DJ Kinetic On Music And His Career Path

Thabo Damari aka Kinetic / 25 / House DJ & Producer / OB Engineer at YFM 99.2 & MD of Pro Tech Events & Entertainment

Why the DJ route?

As cliché as it may sound, I never chose “it” but “it” chose me. From as early as 7 years I had already started collecting music on tapes. I was 9 years old when I first saw a DJ mixing on turn tables, I can still remember how fascinated I was. I knew then where my path would lead, and I have never looked back.

Motivation…What does it mean to you?

It means never looking to others for validation, but rather remembering why you started in the first place and never losing sight of YOUR goal.

What does music mean to your craft?

Music is my craft, so with that being said I can only explain it as…Without music the word craft is meaningless to me. Music features in every aspect of my life, from the work I do as a Sound Engineer, to the business I run.

That one moment you always dream of reaching?

Being able to make timeless music that will one day be looked upon by future generations as revolutionary.

How do you prepare for a gig you’re meant to play at?

It always starts with the music. I prepare my sets depending on the kind of event, venue and crowd. I then prepare my outfit because I will be presenting myself to people, and people always need to have a visual reference (put a face to the name so to speak) and I want that reference to be a good one. Lastly, I have a home cooked meal (whenever possible) before I leave the house.

Money or love?

I get money doing what I love. Does that answer your question?

Are you happy with where you are in your life right now?

I cannot say I am happy, but I can say I am content. I still have lots to achieve and as long as GOD keeps me on this earth I will soldier on.

That one song that is timeless to your ears?

It has to be Planet Noir – Children Of The Ghetto from the Mekonko compilation mixed by the legend Khabzela in the year 2000.

What do you think of the industry you work in?

I never have a clear answer to this question because I become too subjective. My answer is always influenced by personal experiences which in most cases have not been to my liking. I do however try my best to shy away from all the negativity and focus my energy on building myself and those around me. This industry is what you make of it and I choose to run my own race despite the many challenges.

Follow Kinetic!

Instagram: Kinetic_SA

Twitter: @kinetic_err

Facebook: KineticSA

Soundcloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/kineticsa

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

 

 

Kriya Gangiah On Being An Infotainment Professional At 27

Kriya Gangiah

27

Radio DJ / Television Presenter / Digital Leader at Kagiso Media

What does Kriya do for a living?

I work at Kagiso Media as a Digital Leader for Jacaranda FM and Zalebs. From Monday to Thursday I co-host the Late show on Jacaranda FM, then on Saturdays I am part of our listeners wake up call with the Saturday Breakfast show. In between all that, I get whisked away to various locations around the country and abroad to be filmed as one of the Television Presenters for the Mela show on SABC 3, which airs every week on Sundays.

You are known as an Infotainment Professional, how did you earn the title?

In the broadcast industry (particularly radio), my skill set doesn’t fall into just ‘news’, ‘business’ or ‘entertainment’, but rather encapsulates all of these. Add to this line of work is a career for me with years of experience in the industry already behind me and…voila! The title of ‘Infotainment Professional’ came into being.

What moment gave you your break into the industry?

My break into the industry began in 2007 when I joined TUKS FM while I was studying at the University of Pretoria. Ever since then, my love for the entertainment industry developed and allowed me to follow my current career path.

How do you juggle being a DJ and being on TV as well?

It’s tough sometimes, but I always try to strike a balance between the two. Luckily with the way technology is these days, my cellphone has become my own personal PA that helps me keep track as far as scheduling is concerned so I can avoid any conflict.

What keeps you going each day no mater what?

It’s definitely my passion for the industry and people that keeps me going. The fact that I get paid to talk makes it such a fun career, it never feels like a job! My family and friends are also a big part of keeping me grounded and focused. I have a very close-knit family and they have always been supportive and encouraged me throughout my career.

What would you say has been the best moment of your career so far?

This is a tricky one to answer as there have been so many moments that I’m so glad to have experienced and that have helped mould my career. More recently, being on the Mela show has been a huge highlight in my career. Having this opportunity to work on such a prestigious show still feels slightly surreal! I have met some amazing people while filming on Mela and visited some of the most beautiful places.

Wine or water?

Wine of course! 

How do you unwind after a hectic day?

My day never really ends actually. The only time I get to unwind and relax is during the weekend. That’s if I’m not traveling for the Mela show, otherwise you’ll find me spending the weekend with my family having a braai or chilling at home watching TV and catching up on my favourite Series (having some “me time”).

Would you ever retire?

I’m sure at some stage I will retire, but for now I most certainly have a long way to go.

 Follow Kriya!

Instagram: @kriyag

Twitter: @KriyaG

Facebook: Kriya Gangiah

 

–Bridgette Makhela

Conté Creatives: Creative Content Producing Company

Conté Magazine seems like a really cool source of creative information, what is it all about?

The Conté creative portfolio is aimed at creative African individuals such as illustrators; fine artists; graphic designers; animators; architects; interior designers; poets; photographers and fashion designers. These creatives are given the opportunity to be featured in both digital and print spheres (Conté Digital and Conté Magazine).

Conté Digital is released monthly online, enabling artists to expand their reach to the international markets; those same artists are then allowed to fully exhibit their work in a themed print edition of the Conté Magazine.

Conté Magazine is a Quarterly Creative book that is accompanied by an exhibition event, where all the featured artists get the chance to have their work exhibited. Twice a year, creatives have a platform to have their work displayed and fully exhibited. This is the ultimate Conté vision.

How and when was Conté Magazine founded?

Conté Magazine is a company started under our holding company Conté Creatives. The agency, which was founded on the 6^th of November 2014. The first magazine was released on the 7^th of May 2015.

