Namibian rapper and songwriter Latoya Lucile Mwoombola, known professionally as Lioness, has announced her first-ever national music tour, which she said will mark her departure from the music scene.
When she started recording her album, ‘If Not in This Life’, she was pregnant with her daughter, and it felt like the majority of the people she asked questions about motherhood would tell her that her life and music ended when she became a mother.
Despite the album’s success, Lioness has confirmed that the tour will serve as her final chapter in music.
“The reason for retiring from the music scene is very personal for me. I took time to reflect. Sometimes you need to step away and reflect, that’s what I did,” she said.
The tour, which kicks off on 24 May, will promote her third studio album, “If Not in This Life”, and will include performances in Walvis Bay, Ongwediva, Rundu and Windhoek, where she will perform at Katz Lounge, Truth Entertainment, Am Ludgerus Boutique and The Loft, respectively.
Released in October 2024, ‘If Not in This Life’ (INITL) marked Lioness’s return to the music scene with a bold, experimental sound. The 13-track album features collaborations with artists such as Gazza, Willy G, Skrypt, Cleo Ice Queen, Kaladoshas, Azmo Nawe, Page (Ethnix), Earthtonami and Mel.
Production credits include Preezy, Chris Wayne, Devitchi, Mr Glo and Phanas, while emPawa Africa handles distribution. The video featuring Gazza and Willy-G quickly reached one million views, highlighting its popularity. Having already released the retro ‘Funk’ and the vibey, ‘Feeling myself’ style ‘Pull Up’, Lioness blends her smooth, signature flow with a bold exploration of the genre.
Describing INITL as a return to form after a life-changing transition in motherhood, the award-winning rapper expands on the meaning behind the album’s title.
Known for balancing her music career with her work as a medical doctor, Lioness is one of Namibia’s most-respected cultural figures. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Namibia in 2018, and works full-time at a State hospital.
The upcoming tour is a self-funded, independent project, which Lioness says adds both pressure and pride.
“As an independent artist, my team and I are doing everything ourselves; this is a self-driven project,” she said.
She has invited budding artists from across Namibia to join her on tour, promising a diverse and exciting lineup.
“Because of the nature of my work as a doctor, I rarely had the chance to travel and meet my fans. So, this is my opportunity to give them the show they deserve.”
Lioness acknowledged the logistical challenges that come with touring, saying many musicians avoid it due to the intense planning involved.
“It’s very difficult to put everything together. It takes time to get it right,” she said.
Her debut track, a love song written in 2007, sparked a lifelong passion for hip-hop. One of her early breaks came with a cypher collaboration with Snowflake.
Over the years, she has collaborated with artists including Reyne MBG, KP Illest, Catty Catt, Sinna G and Quido. She rose to prominence with her EP Ill4: The Sequel, and gained further acclaim with her album ‘Wish You Were Here’, which has earned 1.7K page views online. [email protected]