Julia Kadhikwa spotlights Namibian talent

Julia Kadhikwa, born in Tsumeb, Namibia, is a dynamic force in the entertainment industry. She attended St. Joseph High School, where she developed a passion for music and networking. Despite her childhood dreams of becoming a nun, Kadhikwa found her true calling in the music business. Today, she is the CEO and founder of Olive Entertainment Agency, a company she established in 2016 to address the significant gap in entertainment services in Namibia.

Olive Entertainment Agency is a PR specialist company offering services in global publicity, talent management, event coordination, brand engineering and TV production.

Kadhikwa identified a substantial need for these services in Namibia's entertainment sector, which led her to start the agency. “I can explore the diverse talents of artists, musicians, actors and entertainers, witnessing first-hand their creativity and artistic expression,” she said.

As sole owner, she has dedicated herself to building a company that not only meets but exceeds the needs of the local entertainment industry.

Kadhikwa is driven by her love for creative expression, networking and discovering new talent.

“I find immense joy in exploring the diverse talents of artists, musicians, actors and entertainers, witnessing first-hand their creativity and artistic expression,” she said.

Her work has allowed her to build meaningful connections with industry professionals, artists and stakeholders, fostering relationships that lead to collaborations and career growth.

One of the most exciting aspects of her work is scouting for emerging talent. She takes pride in being the first to recognise and support promising artists.

Her involvement in event planning and management adds another layer of fulfilment, as she enjoys the thrill of organising concerts, shows and other entertainment events.



Overcoming obstacles

Nevertheless, Kadhikwa faces several challenges.

“The entertainment industry can be highly volatile, with trends and audience preferences constantly changing."

Fierce competition in the industry pushes her to focus on innovation, differentiation and delivering unique value propositions to her target audience.

“Since artists and creatives frequently have distinct personalities, schedules and expectations, talent management is another challenging field,” she explained.

In order to overcome this obstacle, Kadhikwa cultivates trusting connections, offers assistance and resources and keeps lines of communication open. There are several financial hazards as well because of the high cost of production and uncertain return on investment. Kadhikwa carries out in-depth market analysis, uses economical production techniques and diversifies revenue sources in order to reduce these risks.



Transformative powers

New technology and AI are transforming the entertainment industry.

Her company leverages AI to analyse user preferences and behaviours, offering personalised content recommendations that enhance the user experience and increase engagement.

“AI tools assist in content creation and curation, streamlining production processes, generating insights from data analytics and identifying emerging trends in the entertainment landscape,” she said. Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies are creating immersive entertainment experiences, allowing users to engage with content in new and interactive ways. Kadhikwa's company uses these technologies to offer innovative and captivating experiences to its audience. AI-driven algorithms also optimise marketing and promotional campaigns, targeting specific audience segments with tailored messaging and content, thereby improving the effectiveness of marketing efforts and driving greater visibility and engagement.



Leading by example

The agency also actively engages with and gives back to the community through various initiatives.

They partner with schools, community centres, and non-profit organisations to provide music education programmes, workshops and scholarships for aspiring musicians and underserved youth.

Kadhikwa approaches leadership development and talent management with a strategic mindset. She identifies leadership potential within the organisation through performance evaluations, assessments and feedback. Offering leadership development programmes, workshops and coaching sessions equips aspiring leaders with the necessary skills and competencies. Creating growth opportunities, promoting a culture of mentorship, and recognising and rewarding excellence are key components of her leadership strategy.



Shaped by a vision

She said her vision for Olive Entertainment Agency is to establish it as the next biggest entertainment agency in Namibia.

“With dedication, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, we aim to shape the cultural landscape of Namibia and beyond, creating unforgettable experiences and amplifying the voices of talented artists,” said Kadhikwa.

For aspiring leaders or entrepreneurs in the music industry, she offers key advice: stay passionate and persistent, build strong relationships, stay informed and adaptable, focus on quality and authenticity, embrace innovation, stay committed to your vision and learn from failures and feedback.