Jossy Joss: From music to media mogul
From hit songs to airwaves and boardrooms
How Jossy Joss reinvented his career.
Jossy Joss may have first captured the public’s attention through music, but his journey has since taken him beyond the stage, cementing his influence in radio, television and marketing.
While some artists fade into obscurity after their time in the spotlight, Jossy Joss has remained a key player in Namibia’s media and business landscape, proving that reinvention is key to longevity in the entertainment industry.
The shift from music to media
Jossy Joss’ career in entertainment has been nothing short of dynamic. Many might assume that radio came after his music career, but in reality, his journey started on the airwaves before he ever recorded a song. “In 1999, I started my radio career as a volunteer on NBC's ‘Hit the Jackpot’ with the late John ‘Kady’ Kadhila,” he recalled. “I had been struggling to find studio time to record my music, and John Kady suggested I try radio while I waited. I ended up doing it for about two years before finally recording my first song, ‘The Groove’, in 2001 after finishing second in the NBC Music Makers competition.”
While radio provided Jossy Joss with an entry into the industry, his talent and charisma naturally led to television opportunities. However, he admits that TV was never his true passion. “It was really based on my popularity at the time and my radio presentation skills. I was never a big fan of being a TV anchor because it placed too much spotlight on me as a person,” he told tjil.
A businessman in the media industry
Over the years, Jossy Joss has held influential positions in Namibian radio, including serving as the general manager of Energy100FM.
Currently, he is the marketing and sales manager at Eagle FM while also running Alvi Gordon Marketing, a company he co-founded in 2016.
“Alvi Gordon is a marketing strategy and execution venture that is African by Africans,” he explained. “We wanted a brand that would have cross-appeal across all ages and backgrounds. Since launching, we’ve worked with major brands like Simba, KFC, Wild Bean Café, and Uber Eats. I oversee the Namibian offices, which means handling all operations and business development.”
Despite his transition into media management and business, Jossy Joss has never completely abandoned music. However, his approach to it has changed.
“I still make music, but I’m not as focused on it as I was in the beginning. Leading people in business makes it difficult to dedicate as much time to personal passions. That being said, I will be making more music soon.”
The timeless appeal of his music
Even as he juggles business and radio, Jossy Joss’ music continues to resonate with fans. His 2002 hit ‘Efundula’ remains a classic, and its demand has opened up an unexpected revenue stream. “Interestingly enough, weddings have become my biggest income generator,” he shared. “Many people book me to MC their events and perform ‘Efundula’, which is now 22 years old. I appreciate the fact that people still enjoy my music, even if they don’t see my face as often as before.”
Lessons and advice for aspiring artists
Having experienced both the artistic and business sides of the industry, Jossy Joss has learned some invaluable lessons along the way. “Networking is the most important thing. Be patient, learn every day, and be creative enough to adapt,” he said.
For artists looking to transition into other areas while maintaining their passion for music, he offered this advice: “Music is a business with many branches. Find out which branch you want to leap onto, and if it falls, get onto another one that might be stronger. Jay-Z, Dr. Dre and many other popular artists do this all the time—so why not you? Use your popularity and creativity to diversify. Do your calculations and make sure you understand any other venture you get into. And most importantly, keep the faith.”
Looking ahead
While Jossy Joss has already accomplished so much in his career, he shows no signs of slowing down. With Alvi Gordon Marketing thriving, his role at Eagle FM growing, and music still in his heart, he continues to evolve and redefine his impact on the Namibian entertainment landscape. Whether on stage, behind the mic, or in the boardroom, one thing remains clear: Jossy Joss is a force to be reckoned with.
While some artists fade into obscurity after their time in the spotlight, Jossy Joss has remained a key player in Namibia’s media and business landscape, proving that reinvention is key to longevity in the entertainment industry.
The shift from music to media
Jossy Joss’ career in entertainment has been nothing short of dynamic. Many might assume that radio came after his music career, but in reality, his journey started on the airwaves before he ever recorded a song. “In 1999, I started my radio career as a volunteer on NBC's ‘Hit the Jackpot’ with the late John ‘Kady’ Kadhila,” he recalled. “I had been struggling to find studio time to record my music, and John Kady suggested I try radio while I waited. I ended up doing it for about two years before finally recording my first song, ‘The Groove’, in 2001 after finishing second in the NBC Music Makers competition.”
While radio provided Jossy Joss with an entry into the industry, his talent and charisma naturally led to television opportunities. However, he admits that TV was never his true passion. “It was really based on my popularity at the time and my radio presentation skills. I was never a big fan of being a TV anchor because it placed too much spotlight on me as a person,” he told tjil.
A businessman in the media industry
Over the years, Jossy Joss has held influential positions in Namibian radio, including serving as the general manager of Energy100FM.
Currently, he is the marketing and sales manager at Eagle FM while also running Alvi Gordon Marketing, a company he co-founded in 2016.
“Alvi Gordon is a marketing strategy and execution venture that is African by Africans,” he explained. “We wanted a brand that would have cross-appeal across all ages and backgrounds. Since launching, we’ve worked with major brands like Simba, KFC, Wild Bean Café, and Uber Eats. I oversee the Namibian offices, which means handling all operations and business development.”
Despite his transition into media management and business, Jossy Joss has never completely abandoned music. However, his approach to it has changed.
“I still make music, but I’m not as focused on it as I was in the beginning. Leading people in business makes it difficult to dedicate as much time to personal passions. That being said, I will be making more music soon.”
The timeless appeal of his music
Even as he juggles business and radio, Jossy Joss’ music continues to resonate with fans. His 2002 hit ‘Efundula’ remains a classic, and its demand has opened up an unexpected revenue stream. “Interestingly enough, weddings have become my biggest income generator,” he shared. “Many people book me to MC their events and perform ‘Efundula’, which is now 22 years old. I appreciate the fact that people still enjoy my music, even if they don’t see my face as often as before.”
Lessons and advice for aspiring artists
Having experienced both the artistic and business sides of the industry, Jossy Joss has learned some invaluable lessons along the way. “Networking is the most important thing. Be patient, learn every day, and be creative enough to adapt,” he said.
For artists looking to transition into other areas while maintaining their passion for music, he offered this advice: “Music is a business with many branches. Find out which branch you want to leap onto, and if it falls, get onto another one that might be stronger. Jay-Z, Dr. Dre and many other popular artists do this all the time—so why not you? Use your popularity and creativity to diversify. Do your calculations and make sure you understand any other venture you get into. And most importantly, keep the faith.”
Looking ahead
While Jossy Joss has already accomplished so much in his career, he shows no signs of slowing down. With Alvi Gordon Marketing thriving, his role at Eagle FM growing, and music still in his heart, he continues to evolve and redefine his impact on the Namibian entertainment landscape. Whether on stage, behind the mic, or in the boardroom, one thing remains clear: Jossy Joss is a force to be reckoned with.
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