At home with Miss Rose

For Rose, home is more than a place.
It is a collection of memories, traditions, family values and the experiences that have shaped who she is.

Born Rosalia Shikulo and raised between Ongwediva and her family home in Epulangapi, Oshitayi, Rose grew up between town and village life. Her upbringing exposed her to modern life and traditional practices, while her family instilled discipline, hard work, honesty and faith.

Those values continue to influence her creative work and her passion for storytelling through music and visuals.

What’s in the name?

Rose comes from Rosalia, but the name took on a special meaning in childhood.

“When I was a child, I used to ask my mother what my name means, and she would simply say, ‘It means you are a beautiful flower, my red Rose.’ And from then on, I decided I am Rose.”

Growing up between town and village

Rose moved to Ongwediva at age five but spent most holidays at Epulangapi, where she stayed connected to traditional life.

“I was raised in a Christian household, which meant attending church and Sunday school on Sundays. Although I was raised in town, I spent most holidays back home at Epulangapi, where I was taught traditional chores such as ploughing the field, pounding mahangu, brewing ontaku and all the other village chores.” “Although we did not have it all, my mother always made sure we did not go to bed hungry, and she taught us to be content with the little that we had. She really instilled discipline in all the children that she raised, and I will forever be grateful for that foundation.”

Family values

As the youngest of seven siblings, Rose grew up in a family she describes as strong, hardworking, honest, disciplined and God-fearing.

“I come from a family of strong, hardworking, honest, disciplined and God-fearing people. This has taught me that there are no shortcuts in life, and if you want to go ahead in life, you have to put in the work.”

“My family keeps inspiring me to be a better person who is focused and making a difference in the lives that I touch. They constantly inspire me to be a go-getter and fight for whatever is right, and most importantly, build a career and personal life around the pillars of integrity, honesty, respect for the next person regardless of who they are, accountability for our actions and fairness.”

From passion to purpose

Rose has always loved singing and storytelling, although she initially feared the attention that came with being in the spotlight.

“I have always loved singing and being a storyteller; however, I was scared of the attention that might possibly come with being in the spotlight. I kept trying to run away from it, but then I realised that if I simply am the person that I am and only create what does not go against who I am as an individual, it will all be well.”

Today, she sees creativity as more than entertainment. It is a way to preserve culture and pass Namibian stories to future generations.

“I am passionate about telling stories through music and visuals, so the fact that I get to do this in my vernacular really fulfils me, knowing that even in years to come, the generation to come will know how we did things.”

Taking Namibia to the world

Rose wants Namibian culture and talent to receive greater international recognition.

“Being a patriotic Namibian, it is very important for me to promote Namibian culture and talent internationally because it is high time people recognised that Namibia has so much to offer. Our country is rich in culture, rich in talent, and I just hope that one day more of us take pride in that and authentically create art that truly reflects who we are.”

“I love my country. I love my people. I take pride in the fact that I am Namibian.”

Behind the camera

While she enjoys performing and storytelling, directing is what excites Rose most.

“Directing! The fact that I can listen to a story and imagine a storyline and then bring it to life, that skill excites me.”

Yet behind the creative confidence is a quieter personality.

“I am shy, and I overthink everything. A lot of people do not believe this because I hide it so well.”

Despite her public career, Rose believes some parts of life should remain private.

“I respect my loved ones’ personal space, and I know that they did not sign up for the spotlight, so I will never share my family or loved ones unless they also want to be part of it.”

For Rose, family remains central to her idea of success.

“Being able to do what I love and still get to spend time with my family.”

And when asked what she hopes to leave behind, her answer is simple:

“I just hope people will remember me as that person who was kind and helped a person in need.”

Rose legacy brings together the values that have shaped her journey, which is family, faith, hard work, culture, creativity and humanity. -isipunga@nepc.com.na

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