Ester Kamati's rise to tjil TV's top spot

From print reporting to producing and presenting television programmes, Ester Kamati has built a career defined by adaptability, creativity and a passion for storytelling.

Today, Kamati’s career has moved into a new phase after she was appointed as executive director of tjil TV, a Namibian entertainment and lifestyle television platform focused on local arts, music, fashion and pop culture.

Her new role places her at the forefront of highlighting Namibia’s creative talent and contributing to the growth of the country’s entertainment landscape.

With more than seven years of experience in the media industry, Kamati has worked across print, television and digital platforms, developing a flexible skill set that has shaped her into a multimedia professional and creative leader.

Her media career kicked off in 2019 when she joined My Zone as an intern. It was there that she developed Straight Talk, a high school debate platform designed to give young people a voice and encourage critical thinking. Inspired by her own experience as a competitive debater, she wanted to create opportunities for learners to participate in meaningful conversations.

Kamati holds a bachelor of communication from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and is currently pursuing a bachelor of marketing honours degree.

Stepping up

Her career has included roles as a journalist at Namibian Sun, Republikein and Allgemeine Zeitung before transitioning into television as a multimedia producer at Network Television (NTV).

“The greatest lesson I took away is that you don’t have to know everything before you begin,” she says. “Even when you haven’t mastered every skill yet, you can still rise to the occasion by remaining willing to learn and giving your best.”

Reflecting on her transition from print journalism to television, she says each step of her career has strengthened her understanding of storytelling.

“I started my career in print journalism, where I learned the fundamentals of reporting and the responsibility that comes with working in a newsroom,” she says. “It taught me the importance of accuracy, fairness and distinguishing facts from opinions.”

While print gave her a solid journalistic foundation, television opened up a new way of communicating with audiences.

“I learned that sometimes the most powerful stories are told through visuals rather than words,” she explains. “Every stage of my career has added a new layer to my skill set and shaped me into a more versatile communicator and creative professional.”

The real deal

Her experience at NTV helped her to develop an in-depth understanding of television production.

As a multimedia producer, Kamati worked behind the scenes to bring television content to audiences, gaining valuable experience in production, creative direction and storytelling.

Among the programmes she works on, Reel Spill holds a special place. The podcast-style television show explores the lives of Namibia’s artists and entertainers beyond their public personas, creating space for authentic conversations.

“What I love most about Reel Spill is that it allows people to see Namibian entertainers beyond the headlines,” Kamati says. “The show creates a safe space for honest conversations about their story, challenges and passions.”

A special spotlight

Her professional path from journalism and multimedia production into executive leadership reflects the changing nature of the media industry, where storytelling increasingly extends beyond traditional newsrooms and into entertainment, culture and digital platforms.

“My greatest aspiration is to build a platform and a brand that genuinely serves Namibia’s creative industry,” she says. “I want artists, musicians, actors, filmmakers and storytellers to know they have a place where their voices are heard, their work is celebrated and their stories are treated with the care they deserve.”

For aspiring media and creative professionals, her message is simple: never let uncertainty stop you from taking the first step, because every opportunity to learn brings you closer to the career you aspire to build.