We’re for Namibians: Leonita Gawanas

Leonita Gawanas: Finding Power in Her Voice – and in Her Language

Content Creator | Storyteller | Proud Damara Daughter

In a world where social media often rewards polished perfection, Leonita Gawanas, better known online as Lexnita, is building her following with something a lot rarer: authenticity.

Whether she’s voicing over everyday moments in Damara, sharing clips of home-cooked meals, or showcasing the textures of Namibian life, Leonita creates from the heart – and in her own mother tongue.

“I just wanted to create content that felt true to me. Something that represents me as a Namibian.”

That’s how it all began.

From Lockdown Wig Installs to Damara Voiceovers

In the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown, Leonita – like many others – was trying something new to keep herself busy. She bought a wig, installed it herself, and decided to film a “Get Ready With Me” video. When it came time to add music, nothing felt right.

So she spoke instead. In Damara.

“I liked it. It was funny. And other people liked it too. After that, I just kept going.”

That first voiceover sparked a wave of reels, mostly in Damara, later expanding into English and Afrikaans. But it was the sound of home – the texture and rhythm of her first language – that made her stand out.

Today, it’s become her signature.

Capturing Culture, One Voice Note at a Time

Long before she ever hit ‘record’ on a reel, Leonita was already capturing moments.

“In my family, not many people had smartphones. So I was always the one recording everything.”

Even back in high school, her feed was filled with snapshots of food and family life – little scenes from her world. Over time, her content grew from food to lifestyle, from personal moments to public joy. What remained constant? Her commitment to showing real life.

“I want every Namibian to feel like whatever it is they do – even just cycling from home to school – is something to be celebrated.”

The Power of Language in Storytelling

In a country as multilingual as Namibia, language is more than communication. It’s identity. It’s history. It’s culture.

For Leonita, using Damara in her content isn’t just a creative choice – it’s a cultural responsibility.

“We’re a small country, but we’re so diverse. And our languages are part of who we are.”

“You can polish your content as much as you want. But the authenticity – that realness – that comes through when you speak in your own language. That’s what people connect with.”

Leonita believes strongly in staying rooted in her voice. And that means not chasing trends that don’t reflect who she truly is.

“I can’t pretend to be the next Rihanna. I’m not trying to be anybody else. I’m a voiceover girl from Namibia, and I don’t want anyone or anything to take that away from me.”

Inspiration in the Everyday

Leonita’s work centers around everyday Namibians – their food, their routines, their humour. But she’s also deeply curious about parts of the country she hasn’t yet explored.

“I’m very intrigued by the Kunene Region. The Himba people – I feel like there’s so much I don’t know. One day I’d love to visit and learn more.”

It’s that curiosity – rooted in respect – that fuels her desire to expand her storytelling. But for now, she celebrates what’s already around her: the pride, the resilience, and the rich traditions of her own upbringing.

Just Start. Just Do It.

Asked what advice she would give to other aspiring creators, especially young Namibians without the fanciest equipment or the biggest following, Leonita is clear:

“Just start. Even if it’s on Android. You don’t need a mic. You don’t need perfect lighting. People connect to what’s real.”

In an age of filters and formulas, she’s reminding people that their voices matter – especially when spoken in their own language, about their own lives.

“You don’t have to wait for something big to happen. There’s beauty in your everyday. Your home, your street, your people. That’s worth sharing.”

We’re For Namibians

So what does it mean to Leonita to say, We Are For Namibians?

“It means being proud. It means being resilient. It means being real.”

For her, storytelling isn’t about chasing a spotlight. It’s about reflecting it – back onto the people, places, and languages that shaped her. Back onto the aunties cooking pap outside. The cousins laughing in a shared yard. The pride of a people who know who they are.

“I travel, I create, and I speak – for the people who may not have the tools or the platform. But their stories matter. And I’m here to tell them.”

That’s why we’re proud to tell her story.

Because when we say We’re for Namibians, we mean people like Leonita – authentic, joyful, rooted, and unshakably proud of where they come from.

Leonita Gawanas

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