Bonko Khoza On Playing Mqhele, Following His Passion And Upcoming Projects

Bonginkosi ‘Bonko’ Khoza / Actor & Voice-Over Artist

What sparked the love for acting?

I have always been into acting, since primary school I loved plays but never took it seriously. I went to art school and studied graphic design, I dreamt of being an overall visual artist. After 2 years of trying that, I dropped out to figure out my life. I asked myself if I was doing things because the status quo says so or if I was going to focus on what brings me joy. I decided that I wanted to do something I enjoy and would do for the rest of my life. So I took the decision to study Drama at The Market Theatre Laboratory.

You play ‘Mqhele’ on Showmax’s ‘The Wife’, how would you describe the character?

He is a complex character that is heavily bothered by demons in his head. He has unresolved childhood traumas that cause him to act and react in a certain way. Other than that, he is a sweet guy.

You are an extremely talented actor. How do you prepare yourself for a role?

My preparation starts at the audition level. I’ll read my script and research the character biography. I get to know the character and start looking at costumes and play scenes out. If I get the role, it’s a progression of building the character.

What would you change about the South African entertainment industry?

The industry doesn’t exist on its own, it doesn’t function without the audience. If anything, I would like to change the audience. I wish South Africa would open up access to more global content because it is part of a global market. The audience can then push the industry towards something different. The audience needs to start playing with their appetite and choosing different types of content.

That one moment in your career so far that you’ll never forget?

I spent a day with Benedict Cumberbatch in 2020. We did a scene together on a film called The Mauritanian. My scene was initially for his character. The casting director told me to keep pushing and keep my head up because it may be overwhelming. We did the scene in Cape Town and it dawned on me in that moment that he was just a colleague and I had to get it together. From that moment, we started talking and getting to know each other. That was a special time.

Is there anyone that you call your role model/inspiration?

Mahershala Ali, I love the way he handles his career and brand. He keeps it very much acting-centric even if he does work for brands. He has won two Oscars and I’m pretty sure when he’s not acting he’s probably spending time with his family and relaxing.

What is the importance of following your passion?

Life has a price to pay, you’re not here for free. The system will try and put you in a place where you are most comfortable. When you’re most comfortable, you’ve got nothing to complain about. But things like passion come from the inside, it is who you are, it’s an expression of your true self. Retrospection and bravery are important where passion is involved.

’13 Weeks To Find Mr Right’ is your upcoming project, are you working on other things at the moment?

I have already wrapped 13 Weeks To Find Mr Right. I have now started working on a Disney animation, I’m also shooting a Hollywood film and in talks with various directors but I can’t say much about that right now. Actively working on The Wife and voice overs.

Any advice for aspiring actors?

Study first, treat the art with respect and it will pay you back with longevity and substance. Put in the work and the time. Believe in your dreams, trust in God and don’t forget to pray.

Images by Asanele Shaun

Follow Bonko!

Instagram: @bonkokhoza

Twitter: @BonkoKhoza

Facebook: @bonkokhoza

–Bridgette Makhela

Muzi On New Singles, The Industry, And How The Year 2015 Changed His Career

Muziwakhe McVictor Mazibuko / Artist 

What does your journey in music reflect?

That things eventually work out when you listen to your soul rather than the outside world. 

Who is Muzi?

Muzi is a father, who happens to make some music. 

Apart From Need Dat, Interblaktic is your recent drop, share the message behind it?

It’s about being unapologetically yourself.

You’re a Singer, Songwriter and Producer, how do you remain inspired and working?

I study other art forms and get inspired by them, then bring that inspiration back to music. 

Have a favourite song so far from your collection?

Sunset Kwazulu.

What year in your music career really changed your life and why?

2015, when I got signed to BMG Chrysalis. First time I didn’t feel like John and I were crazy. 

What has the pandemic taught you as an artist and creative?

Things take time, be easy on yourself. 

Anything you would change about the industry? 

I don’t know. I don’t think like that anymore. I worry not about external factors, the industry is external.

Follow Muzi!

Instagram: @muziou

Twitter: @muziou

Facebook: @Muzi

-Bridgette Makhela

Falz TheBahdGuy On Music, His Journey And Time in South Africa

Falz TheBahdGuy (Folarin Folana) / 30 / Nigerian Rapper, Songwriter, Actor & Filmmaker

How has your journey as an artist been so far?

