In a historic move for the Namibian music industry, 21-year-old Windhoek-born singer Ms Gideon (Panduleni Gideon) has officially signed a full record contract with Sony Music Africa.
The deal, finalized in February 2026 in partnership with ERA Music Group, makes her the first and only Namibian artist currently on Sony’s global recording roster. This milestone follows her rapid ascent from a local favorite to an international prospect.
Debut Single: "Tiki Tak Tak"
Fans won't have to wait long to hear the first fruits of this partnership. Her debut single under the Sony label is titled "Tiki Tak Tak" and is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026.
The track is expected to showcase her signature "soulful Afropop" sound—a blend of R&B, soul, and Afrobeats that has already earned her a massive following.
The Path to Global Recognition
Ms Gideon
Ms Gideon’s journey to a major label deal was paved with several high-profile achievements over the last two years:
• The YouTube Milestone: In 2024, her hit single "Home" (featuring Gazza) became the fastest music video by a Namibian artist to reach 1 million views on YouTube, achieving the feat in just one month.
• Apollo Theater Performance: In September 2024, she performed at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York after winning the Next Narrative Africa talent competition, sharing the stage with stars like Adekunle Gold and Patoranking.
• Award-Winning Success: She previously clinched the Fresh FM Song of the Year for her track "Jehova" and placed second in the Bank Windhoek brand song remix competition in 2025
In Her Own Words
Reflecting on the signing, Ms Gideon emphasized the weight of representation for her country:
"My dream has always been to represent Namibia with pride and show the world what young African voices can do. Joining Sony Music Africa is a huge moment, not just for me, but for every young girl back home who dreams boldly."
Sony Music Africa executives have praised her as an "emotive songwriter" with a unique ability to fuse traditional African influences with contemporary global sounds, marking her as a key figure in their strategy to expand into emerging Southern African markets.
Ms Gideon at Sony Music Africa office