want to offer.

“Learn more about your market, and you also need to constantly sell your business. That is the only way you will make it in this gigantic industry.” 

He likewise believes in giving back to his community.

With many music artists being greatly affected by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Mungungu will be offering music videos to 10 upcoming artists at a discounted price.

“We normally charge between N$ 7 000 and N$10 000, depending on the services we provide. But now, we will only charge these artists N$ 1 800. We will provide them with free transport, make-up artists and video vixens.”

The artists who take part in this promotion should at least have two albums, and it runs until the end of July.

More information about the Racio Media Group can be found on their social media pages.

- ashikololo@nepc.com.na