Namibian stories on the world stage

Girley Jazama

Head: Client Management at Ogilvy Namibia

Mooks finds himself opposite a tower of inspiration in the form of the hugely talented and hardworking Girley Jazama. Girley is an actor, writer and producer forging paths in the Namibian film and TV industries while maintaining a position as head of client services at Ogilvy Namibia. She shares her experiences and wisdom from 15 years of constantly pushing herself to take on bigger and higher challenges.

Girley is an experienced copywriter and content producer, having lent her expertise to numerous advertising agencies in Namibia, including a stint as content director at 99fm back in 2017. Her work in advertising has earned her a collection of awards, including recognition at the AfriCannes Awards during her tenure with TBWA\Paragon from 2010 to 2014.

It is no surprise that Girley has flourished in the creative industries over her distinguished career. Throughout her childhood, she spent many hours writing stories, immersed in fictional worlds. She began acting as a young schoolgirl in a primary school production of The Lion King where she played the wise Rafiki. “That set the premise for who I am today,” she tells Mooks.

Now, she is considered a Hollywood Immersive alumna, having played in film, television and theatre productions in Namibia for more than 15 years. She co-wrote and -produced Baxu and the Giants, an award-winning short fiction film which was the first Namibian film to stream on Netflix. The White Line, which she co-produced, was a

hugely successful feature film and Namibia’s first ever submission to the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes. She most recently starred in Measures of Men, directed and written by Lars Kraume, and on the horizon awaits a highly anticipated TV series which is currently in development.

With so many projects and expectations, she says managing the demands on her time is simple: “I am very selfish about separating my work and personal life. So, when I get home at 7 o’clock I put my phone away. I think I have mastered the art of separating the two.” And yet, Girley’s family is also a steady source of motivation for working hard and pushing herself to take on the next challenge. She shares her deep grief of losing her sister last year. “Right now, my motivation is living life to the fullest in honour of her,” she says.

Girley’s advice for young creatives is to look inward. “Stop seeking external validation,” she warns, knowing that we must be willing to fight for the things that are important to us. “Nobody is going to understand your journey because they don’t know your vision. So, don’t ever be deterred.”

https://youtu.be/Fud0W7a1omY?si=3mZawgyG1rAhg3pa

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