It’s been so interesting, I’ve been doing music professionally since 2009.

Favourite artist you’ve collaborated with?

That’s a tough one, everyone I’ve worked with has something special about them, I can’t pick a favourite.

When did the love for music begin?

My journey began at about 10/11 years. I started writing raps and formed a group at school where we’d perform for other students, I developed so much love for the art. In university I perfected my craft, I took the time to invest in proper recordings and also put out my music online, that’s when everything caught fire.

What about the Nigerian music industry would you say still needs to be fixed?

A proper structure that looks out for creatives has to be built. Royalty collection for instance, creatives need to be protected in that regard. It’s intellectual property that needs to be protected.

Any favourite African country you’ve traveled to?

South Africa, it’s the most developed. The infrastructure is proper and the outlook of the city is great, it’s good to see.

Any advice for aspiring artists on the come-up?

Just have fun, music is meant to be enjoyed. Be passionate about it, be hardworking and truly enjoy yourself.

You’re a creative, any other things you’d like to branch out to?

There are indeed many layers to me. I’m a lawyer, an actor and have recently become a filmmaker. During the pandemic last year, I launched my film company where I get to tell African stories, stories about us beautifully to the world. I’m also getting to a point in my life where I’m all about impact in people’s lives.

Any new music you’re releasing?

I don’t have a name or date yet, but I have an album coming out in the next two months.

Follow Falz!

Instagram: @falzthebahdguy

Twitter: @falzthebahdguy

Facebook: @falzthebahdguy

-Bridgette Makhela

Azana On Her Debut Album, What Talent Means To Her And Her Vision For Years To Come

Makhosazana “Azana” Masango / 20 / Singer & Songwriter
 
That moment you knew you wanted to be in the music industry was?
 
At the age of six I had already made up my mind about being a musician, it was something I knew my whole life from then. Performing at preschool for the first time triggered the feeling of wanting to perform.
 
The single ‘Your Love’ has made major waves, did you think it would be this big?
 
Yes, I knew it would do well because it’s very catchy and it’s a cute love message.


 
Why the title ‘Ingoma’ for your debut album?
 
It’s an abstract title. I love abstract art and stories. The idea behind the title is that it’s not just an INGOMA (a song) is not just a song. Its memories, feelings, expressions, stories and messages.
 
What is it about South African music that you admire?
 
I admire how soulful South African music is and I admire the messages our artists give to the people.
 
Is there a team behind your brand?
 
Of course! Bigcitydreams Records is the team behind the magic you see.


 
Got a favourite single from your offering so far?
 
All 14 tracks from INGOMA are my babies and I love them all the same because they all come from my thoughts and I value what I think and write.
 
Talent, what does it mean to you as an artist? 
 
Talent means an advantage to me (which I am aware I do have) but it does not mean a guaranteed success, hard work gives me hope and confidence in all that I do.
 
One thing you could use to change the world would be?
 
I’d use my music to encourage people to think bigger and tackle poverty, racism and inequality.


 
What’s your vision for years to come?
 
I’m wishing to learn more by educating myself about the fields of entertainment, and to improve every time I create or put something out there for someone to see.

 

Follow Azana!

Instagram: @azanamusic

Twitter: @azanamusic

Facebook: @azanamusic

-Bridgette Makhela

Una Rams On New Single Shy, The Crush EP And His Ultimate Dream

Una Rams / 24 / Pop Star

When did Una’s music career begin?

When I was born! I used to call myself Prince and I used to dance with a group of friends back home, it was a cool way to express myself. I made music from about grade 4/5, then in grade 9 I started releasing solo music. Every moment in my life has led up to who I am now.

Your recent drop, ‘Shy’, what’s the song all about?

Shy is a declaration of love, of feelings. It’s the perfect song to play for your crush, a song to tell someone you have feelings for them.

What can fans expect from your EP ‘Crush’?

So Shy was the lead single of off Crush. You can hear a beautiful blend of different genres under the umbrella of Afro Pop, a whole lot of that is going to be delivered on Crush. Crush is going to tell the tale of love, from meeting a person and wanting them to be in your life. There are beautiful bars on there, I’m throwing a lot of TshiVenda in there too and sampling a Venda legend, some collaborations as well. These are songs to add onto the soundtrack of your life, it’s a Sci-Fi rom com.

