By Hilja Shikongo

After more than a decade away from the spotlight, Namibian singer Linda Simasiku, affectionately known as “Linda I Believe,” made an emotional return to the stage this past weekend and she did it on her own terms.
Performing at the Hage Geingob Stadium on Saturday, 3 August, Linda captivated fans with her long-awaited comeback, describing the moment as deeply personal and nerve-racking.
 

“I had not been on stage for a very long time,” she said in an exclusive interview with Confidente ahead of the show. “I was extremely nervous, but very happy too. I just hoped I would d be able to perform I Believe, knowing I was doing it for myself this time,” said Linda.
 

Her return followed an emotional and widely shared podcast interview earlier this year with Zeccano Shitaleni, in which she spoke openly about her life after fame including her battles with depression, health complications, and being forgotten by the industry. “Opening up was very difficult,” she reflected. “I tried so hard to hide from the world and hoped I could succeed forever, but the Lord sent Mr Zeccano. I know nobody saw my pain, but Mr Zeccano and Chezlam have seen my real pain. I was not ready, but they told me to be me, Linda ‘I Believe’.”
 

Since the viral interview, Linda has received an outpouring of support from across Namibia offers of help, encouragement, and heartfelt messages from fans and strangers alike.
 

“Yes, I have received a lot of support directly and indirectly,” she said. “It helped me with my physical appearance, mental stability, and even cleanliness,” she added with a laugh. “I am still receiving offers of help, and I really appreciate it all.”
Though her iconic single I Believe became a national anthem more than a decade ago, Linda admitted that she only recently began to understand its true meaning.
 

“I Believe never touched me the way it touched the rest of the world, but I am trying to understand the song and see its effect on me,” she said. “I’ am not planning on letting my fans down. They will soon hear a new single or two.”
Ahead of the performance, Linda shared that her return was not only for her fans, but also a form of healing for herself. “I can not really explain how I feel mentally and emotionally, but I am doing this for my fans and myself. I never knew my song would inspire so many. Now I am working on inspiring myself, too.”
Through it all, Linda says her faith has kept her grounded. “I have been depending on the Lord God our Heavenly Father as my number one. No one else.”
 

She also continues to live with epilepsy, memory issues, and is now on blood pressure medication. But her challenges have not dimmed her will to inspire.
 

“My heart is not as strong as others, but there are those with even weaker hearts than mine. I can not tell people what to do, but I can tell them to listen to that voice inside that is keeping them going even if that voice is crying. Share your tears, and come to one strong conclusion, that you are a child of God. Thank you, Namibia. I love you all.”
 

Linda's return to the stage was more than a performance it was a testimony of survival, faith, and the power of reclaiming one’s voice.