Windhoek-born Daphne Willibard, now known as Oteya, has come a long way since her days as one half of the award-winning duo Gal Level. With a supportive family behind her, especially her husband Sula Kyababa, a prominent figure in the local music industry, Oteya is establishing herself as a force on both the national and international scene. Her music journey began with Gal Level, which introduced her to a wider audience and helped establish her in the Namibian music industry.
Oteya's upbringing played a significant role in shaping her into the woman she is today. Born in Windhoek in the 80s, she grew up between Windhoek and Tsumeb. At the age of 14, she left Namibia for the United Kingdom, where she completed her high school education before returning to Namibia. Her experiences have influenced her journey as an artist, and she believes Namibia is home. Oteya's love for music is evident, and she says it has always spoken to her.
As a solo artist, Oteya has achieved notable success, including best female artist of the year and best Afropop artist of the year awards from the 2015 Namibian Annual Music Awards. She has shared the stage with global artists like P Square, Trey Songz, and Boyz II Men. With three albums under her belt, Oteya says every project represents a different chapter in her music journey, reflecting her growth as an artist. She believes her music can make people feel something, tell a story, or take them back to a particular moment in their lives.
Stepping out as a solo artist came with a different kind of responsibility for Oteya. She was no longer just performing; she was building a brand and proving to herself that she could continue to grow independently. Currently, Oteya is working on her brand, promoting her music, exploring collaborations, and looking for opportunities to perform at events and festivals. She aims to grow her presence beyond Namibia and position herself for more opportunities with brands and other partners.
Oteya's goals are intentional and focused on building something sustainable. She wants to connect with her audience and be remembered as a woman who remained passionate about her craft, worked hard, and kept showing up even when things weren’t easy. She hopes her journey inspires someone who feels like they've been knocked down to understand that their story isn’t over. As a child, Oteya wanted to be a veterinarian, but fate had other plans, leading her to become a renowned musician.
Motherhood has been a transformative experience for Oteya, teaching her a different kind of strength and responsibility. Being a mother while pursuing a career in music isn’t always easy, she says, requiring sacrifices, difficult decisions, and balancing multiple responsibilities. The music industry can be unpredictable, with quieter seasons, and Oteya believes artists need to think beyond performing and releasing songs. Her time with Gal Level and her solo journey have taught her valuable lessons about the industry and herself.
Oteya believes there is still much work to be done to develop the local music industry. She advocates for stronger structures to support artists, better music distribution, and more investment in music videos and production. Corporate Namibia also has a role to play in supporting local artists. Oteya encourages artists to take the music business seriously, understand contracts, royalties, and marketing, and support one another to create more opportunities for collaboration.
Key points
- Oteya's determination to grow as a solo artist and make a name for herself in the music industry.
- Her passion for music and its ability to evoke emotions and tell stories.
- Oteya's commitment to inspiring others through her journey and music.