What does music mean to you?

Music is life, it’s a healing force. It’s therapeutic when I make it, and a bonding experience between friends. Music is a way to address many things and express who I am, it’s a global language. Music is just so much, it’s a force. It is also a platform to explore my dreams, it strengthens the idea that I can make something from nothing.

The most valuable thing you’ve learnt from being a South African artist?

Having patience. We’re still in an emerging market, we have to be aware of the inequalities we face. Kids in the rural places and townships access music differently in comparison to us in the cities. You want to reach out to the widest audience as much as possible, you have to know who is for you. When you’re doing something that is not a traditional genre, I’ve had to teach people about what I’m doing. As South Africans we stick to what we know but we also have a willingness to discover what we love. My brand is growing and it’s a blessing.

Does your upcoming album ‘Boyfriend Material’ have a release date yet?

Unfortunately not yet, I want to be in a different place in my life when I do release it. Still focusing on the single Crush, then I’ll focus on Boyfriend Material. It’s all about how after the honeymoon phase you learn about each other and put in the work. It’s going to explore the good and the bad of love and what relationships can do to people.

What has this year taught you as an artist?

Being able to wear different thinking hats. I’ll have a season of just creating carelessly then there comes a season where one should have a business element to their craft and their art. Seeing where you went wrong and trying to outdo yourself. I like to be still, look at myself and reassess who I am doing this for…me. I use my imagination and play around with cool ideas and collaboration. Music is also a platform for me to explore other avenues such as business prospects and investments I seek to grow. I am a multi-dimensional person who can express themselves in more than one way.

Your ultimate dream is?

To build a city, I feel that as Africans we haven’t built a city. We haven’t placed our identity on a platform like that. I have dreams in the tech space as well.

One artist you’d absolutely love to collaborate with?

I really want to be the guy that can do anything and to work with whoever I want to work with. I am very experimental in my approach. I actually want to be the guy that people want to collaborate with. I keep dreaming bigger and want to conquer many markets.

 

Follow Una Rams!

Instagram: @unarams

Twitter: @UnaRamsWeirdKid

Facebook: @unarams

 

-Bridgette Makhela 

Thato Molamu On Shifting From The Screen To Business Ventures And More

Sehume Thato Molamu / 35 / CEO & Founder of Gateway Media, Social Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Marketing Brand Strategist, Film Director and Media Personality.

You’ve made a solid name for yourself, how has your journey been like?

Like most things in life, the journey has had its ups and downs. I was fortunate enough to have had a long and successful career in South Africa’s film, and television industry and too have been taught and mentored by some of the country’s best. I will always be grateful for the opportunities given to me and I look forward to the next phase of the journey.

Why the break from the screen to pursue business?

It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while now.  I made the decision after seeing the rapid growth of Gateway Media, which has in a short period, really made waves in the industry. So I think its only right that I step away from acting for while to give it my full attention. Also, while I’ve loved my time in front of camera lens,  I believe I can have a greater impact behind the scenes.  There’s so much more I can offer the industry and the African continent, and stepping away for a while will give me the space and time needed to really make a difference.

What’s the sole purpose of Gateway Media?

Quite simply, our core purpose is to tell authentic African stories and to help grow and develop Africa’s future storytellers. Through our flagship township-based Film & Digital Academy (LiMA), we help our clients tell original stories that resonate with audiences and inspire brand confidence. We believe that the world is ready for authentic African stories, and we’re developing the content creators that can tell them.

What’s your take on digital content creation in South Africa?

As you well know, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is well upon us. Digital content creation is where the world has been heading to for the last decade or so, and unfortunately, we’re still playing catch up to some of our counterparts. That said, the potential that exists within South Africa is immense. We have the talent and local expertise to become global players if we really work together and build an industry that up skills and supports our youth. That’s what Gateway Media is all about, giving access to those that traditionally, would have been excluded from participating in the digital revolution.

The pandemic has shifted the focus heavily on content, what ideas have you been sharing for engagement?

We were privileged enough to have had already launched Conrad TV prior to the pandemic. Conrad TV is a conversational radio-television platform that intuitively exploits the best of both worlds by integrating radio and television into a simultaneous, single audio-visual offering. The platform is doing well, and we expect to see more uptake in the viewer and listenership numbers in the coming months. Additionally, we’re prioritizing the development of original content that can live on various platforms, such as online shows, documentaries and TV series’. We quite excited about the future, watch this space!

