Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Zimbabwean Afro-fusion star and fashion entrepreneur Feli Nandi (real name Felistus Chipendo) had the rare honour of dressing the President of Namibia, Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, during the Head of State’s official diplomatic visit to Zimbabwe.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s first female President, was in the country for high-level talks with her Zimbabwean counterpart, President Mnangagwa. But before diving into matters of state, she made time to engage with local artistry, seeking out one of Zimbabwe’s leading fashion voices for a bespoke look.
“I received a call last night (Monday) that the President of Namibia wanted a Vaskana VeMarokwe outfit. I could not believe it,” said an elated Feli Nandi in an exclusive interview with the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“I went and met her. What an honourable woman she is, so humble.”
The dress, a regal blue piece subtly infused with pink and brown tones, featured elegant chevron details and a sash-style front, masterfully capturing both diplomatic grace and African tradition. Nandi-Ndaitwah, known for her Pan-African stance and support for local creatives, had a clear vision for the design.
“She knew exactly what she wanted. We discussed it and brought it to life,” Feli Nandi said.
While Feli Nandi has previously styled notable names like Holy Ten and Peter Moyo, she described the experience of dressing a sitting Head of State as a defining moment in her career.
“Definitely a game changer! When she tried on the dress, I asked for a picture and told her, ‘This picture will change my life,’ and she laughed.”
Beyond fashion, Feli Nandi juggles a growing empire that includes music, running her own restaurant, and overseeing her fashion label.
On the music front, the Izwi hit-maker is gearing up for a landmark performance at the MTN Bushfire Festival in Eswatini later this month. She will share the stage with international acts including 340ml (Mozambique), ABAO (Taiwan), Aymos, Boom Shaka, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, The Dizzy Brains (Madagascar), and the UK’s Steam Down.
Her participation in the globally-acclaimed festival places her alongside fellow Zimbabwean luminaries like Jah Prayzah, Mokoomba, Q Dube, and the late Oliver Mtukudzi, who have all flown the country’s flag at the event.
Feli Nandi’s gesture of dressing President Nandi-Ndaitwah comes at a fitting time, aligning with the forthcoming Africa Day celebrations and Zimbabwe’s Culture Month, both of which celebrate the continent’s cultural heritage through traditional attire and fabric. – Follow Mbulelo Mpofu on X: @MbuleloMpofu
