Farah Fortune On Starting Her Own Business, African Star Communications And The Entertainment Industry

Farah Fortune / 37 / Director & Owner of African Star Communications

Describe yourself in one word…

Ambitious.

Share your story on how you found your way into the business of Public Relations and Event Management

I started my own business in 2008 after being tired of having a boss. I left my job with no savings. I had R1000 to start the business and used R589 to buy my CC for the company.

How do you get up every morning and keep going?

I have bills to pay so I have to work! I also love my job, makes a big difference to my enthusiasm levels. I always set myself goals, so I continuously want to achieve them.

Was this always your vision for your future?

I knew I always wanted to be my own boss. I always knew I wanted to push women empowerment; I was just never sure how I was going to do it. So when I identified the opportunity to start my own business, I went for it. I had no idea if I’d succeed or not.

African Star Communications has come a long way, with celebrating 8 years this year, how do you plan on keeping up the great work?

We try and keep things fresh within the business through great Public Relations strategies and hopefully we will continue to do so for another 8 years.

One thing you never leave your home without?

Kissing my baby girl goodbye.

Family and friends, are they a solid support structure?

Yes, very solid support! I appreciate them so much!!! You really can’t do anything in life without solid support.

Club or chilling at home, what do you prefer?

Chilling at home. My job is about events and parties most of the time, so when I get a chance, I like to relax, which isn’t often.

How would you describe the South African entertainment industry?

A growing industry with so much potential.

 

Follow Farah!

Instagram: @fcfortune

Twitter: @fcfortune

Facebook: Farah Fortune

Follow African Star Communications!

Instagram: @africanstar08

Twitter: @AfricanStar08

Facebook: African Star Communications

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

Smash Afrika: That Energetic Kid Who Does Radio, TV, Content And MCing

Afrika Similo Mdutyulwa aka Smash Afrika / YFM 99.2 Breakfast Show Host / Ground Zero Presenter (YFM 99.2 Reality TV Show) / Content Producer for TV / MC / Energetic Kid

Tell me how Smash made his way into the business of Entertainment…

I was at a traffic light and I had placard that read…just kidding! It all started on campus radio, Kovsie FM (2009), then moved to VOW FM (2011). I got a call from a colleague at the time I was at VOW FM telling me that Tholi B, (presenter of Room 69 on YFM at the time), was looking for a co presenter for his new drive time show. Tholi B then gave me a call inviting me on Room 69 to audition (oh by the way I didn’t know I was auditioning). I was one of seven dudes he auditioned and that is how I got into the commercial radio space. In April 2012 I was at a commercial radio station, which I’m currently working at.

You’ve been handling the Breakfast show #SmashandGrab on YFM 99.2 this year, how’s that going so far?

We are trying something different and we are winning, if I can say so myself. Ask the listeners, they will tell you. We are vibing with a contacted young adult who is aware of how small and big the world is today. So the show is about sharing information, entertaining and grabbing the listener’s ear for three hours with matters from around the globe and Africa.

Do you always have a good 8-hour sleep?

Nope, I get an average of four hours. Weekends maybe but never on weekdays.

List the other stuff you’re involved in.

TV (presenter and content production)

MC (corporate gigs and events)

Dance (in my car and on the dance floor)

Production Company Owner: Afrika Respect Productions (we create content for clients’ needs)

Your career path, does it feel right?

I was born to do this, everything I do, I do because I love. You will never catch me doing things I don’t love. Plus, it never feels like work, but I’m anal about being a professional.

You’re always so full of energy (lol), is this the guy you’ve always been?

Yes.

Shades or sugar? Pick one…

Shades.

How do you plan on taking over the world?

By doing what I’ve been doing all these years, putting in the work and trying to be the best at what I do and who I am.

Any deep closing words for the kids?

Listen to the kids, even when you are the kid. Have yourself a cool shoe shine day and always try leave better than you found it.

 

Follow Smash!

Instagram: @smashafrika

Twitter: @smashafrika

Facebook: Smash Afrika

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

 

Fulu Mugovhani On Musical Theatre, Ayanda Movie And The South African Film Industry

Fulufhelo Georginah Mugovhani / 25 / Award Winning Actress

 

Where is Fulu from?

Fulu was born and raised in Thohoyandou, Limpopo.

Share your journey into the acting industry…

I’ve always been a singer…sang all my life and also participated in church plays from a very young age. However, I studied all your typical academic subjects (Maths, Geography, Science, etc) until Grade 12, then I had to decide what I really wanted to do for the rest of my life. My dad had just started working at the Tshwane University of Technology as Head of the Performing Arts Department and he handed me a brochure with the word ‘Musical Theatre’ on it – and there it was! I had found something I wanted to do but was also very good at…Singing, Acting and Dancing. After completing my studies at TUT, I immediately landed the role of Nala in the Hong Kong production of The Lion King. This was validation to me and to the rest of my peers who thought I was admitted into the Musical Theatre program because my dad was overseeing the whole department, I did well!

How did you land the Ayanda role?

It’s quite a story, to cut it short: I got a call from Ntathi Moshesh (who had just left Scandal) telling me about the auditions and how they were struggling to find the lead. I went there and I gave my best audition, then I got the part!

