Namibia Spin and Groove gears up for Windhoek debut
ESTER KAMATI
Windhoek is set to roar with energy this weekend as the much-anticipated Namibia Spin and Groove event takes over the capital, promising what organisers describe as the biggest spinning showcase the country has seen to date. The motorsport spectacle, spearheaded by Team Kyle, brings together top local drivers, an international headliner, and a full night-time entertainment line-up aimed at redefining Namibia’s spinning culture.
In an interview with My.na Cars presenter Diana Master, organiser Mpho Mbelengwa, known as Mpoh, said the event, taking place at Windhoek Spin City, marks a major step forward for the growing spinning community. While Team Kyle has hosted spinning shows for the past seven years, he emphasised that this edition is on a different scale. “This is going to be the biggest event we’ve done so far,” he said, noting that South African spinning heavyweight King Katra will perform alongside seven of Namibia’s finest, while Team Kyle remains the headlining spinner.
According to Mbelengwa, the intention is not only to offer fans high-speed tyre-smoke action but also to extend the experience into the night. “We’re trying to keep people longer and entertained with groove performances, DJs, and a proper night show,” he said. Acts including DJ Spuzza, Shax Champion, Ice Crystals, Soul Brothers, Kaytee and Mshizo are set to keep the energy high until midnight.
Team Kyle’s vision, Mbelengwa explained, is to expand Namibia’s spinning footprint. While Windhoek has traditionally been the centre of local events, the team has taken shows to towns such as Swakopmund and Lüderitz in an effort to grow the sport nationally. He describes the relationship between Namibian and South African spinners as a “healthy competition”, with local drivers looking to their South African counterparts for inspiration while developing their own style.
Key focus
Safety remains a key focus. “Drivers cannot operate under the influence. It’s a professional sport,” he stressed. Cars undergo servicing before events and must be equipped with proper tyres. The event will feature eight spinners in total, including King Katra, and competitors are selected based on their track record in towns across the country. “It’s the best of the best,” Mbelengwa said, adding that rising star Kyle, after whom Team Kyle is named, will remain a central attraction.
The event takes place on Saturday with most spinners already in Windhoek and the rest expected by Friday. The BMW remains the unofficial “lifestyle car” of spinning, and spectators can expect an array of customised models on the track. Tickets are available via WebTicket, with general access priced at N$150 and a VIP package at N$300, offering comfortable, close-up seating near the track. Food vendors, a bar, and refreshments will be available throughout the day and evening.
Petrus van Wyk, affectionately known as “Oom Khali”, a leading organiser and father to Kyle, revealed that preparations for the international-level event have been underway for two months. Team Kyle, he explained, originated seven years ago when his son began spinning at just 13 years old, after developing an interest through video games. The goal was not only to fuel Kyle’s passion but to build a welcoming, structured space for young people in motorsport.
Promotion
One challenge, Oom Khali noted, has been competing with unofficial motorsport gatherings that are not part of the Motorsport Federation calendar. “We just have to boost our shows, marketing and advertising so that people can see ours first,” he said, explaining that strong promotion helps ensure good attendance and spectator awareness.
Attendance is already promising. “We sold over 1 000 tickets in the first phase,” he said, adding that more sales are expected before Friday. He anticipates a massive turnout, including visitors from other towns. Weather-related disruptions remain a possibility, but organisers have secured a contingency plan to continue the event on Sunday if necessary.
The track itself is meticulously maintained, with Uncle Karl managing upkeep for years. Regular sweeping keeps the surface safe, especially in wet conditions. Security is also a priority, with Nampol, City Police, G4S, and trained bouncers deployed to safeguard spectators, their vehicles, and the venue.
Looking ahead, Oom Khali hopes the success of this event will draw more sponsors. With increased backing, he envisions hosting more international spinners and even exploring franchise opportunities. “Next year, we focus on much more international events,” he said with optimism.
Windhoek is set to roar with energy this weekend as the much-anticipated Namibia Spin and Groove event takes over the capital, promising what organisers describe as the biggest spinning showcase the country has seen to date. The motorsport spectacle, spearheaded by Team Kyle, brings together top local drivers, an international headliner, and a full night-time entertainment line-up aimed at redefining Namibia’s spinning culture.
In an interview with My.na Cars presenter Diana Master, organiser Mpho Mbelengwa, known as Mpoh, said the event, taking place at Windhoek Spin City, marks a major step forward for the growing spinning community. While Team Kyle has hosted spinning shows for the past seven years, he emphasised that this edition is on a different scale. “This is going to be the biggest event we’ve done so far,” he said, noting that South African spinning heavyweight King Katra will perform alongside seven of Namibia’s finest, while Team Kyle remains the headlining spinner.
According to Mbelengwa, the intention is not only to offer fans high-speed tyre-smoke action but also to extend the experience into the night. “We’re trying to keep people longer and entertained with groove performances, DJs, and a proper night show,” he said. Acts including DJ Spuzza, Shax Champion, Ice Crystals, Soul Brothers, Kaytee and Mshizo are set to keep the energy high until midnight.
Team Kyle’s vision, Mbelengwa explained, is to expand Namibia’s spinning footprint. While Windhoek has traditionally been the centre of local events, the team has taken shows to towns such as Swakopmund and Lüderitz in an effort to grow the sport nationally. He describes the relationship between Namibian and South African spinners as a “healthy competition”, with local drivers looking to their South African counterparts for inspiration while developing their own style.
Key focus
Safety remains a key focus. “Drivers cannot operate under the influence. It’s a professional sport,” he stressed. Cars undergo servicing before events and must be equipped with proper tyres. The event will feature eight spinners in total, including King Katra, and competitors are selected based on their track record in towns across the country. “It’s the best of the best,” Mbelengwa said, adding that rising star Kyle, after whom Team Kyle is named, will remain a central attraction.
The event takes place on Saturday with most spinners already in Windhoek and the rest expected by Friday. The BMW remains the unofficial “lifestyle car” of spinning, and spectators can expect an array of customised models on the track. Tickets are available via WebTicket, with general access priced at N$150 and a VIP package at N$300, offering comfortable, close-up seating near the track. Food vendors, a bar, and refreshments will be available throughout the day and evening.
Petrus van Wyk, affectionately known as “Oom Khali”, a leading organiser and father to Kyle, revealed that preparations for the international-level event have been underway for two months. Team Kyle, he explained, originated seven years ago when his son began spinning at just 13 years old, after developing an interest through video games. The goal was not only to fuel Kyle’s passion but to build a welcoming, structured space for young people in motorsport.
Promotion
One challenge, Oom Khali noted, has been competing with unofficial motorsport gatherings that are not part of the Motorsport Federation calendar. “We just have to boost our shows, marketing and advertising so that people can see ours first,” he said, explaining that strong promotion helps ensure good attendance and spectator awareness.
Attendance is already promising. “We sold over 1 000 tickets in the first phase,” he said, adding that more sales are expected before Friday. He anticipates a massive turnout, including visitors from other towns. Weather-related disruptions remain a possibility, but organisers have secured a contingency plan to continue the event on Sunday if necessary.
The track itself is meticulously maintained, with Uncle Karl managing upkeep for years. Regular sweeping keeps the surface safe, especially in wet conditions. Security is also a priority, with Nampol, City Police, G4S, and trained bouncers deployed to safeguard spectators, their vehicles, and the venue.
Looking ahead, Oom Khali hopes the success of this event will draw more sponsors. With increased backing, he envisions hosting more international spinners and even exploring franchise opportunities. “Next year, we focus on much more international events,” he said with optimism.