What is the Thato Molamu Foundation all about?

The Thato Molamu Foundation is a non-profit organisation that I founded in 2012, with the goal of having a measurable impact in the lives of under-resourced South Africans through healthcare, education and creative industries. The foundation aims to transform the mindsets of people by unlocking the hidden talents and potential of youth through film, animation, gaming, coding and art and entrepreneurship capacity building programs within creative industries.

You also head up Leaders in Motion Academy, in what ways is it a first of its own?

The Leaders in Motion Academy (LiMA) is one of South Africa’s first digital creative skills academies and production hubs based in the township of Eersterust in Tshwane. Our mission is to normalize access to digital creative (technical) and business skills for township-based creative entrepreneurs and to connect them to markets in Africa and beyond.

How has the balance between acting and business blended into your lifestyle?

Acting will always have a space in my heart and my years of acting in theatre, television and working on radio nurtured my love for storytelling. It also introduced the world to Thato Molamu, for which I will always be eternally grateful. With this business venture, I am pioneering a new wave of digital marketing and content creation, one in which African storytellers will have a seat at the table and a stake in the game.

Where can people follow all your business ventures?

We are available on our website at https://www.gatewaymediaza.com/about-us/, and people can connect with us on LinkedIn at Gateway Media ZA. For more work we do at LiMA, you can visit our website https://www.limacademy.co.za/ and our YouTube channel Lim Academy (don’t forget to subscribe).

Follow Thato Molamu!

Instagram: @thatomolamu

Twitter: @ThatoMolamu

Facebook: @ThMolamu

 

-Bridgette Makhela

Bongeziwe Mabandla On iimini, Preserving His Craft And 8 Years In The Industry

Bongeziwe Sipho Samkelwe Mabandla / 30 / Singer Songwriter

‘iimini’, what’s the meaning behind the album?

iimini means days. The album references different dates in the lifetime of a love relationship from the beginning to the end. With the title I wanted to acknowledge those memories and experiences. I documented a relationship at its crucial parts and marked the different moments of this. I wanted to show the good and bad parts of a relationship and what it really means to be in love.

You’ve been in the industry for about 8 years now, how important is consistency and originality to you?

I came into music very late. I was studying to be an actor when I fell in love with music. I look at the past 8 years as a huge learning curve for me. I have learnt so much about writing, composing music, live performing and the business side of music. I have wanted to show with each album that I am growing and changing.

What does your craft mean to you and how do you preserve it?

I have put a lot into being a musician. I have always wanted to be good at what I do. For me, I’m at artist first. I want to make art that evokes emotion and feelings. Creating moving art has been the biggest motivator for me, it comes before anything else.

Amongst other songs, ‘Zange’ made big waves, (it still is)…what inspired you to write it?

Zange was written about falling in love and how that feeling can make you feel like life is worth it. I wanted to capture the fuzzy feeling of how it feels to be in love. I wrote the words to the song at a time when I met someone and they completely changed my life.

Live performances or studio sessions?

I like both. I love how a song comes together in the studio- it’s so fascinating. I like live, but it can be unpredictable. The funny thing is when a live performance goes well, it’s the best feeling ever. I’m hoping to fall even more in love with performing live as I get better at it.

Favourite country to perform in and why?

South Africa is really important for me. I write music in Xhosa because of the pride I have about where I come from. I write music to inspire and empower my people and to stand for a culture and language that was at times disregarded by history.

Africa is bursting at the seams with musical talent, what drives you to keep going?

I love what I do. I respect creating work that takes time and effort. I love figuring and working out difficult things. The people that love my music are such an inspiration and a sense of encouragement to me to keep me going even when it gets difficult. I think I’m doing something from a real and honest place and I think people are looking for that kind of music that connects them with their inner world.

What would you love to be remembered for?

My kindness and compassion, and for songs that made people feel connected.

Any upcoming exciting news you’d like to share?

I’ve been really happy that iimini has come with so many visual aspects. There are still a few more visuals to share which I am really excited about.

Follow Bongeziwe Mabandla!

