Being unapologetically you

Mariselle Stofberg Adriano Visagie went from playing in the dusty streets of Katutura to becoming a powerhouse in the entertainment industry and has created a successful career as a private banker analyst for First National Bank (FNB). Visagie was born in 1991 in Katutura in Windhoek and despite his parents separating at a young age he was privileged enough to have both parents still active and supportive throughout his life.“My parents always wanted the best for me and I truly believe if your parents are supportive of what you do and what you want to become in life, you can accomplish anything,” he said. Believing that he should not be limited to just one thing, Visagie used the platforms created by his high school, Dawid Bezuidenhout in Windhoek, to make a change in his community. This star athlete, champion debater and head boy made sure to always take time and energy to give back to the community.“Part of what I’m doing now comes from high school. I did debating and later formed part of the national debate team. I loved high school as it drove us as learners towards doing community work,” Visagie stressed.During his high school career Visagie joined Teenagers Against Drug Abuse (TADA) and is still passionate about this initiative. The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) also has a special place in his heart and many weekends have been dedicated to raise funds for this initiative.“I am extremely passionate about social issues and addressing those issues that others are not comfortable talking about.”Visagie went on to study accounting at the University of Namibia (Unam), but realised this was not the career path for him. “If you sit in a lecture and realise that the course does not ignite something in you, you know you are not doing what you need to do with your life.”After taking a gap year exploring in Cape Town, Visagie returned to Namibia and started working at Katutura Community Radio, which is now known as Base FM. “I absolutely loved it, especially community radio, and this is where my love for radio started.”Now Visagie is working at Radio Energy 100 FM, with his love for radio continuing to grow. “I think growing up and listening to ‘Rick Dees Weekly Top 40’ has really made an impact on me. He had the ability to transform the show to become his own, and that is what I believe I have achieved with my radio show as well.”Not only does Visagie excel behind the microphone, he also comes alive when he is on stage. “Growing up, I always wanted to be Joseph in our Sunday school plays, but for some reason I always ended up as one of the wise men or an animal of some sort.” This, however, did not discourage this rising star, as he joined the production of Sandy Rudd's highly-anticipated ‘Meme Mia!’ in 2012. He was also cast in the Namibian play ‘Lammie Beukes’, which further nurtured Visagie’s passion for acting. “Being on stage allows me to become someone else and is truly a space where I can be happy and free. I was further cast in the lead role in the feature film ‘Salute’ that went on to receive a nomination at the 2018 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) in Nigeria.”While working at Base FM Visagie then applied to work at FNB in 2011 and has in the past nine years achieved what most employees have achieved in 20 years. “I have worked so hard and elevated myself every second or third year, by reviewing myself and asking if this is really where I want to be in life.” Staring at entry level as a waste clerk, Visagie has worked himself up to the position of private banker analyst and works with high-profile clients. Visagie’s key to success has been his dedication, hard work and always staying true to who he is. “Learn to explore through your career and remember that your job does not define you. Try to find the thing that ignites you and pushes you out of our comfort zone,” he said.Photos Mariselle Stofberg

Being unapologetically you

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Republikein 2025-05-02

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Being unapologetically you

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Republikein 2025-05-02

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