In Namibia’s growing entertainment industry, small businesses are finding new ways to turn passion into income.
Sylvester Simubali, also known as Intwiza, has built a name in event management through persistence and creativity.
Simubali is the founder of Intwiza Events Management, a small business specialising in event planning, sound engineering and artist management.
His company works with both local and international performers, offering services that support Namibia’s growing events market. Before starting his current business, Simubali was already active in the creative industry. In 2014, he ran the Zambezi Modelling Academy in Windhoek. At the time, it was one of the most recognised modelling agencies in the city.
He was nominated by an international modelling body to host the Miss Southern Africa event in Namibia. However, challenges in entering the international market forced him to pause and rethink his direction. “I decided to take a break and try something different,” he said. That decision led to a new chapter. In 2018, he registered Intwiza Events Management while working as a manager at Chez Ntemba Night Club in Windhoek.
The job gave him both experience and starting capital. It also opened doors.
During his time there, Simubali made history by bringing several Zambian artists to perform in Namibia for the first time.
These included Mampi, Drimz, Shenky Shugah and B1. The shows helped grow his reputation and gave his company a strong start. He also focused on promoting culture.
He organised Sikokoshi Cultural Dance events in Windhoek, bringing artists from the Zambezi region to perform and compete.
In addition, he created Caprivi Night, now known as Zambezi Night, an event designed to bring people from the Zambezi region together. The event became popular as a space for music, dance and networking among people far from home.
After he later moved away from Windhoek, the event was revived and rebranded by DJ Siya, showing the lasting impact of his idea.
Today, Intwiza Events Management is still a small but active business, employing three people. Simubali said he was lucky not to face major financial challenges in the early stages, as his work at Chez Ntemba helped support the business.
“Business needs commitment and determination. Without support and connections, it is hard to grow. I don’t believe in failing. I keep moving forward,” he said.
His love for entertainment started at a young age. While still in school, he participated in dance competitions, especially at local festive events, where winners received small prizes such as food and sweets. That experience sparked his passion for performance and events.
Despite running his own company for over a decade, Simubali also has a full-time job.
He works as a senior camera operator for Namibia Broadcasting Corporation in Katima Mulilo. During his free time, he continues to organise events in the region.
Like many SME owners, he faces challenges.
One of the biggest, he said, is hosting events in his home area, where personal relationships can sometimes affect support.
“Sometimes, people who know you don’t support your business. But when you go to a new place, people take you more seriously,” he said. Unlike some entrepreneurs, Simubali has not received government funding.
He runs and funds his events independently, relying on his own income and networks.