Namibian TikToker Luiza Fatima builds her musical identity across borders

Staying rooted and navigating social media

Like many emerging artists, Luiza faces a number of challenges, chief among them being taken seriously in a competitive industry. “One of the challenges is not being taken seriously. I feel that, given my experience, people just don’t take me seriously, which I understand because, you know, I’m still starting out,” she admits.

Over time, she has learned to reframe those doubts by focusing on her own passion rather than external validation. “I realised I’m not doing it for them. I’m doing it because I love it, and that’s what keeps me going,” she explains.

For Luiza, the struggle is as much mental as it is practical. Beyond writing and recording, she is learning to navigate promotion, audience building, and performance opportunities. “It’s challenging,” she says, “but the love I have for it makes it worth learning.”

Social media has played a key role in building her confidence. Platforms such as TikTok, where she posts covers and performance clips, have helped her refine her voice and stage presence. “Social media is not easy,” she says. “Sometimes there are hate comments, but I feel like it’s preparing me for what’s to come in the music world. Whether people like me or not, it’s made me more confident.”

Despite spending most of the year in South Africa for her studies, Luiza remains deeply connected to her Namibian roots, often visiting during school holidays. Staying grounded, she says, comes from frequent communication with her family. “I talk to my family a lot, probably too much,” she laughs. “But it really helps me. South Africa has influenced me, of course, but I haven’t lost who I am. It’s just another part of me now.”

Her sound and music

Creatively, Luiza describes her genre as fluid. While she broadly identifies with Neo-Soul, she resists being confined to one category. “I’m very open to trying new things,” she says, noting a particular interest in R&B, trap, and jazz, with jazz becoming a current favourite. Her songwriting is equally candid and emotionally driven.

Growing up surrounded by CDs, cassettes, and vinyl left a lasting impression, and when asked if she would ever release a cassette or vinyl, her answer was immediate. “Definitely a vinyl,” she says. “They’re just so aesthetic. I even have a vinyl player that I got from my dad.”

Although she has not officially released new music this year, Luiza has been spending time in the studio preparing fresh material. Her next release will be a single aimed at reintroducing her sound to audiences.

Performance remains central to her artistic identity. Though she has only recently begun performing live, she has already completed several shows and is eager for more opportunities. “I’m always ready to go on stage,” she says. “I know I can improve, but that’s how you get better.”

Through balancing student life, travel between countries, and her artistic development, Luiza Fatima is steadily building the confidence and experience needed to navigate the music industry and to make her voice heard.