You’ve received a lot of love (and awards) since the Ayanda movie, what’s your opinion on the South African film industry in 2016?

Well, my introduction to the film world was just recently with Ayanda, and that did great. As long as we have amazing filmmakers in this country, the industry will only get better.

Do you have a mentor in your field of work?

I look up to a lot of women in this industry that motivate and encourage me both personally and professionally (whether they know it or not). But, my biggest mentor is my mother.

Do you sing in the shower?

Not anymore…now I just wanna shower, and get it over and done with, haha!

How do you keep fit and stay healthy with your schedule?

I try and make time but I’ve learnt not to beat myself up about missing a day or two of gym and eating badly. Life is too short really.

Love or laundry?

Love, but sometimes I’d just rather do my laundry.

Follow Fulu!

Instagram: @fulu_mugovhani

Twitter: @fulu_heart

Facebook: Fulu Mugovhani

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

Katlego Maboe On Life Behind The Camera, Pet Peeves And What Brings Him Joy

Katlego Maboe / 29 / Multiple award winning TV host on the Expresso Breakfast Show & Strictly Come Dancing (Seasons 7 and 8) on SABC3

What kind of a guy is Katlego?

Electrifying, energetic, ambitious, family oriented, fun-loving, serious, weird guy who loves life and all good things about it.

How did the entertainer bug bite you, was it always in your life plan?

My late uncle, Martin Maboe, was quite the entertainer and I would watch him, trying to imitate him in order to entertain friends and family. I enjoyed the spotlight, so much so that subconsciously I pursued every opportunity to display my talent. I don’t think that it was ever a life plan that I made but perhaps one that God made for me because life has always found a way of steering me back onto the path of music and entertainment.

Did you actually study for your chosen career path?

Not at all. I studied B. Com Chartered Accounting; quite far removed from the world I currently call my career.

How’s your typical day like?

No day is ever the same. The only constant is my call-time at Expresso and the time the show ends at 09h00. The rest of the day is spent training, preparing for the next day’s show and imminent corporate engagements all while growing my personal brand and leading by example.

What brings you joy?

The ability to use my God given talent everyday in whichever way possible to make the world a better place. Music is one of those things – it makes me feel closest to God.

Any pet peeves?

People that make it their life mission to take away from other people’s happiness.

That one thing you always do before the camera zooms in you?

Think of how I can make the person watching from home smile.

Would you ever retire?

God willing, no. I enjoy what I do so much, I wouldn’t mind doing it ’till my last day.

Cape Town or Jozi?

#CoZi – that’s Cape Town and Jozi. Both cities offer things I like. Jozi has that vibrant energy and ambitious spirit of youth chasing dreams while Cape Town oozes with serenity and a quality of life that is tough to beat. If they were one city, I’d be complete.

What or who do you do this for?

My mother. I owe her my life and all I do is to make her proud everyday.

Follow Katlego!

Instagram: @katlegomaboe

Twitter: @KatlegoMaboe

Facebook: Kaltego Maboe

*Photographer: Michael Le Grange

 

–Bridgette Makhela

Twitter Interview With Proverb

If you missed the ‪#‎BKoolMedia‬ ‪#‎Twitterview‬ with the awesome ProVerb just go checkout the timeline -> @BKool_Media

Follow Proverb!

Instagram: @proverbmusic

Twitter: @ProVerbMusic

Facebook: ProVerb

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

Xavier Steeze On Being An Entertainer And Maintaining Stage Presence

Sibusiso Xavier Lawrence Thwala / 23 / Freelance Entertainer of everything in the name of Arts

 When did you fall in love with dance?

I’ve always loved dancing and entertaining.

What does being an entertainer mean to you?

It means everything to me, I feel alive when I am on stage. I also love watching choreography or stage direction I have created on big stage productions.

What other avenues are you involved in?

I have just started my own cinematography company called #X_FRAMES. I am also doing a bit of photography and videography for some artists. I work with BlackWorks Media too, I host events at different clubs and festivals and also do brand activations for various brands.

How much time does it take to choreograph a routine for a performance?

It all depends on the time the choreography is needed, but there are cases where you have to create choreography on the spot.

How do you select the perfect song for a routine?

Well, you pick a song that best brings out the creativity out of you, or a song you know will move people.

How many years have you been in the entertainment industry?

I have officially been part of the entertainment industry for ten years. My first paying gig was at the age of 13.

How many South African music videos have you been featured in so far?

I really have lost count…but I can proudly say that I have done music videos for most of the prominent artists in South Africa and North Africa.

The biggest highlight of your career so far?

I have three:

1. Black Motion performance at the MTV MAMA AWARDS performance, choreographed by me. –> https://youtu.be/B2fc1acRUAw

2. Placing top 3 HIP HOP INTERNATIONAL FOR DUO ALL STYLES with @LEASH_KES –> https://youtu.be/_Gh7QedPIsk

3. Riky Rick’s performance at the SAMA22, choreographed by @PHANTOM_STEEZE

 

Follow Xavier Steeze!

Instagram: @xavier_steeze

Twitter: @Xaviera_Steeze

Facebook: Sibusiso Thwala Xavier

 

–Bridgette Makhela