Raised in Walvis Bay – A Born Star

Eileen van der Schyff

Born in Windhoek on 10 September 1991 and raised in Walvis Bay, Shariefa “Shayria” Gawanas started her music journey at a young age. Shayria, today is a successful Namibian Singer, composer and song writer.

Shayria competed and won many local shows. She impressed audiences with her singing and dancing abilities. She went to Narraville Primary School between the period of 1998 and 2004. She was then selected for the FNB Scholarship program in 2004 and attended the Windhoek High School from 2005 to 2009.in the First National Bank (FNB) Scholarship program. She was also a member of KCAC (Katutura College of the Arts Choir) for the years 2007-2009. 2014 -2015 she became a member of the DOTCOM group. They were nominated for best Afro Pop and performed at NAMA awards 2014.
Before starting her singing career, Shayria worked several jobs to support her family. Her father, Willem Gawanas is her mentor in her music career. In the year 2000 her father created a Gospel group “Three Little Sisters” along with her two younger sisters, Colleen Gawanas and Azariah Gawanas.
They were the Gospel sensation in Walvis Bay hosting live shows in town with a keyboard and two speakers. They performed in various competitions, weddings and conferences. Shayria is an intelligent hard-working independent woman who does things for herself. In public she is cheerful and friendly but always analyzing and observant.
Shayria started her solo career as female artist and found a strong team of DJs and producers who wanted to work with her straight away because of her willingness to work. Working with Dj Cmbaville who has a vast experience in Namibian music industry with knowledge in artist mentoring, Shayria has also managed to work with other local producers. Producers such as Ponti, Mzee, Blade, Missile Kicks and DJ Stincha is helping to shape her musical career. Now Shayria is signed under Apex Record Label and artist management. Her recorded songs – Never Give you Up (House) Produced by Ponti, Look of Love (Hip pop/Rnb) Co-Produced by Mzee, Dreamer-Shady Produced by Ponti, No Greater time-featuring (Idols sensation and finalist) Bongi (SA), Ordinary People( Message song for NMC) Co produced with Ponti.