Konis: A Kasi-Born Creative Carving His Own Lane

Article by Frieda Mukufa

When you meet Konis, you quickly get the sense that you’re speaking to someone who understands where he comes from, and where he’s going. He’s not just a photographer. He’s a storyteller, a cultural builder and a businessman. From humble beginnings in Goreangab to building one of Namibia’s most recognisable media brands, his journey is a perfect mix of hustle, heart and home-grown vision.

If you’ve seen sharp visuals on your feed or a brand that just gets the vibe right, chances are Konis from Kassi Media had something to do with it. But before the cameras, campaigns and clients came into the picture, there was just a curious kid from Goreangab with a love for stories, sounds and a dream.

A Childhood Shaped by Movement and Community

“I grew up in Goreangab, mostly,” he begins. “But we moved around quite a bit. I stayed in Okuryangava, Babylon, Greenwell, then eventually settled in Goreangab.”

Growing up, Konis experienced the kind of childhood many Namibians know well. He was raised in a setting shaped by family, neighbours and shared values. “It was a cultural upbringing,” he explains. “I was raised by more than just my parents. The whole community played a role — that old saying about it taking a village, that was my life.”

His parents were supportive, and school was where his academic side shone. “I was a smart kid,” he says. But beyond books, he was always a curious one, who loved reading, drawing and soaking up music, especially local sounds. “I was obsessed with music. Local music in particular. I used to study the way people created things even if I didn’t realise it yet, I was a creative kid.”

As a child, creativity might have been part of his personality, but it wasn’t part of the plan. “I thought I’d be an accountant,” he laughs. “My mom and I used to talk about finance all the time. I loved numbers. Still do. I dominated in that area, so I assumed finance was my path.”

But in Grade 11, something shifted. He became more interested in business — not the corporate kind, but the kind that blends creativity and culture. That spark led to the creation of Kassi Authentic Clothing, a small clothing brand that would change the direction of his life for good.

The First Click

While building his clothing brand in 2016, Konis needed quality visuals to promote the products. So he picked up a camera and started shooting content for marketing. At first, it was just functional. But it didn’t stay that way for long.

By 2017, his cousin and business partner, Immanuel Amwaalwa, pushed him to turn his photography into something bigger. That push gave birth to Kassi Media Group — a decision that would define his career forever.

“At first, it wasn’t professional. But once we made the decision to start a media business, I knew I had to level up,” he says. “I started learning the real art behind photography which included the lighting, the angles, the depth and the composition, to mention but a few. It’s complex, but it’s also a beautiful craft.”

With no formal training, Konis took the now-famous “YouTube University” route, learning most of his skills online. But he was also lucky to have mentors in the game. One name that stands out is Martin Amushendje, an established photographer who worked with him in the early days and helped him polish his craft.

Still, his biggest teacher might have been his environment. “I’m from the Kasi. Everything about my upbringing, like the stories, the language, the pace of life, all influenced how I see the world and how I take pictures. That’s where the brand’s name comes from.”

Kassi Media Group was never just about media. It was — and still is — about representing township creativity, street culture and the Namibian experience in an authentic, bold and beautiful way.

Starting a Brand, Facing the Hustle

Starting any business in Namibia is tough. Starting a creative business with little capital is even tougher.

“The biggest challenge starting out was money. Capital. Equipment,” Konis recalls. “But social media was starting to boom, and we knew how to move online. That really helped us get attention and clients early on.”

As the business grew, so did the pressure. Hiring staff, paying salaries, finding office space — all of it became part of the journey. “There are so many challenges we’ve faced and still face, but experience has taught us how to move wisely.”

Today, Kassi Media Group is widely recognised for its striking visuals, powerful campaigns and digital innovation. But Konis prefers not to call it a company. “It’s a brand. It’s a movement. It’s culture.”

Expanding the Vision: Aphrike Studios and More

Photography was the starting point, but Konis didn’t stop there. He also co-founded Aphrike Studios, a high-end production space in Windhoek offering podcast facilities, commercial production, equipment rental and more.

“Productions are demanding. Aphrike has helped me improve how I handle business. We’ve levelled up.”

And while business is booming, Konis makes sure not to lose himself in the noise. He credits a strong personal routine that comprises of exercise, mental health and intentional living — as key to balancing the creative hustle with life.

However, in a fast-growing creative scene like Namibia’s, standing out isn’t easy. But Konis believes authenticity is what gives Kassi Media its edge. “We’re bold. We take risks. We stick to our values. If a project doesn’t align with our principles, we turn it down. That’s not something every brand is willing to do but it’s what makes us different.”

The Future is Collaborative

Looking ahead, Konis is focused on more than just growth. He wants to give back. “In 2025, we’re rolling out a series of creative workshops where we’re bringing together industry experts, creatives and curious minds for roundtables, training sessions and open conversations.” “There’ll be workshops, giveaways, and hopefully lasting connections. That’s what I’m most excited about — seeing people connect, learn and grow.”

For Konis, success isn’t just measured in money or followers. He also believes that it can be measured in impact. “I use the slogan ‘I win if, you win’. That’s rooted in Ubuntu, which is the african way of doing things.”

He sees himself and his brand as vehicles for growth, not just for themselves, but for the next generation of Namibian creatives. “In 5 or 10 years, I want to be doing the same thing I’m doing now — inspiring, teaching, and building. Only bigger.”

Words to the Next Hustler

When asked about what advice he would give to a young Namibian wanting to start in the creative space, he said, ‘start now.’ Don’t wait for perfect conditions,” he says. “Train your mind. Train your body. Learn, apply and then teach. That’s how you build something that lasts.”

Want to Work With Konis?

You’ll find him where the vibes and great visuals are:

@kassimogul @kmg_digital konis@kassimediagroup.com +264 81 413 0005