We previously worked at a Transmedia company situated in Auckland Park, and towards the end of our contract, instead of having it renewed, we chose to look for work spaces that would enable us to start our own projects. We found a place called JoziHub, a tech based Hub at 44 Stanley Avenue. This was the beginning of all our Conté adventures.

Is there a specific market you are aiming for/at?

Our Market is extremely vast. When we started our target with creatives all across the board. Weirdly enough, after the release of our 2^nd Issue, we realized that our market had changed. We were attracting more businesses, corporate individuals, art buyers and investors. With each issue we learn that our target keeps changing rapidly, which isn’t bad at all. As long as we bring more awareness to creatives all over Africa.

 What does the content you produce seek to fulfill?

The content we produce is aimed at driving collaboration among artists in order to turn the arts into a force to be reckoned with. We started a vision that would revolutionize the way people think of the creative industry internationally. It is more than just a creative portfolio, it allows the reader to be involved in the creative process, to make the transition from consumer and viewer to creator and enthusiast. We are all about changing the way we work together.

Your upcoming event in June, do elaborate as to what can be expected by attendees?

Each of our events bring a different element each time. Our magazines are themed each issue, and based on the theme, our events take on elements of that theme. This upcoming event, sponsored by the University of Johannesburg, will be based on the current theme “RAW” and the other exciting thing about this event is that it will be around the week of June 16 and we are trying to celebrate the creative students.

 What can readers expect in the next issue to be released?

This next issue is going to bring on a different aspect of things we see on a daily basis. This “RAW” issue is living up to it’s name…everything is going to be Raw, uncensored, unscripted. Whatever comes to your mind…we will be showing that off to the world…and the lovely thing about this issue, is that it is off to New York in July.

How was the feedback from your previous event, the Revolution issue launch?

Every launch we’ve had, has brought about more interest, more excitement, and more sponsors. And the Revolution issue was no different. We have received nothing but POSITIVE feedback throughout.

As a South African creative content producing company, what does a day in the office look like?

A day at the office is always exciting…we are all very busy, but the busyness isn’t overwhelming because we all get to do what we ABSOLUTELY love doing. We are all a fun bunch, so coming to work is always entertaining.

What is the way forward for Conté Magazine for the years to come?

Moving forward, Conté’s mission is to expand its leadership role in the creative market, using groundbreaking creative solutions and also expanding creative collaboration by using it’s publications. There is a lot to look forward to because more than anything we want to be the international voice for African Creatives and whatever we can do to make sure we are that, we will most definitely do.

Follow Conté Magazine!

Instagram: @contemagazine

Twitter: @ConteMagazine

Facebook: Conté Magazine

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

Twitter Interview With Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane

If you missed it, go check out the ‪#‎BKoolMedia‬ Twitter timeline -> @BKool_Media for the full ‪#‎Twitterview‬ with Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane!

Thank you for your time Tibz appreciated!

#BKoolMedia

Follow Tibz!

 

Tibz06 on @Instagram

Tebello6 on @Snapchat

Tebello Tibz Motsoane @Facebook fan page

http://Showlove.co.za 

 

–Bridgette Makhela

Courtnae’ Paul On Her Versatile Hustle

Courtnae’ Paul

24

Creative Director / Bgirl / Choreographer / DJ

 

When did the dance bug hit you?

I think it was aiming for someone else and hit me by mistake, lol. Age 10/11, I randomly got involved with my church dance group, and the rest is history.

How do you juggle all your titles and make them work to your advantage?

In this industry it’s generally in your best interest to be versatile and well versed in different areas and / or styles. Due to the nature of entertainment as a profession, the industry and it’s job offers are constantly fluctuating, so I have always made sure that there is a need for the services I offer. It might sound like a lot of titles; however they are all closely linked and expose me to the other sides of my expertise. This in turn sees me learning and broadening my skill set to eventually being able to do that job myself. It works well for me because I stay in my lane, but I make sure I have everything in my lane covered.

The coolest gig you’ve ever been a part of to date?

I choreographed a very urban African surprise welcome for Richard Branson last December. It was cool because I enjoy meeting people who have made such a success in life, yet are still down to earth and super friendly. He joined in on the performance and really seemed to have enjoyed himself. I love creating experiences and having other people enjoy them too. Another gig that was pretty cool was choreographing and leading two 2015 / 2016 Cell C campaigns. They were printed and they flighted on everything from cinema, to store material, billboards, fliers, internet and TV. The campaign ran for six months, and was just renewed for another three…

Who inspires you to hustle even harder?

Everyone and everything around me is a constant push to be greater, I am inspired by people that continue to push no matter what the circumstances are. Every time I smash one goal or achieve something I thought I never could, it makes me work harder because I see it’s possible. I am a firm believer that thinking and believing, coupled with action, brings your visions into reality.

That one South African jam that gets you moving all the time is…?

“It’s about tiiiiiime! You listen to Boom Shaka!”

Who or what gets your heart beating fast? Lol

My girlfriend! In both a good and bad way! Hahaha!

Where do you picture yourself in the future?

The direction of my plans never change, however the scale changes almost weekly, so I picture myself being really happy and having accomplished everything little goal I set.

If you were an animal, which one would you pick?

I would be a lion or a dolphin. Lions are so beautifully lazy and get to sleep all day, and dolphins are just the cutest fun ‘lifesavers’ ever, lol.

That word you yell out every time you get pissed?

I yell “fada gohd maaan!” (for some reason my inner Nigerian comes out).

How do you maintain staying power in the industry?

By adapting to change and always creating a demand for my skills.

Follow Courtnae’!

Instagram: @Courtnae_Paul

Twitter: @Courtnae_Paul

Facebook: Courtnae’ Paul

YouTube: Courtnae’ Paul

MixCloud: Courtnae’ Paul

 

–Bridgette Makhela