Armas Shivute Armas is a prominent Namibian actor, director, and writer, renowned across Southern African cinema and theatre. Born in 1974, he has built a remarkable career over decades, gaining global acclaim for his compelling portrayals in stage and screen works. His passion for artistry and impact on Namibian entertainment position him as a key figure in African filmmaking, highlighted by his 2021 Sotigui Award for Best Actor in Southern Africa.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Armas Shivute Armas |
| Date of Birth | 1974 |
| Place of Birth | Katutura State Hospital, Katutura, Namibia |
| Nationality | Namibian |
| State/Region of Origin | Omusati (grew up in Omuthitu-Gwalwani village) |
| Partner/Spouse | Helena Armas |
| Children | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Occupations | Actor, Director, Writer, Theatre Instructor, Entertainment Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | $300,000-$700,000 |
Early Life and Education
Armas Shivute entered the world in 1974 at Katutura State Hospital in the notable township of Katutura, Namibia.
He spent his early childhood with grandparents in the rural village of Omuthitu-Gwalwani in Omusati, tending sheep during those formative years. These roots deeply influenced his authentic approach to storytelling and character portrayal.
At age eighteen in 1992, he began formal education and channeled his artistic drive into the College of the Arts (COTA) in Windhoek, earning a diploma in African Performing Arts. This training honed his skills and vision, equipping him for the challenges of professional theatre and film.
Career
Shivute launched his career in theatre through the Bricks Community Project under mentor Tulimeyo Kaapanda. In 1999, his production My Big Brother gained acclaim at the COTA Youth Theatre Festival.
He advanced in the 2000s with plays like Daily Hair Salon and Barber (2005), featuring the late Stanley Van Wyk. Further works included Shot in the Foot (2008) and Efundula (2006-2007) with the Eenhana Community Theatre group, earning him Best Play at the City of Windhoek Festival in 2006.
Shivute moved into TV and film, appearing in the NBC serial One Fine Day and the British-Namibian series The Next of Kin. He took roles in Dudley Vial’s films: The Ties that Bind, Tit for Tat, and Love and Respect.
Early films featured him in No Free Lunch by Vickson Hangula and shorts like CamelThorns (2012) as a poacher. In 2012, he secured Best Male Actor Theatre at the Namibia Film and Theatre Awards for Bra Ompie in Try, plus Best Actor for the play Shebeen Queen.
His breakout came in 2015 as Mouton in Katutura, directed by Obed Emvula and Florian Scott.
In 2019, he portrayed Warrant Officer Shivute in #LANDoftheBRAVEfilm, preparing via real police patrols, leading to his 2021 Sotigui Best Actor win, the third straight for a Namibian after Adriano Visagie and Girley Jazama.
Recently, he played Mr. Petrus in the 2024 pan-African thriller Skeleton Coast, filmed at Namibia’s Skeleton Coast with talent from multiple nations.
Shivute supports youth through the National Theatre of Namibia’s Youth Theatre Development Project, teaching acting, producing, directing, writing, and marketing. He runs workshops for corporations like Seaflower White Fish Corporation and owns ArmaTen Entertainment cc.
Personal Life
Shivute shares his life with wife Helena Armas in Windhoek, Namibia, staying connected to the local arts scene. The couple has two children, maintaining a family-oriented life amid his professional commitments.
He keeps family matters relatively private while championing Namibian pride. Upon winning his Sotigui Award, he dedicated it to his nation, affirming its world-class artistic potential.
Net Worth
Armas Shivute’s net worth is estimated at approximately $300,000 to $700,000 USD as of 2025.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Tirza | BBQ Vendor |
| 2012 | CamelThorns | Poacher |
| 2012 | Try | Bra-Ompie |
| 2013 | Everything Happens for a Reason | (Role not specified) |
| 2015 | Katutura | Mouton |
| 2017 | The Unlikely Encounter | Michael Strydom |
| 2019 | #LANDoftheBRAVEfilm | Warrant Officer Shivute |
| 2024 | Skeleton Coast | Mr. Petrus |
Awards and Nominations
Shivute earns steady accolades nationally and abroad. Key wins include:
- Best Actor in Southern Africa at the Sotigui Awards (2021) for #LANDoftheBRAVEfilm
- Best Male Actor Theatre at Namibia Film and Theatre Awards (2012) for Try
- Best Actor at Film and Theatre Awards (2012) for Shebeen Queen
- Best Play at City of Windhoek Festival (2006), and recognition at COTA Youth Theatre Festival (1999) for My Big Brother.
- Nominations feature Best Actor at Sotigui Awards (2021, won) and multiple Academy of Sotigui nods.