Instagram: @bongeziwemabandla

Twitter: @Bongeziwe

Facebook: @BongeziweMabandlaOfficial

 

-Bridgette Makhela

Thapelo Mokoena On Trackers, New Ventures And The Industry

Thapelo Mokoena / 37 / Actor, Filmmaker, Wine Producer, Brewer & Restaurant/Tap Room Owner

Viewers are currently glued to MNet’s Trackers, tell us about the character you play, Quinn…

Quinn is an ambitious young father chasing his dream. His main mission is to protect and serve the republic and the president’s office. He is a high-end conflicted cop who has a family to look after at home but also has the toughest time at the office, trying to work his way up to one day take charge and head up the bureau.

Bosman Wines has been doing amazing, what’s the collaboration all about?

Bosman Wines is a collaboration about family and the power of unity. Myself and Petrus Bosman became friends and ultimately family in a space of literally a month. The collaboration is all about us expressing the powers we hold as people that can work together, it’s about us being open and showcasing that together we can achieve more and be ground breaking, be brave and try something new and see what happens. It’s also been a year since we started, November is Nero month (we released last year November). We’ve sold out 6400 bottles in 6 months and right now we’re already comfortably selling stock we should be selling in 2020!

One doesn’t see a lot of Africans tapping into the wine industry, what motivated you to take this route?

While visiting and traveling the wine lands via Destinate Tours, the interest sparked. I decided to go out and experience the wine lands as I needed some inspiration to help me with a script I was working on. As I was meeting all the wine families, I also met the Bosmans and that changed everything. We shared conversations and realized we share the same views such as family and business. Meeting the Bosmans felt like the kind of upbringing and values I have known throughout my life so connecting came naturally. Petrus introduced me to a “black grape” (Nero) and explained how it originates from Sicily and can grow in volcanic soil and doesn’t need much to grow, given the drought in Cape Town, it was a game changer. Petrus was looking for someone of my caliber to collaborate with and help open up wine to the average South African. All the work that goes into wine making, the patience required and the challenges faced throughout the process made me learn so much. I still have dreams of living on a farm and I grew up in that space so the venture opportunity really spoke to me.

You’re already a household name in the entertainment industry, how do you always stay on top of your game?

We as South Africans need to become a culture of people that are consistent. As much as I am an actor first, I knew it wouldn’t build me wealth, especially in our country, it bothered me a bit, but I was okay with it. God put me in Africa, not in Hollywood so hey?! I knew I enjoyed the Arts but didn’t know how to apply that passion. Growing up in a small town, I never knew how to articulate it, I mean we never had gadgets such as phones and laptops growing up. When I came to Johannesburg I studied Accounting at Wits but started noticing Art schools, and I’d always say, “they look like how I feel”. From then on I knew I would have to fight to be happy and keep myself in a stable space while pursuing my dream. I’d always pray to God about using my talent and still being able to pay the bills. I come from a family of business so I have always been business minded. The talent has always said you will work, I was in all the lead graduation roles in school while also qualifying as a producer in the film business. I knew I had to be smart and wise, hence I always strive to control the business side of all the projects I am involved in. Consistency is subjective, I can only be consistent as my hard work and I believe there’s more to a human being than being one dimensional.

2019 has seemingly been a great year for you, any other exciting stuff to close of the year?

2019 has been a tough year but a great one in general, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. In the midst of the toughness, the exciting news is that I am officially a co-owner of a beer brewery/restaurant/Tap Room as of today Thursday 21 November! The Ukhamba Beerworx Tap Room & Shisanyama is in Claremont, Cape Town (53 Main Rd, Claremont). We’re launching The Tap Room and the highly anticipated new branding for the Ukhamba beers today. The business has been around for 3 years and with my involvement comes a new identity, a new age and new journey. The Tap Room is a concept store for beers and a full solution liquor distribution company that handles logistics on and off consumption in the Gauteng, Western Cape and Kwazulu Natal areas. Currently it boasts being South Africa’s largest and most reliable one stop route to market partner for brewers, distillers and brands looking to expand…You’re the first to get the scoop!

You’re involved in a lot of projects, how do you manage all of them efficiently?

The trick is to always find a balance, so I always take Mondays off to focus on me, (for my sanity). I set times for work and all the projects I’m involved in. I do all of this while sitting in my garden, sometimes even barefoot because I love nature (growing up on a farm and all), I sometimes call myself a “dignified hippie”. I am an early riser too so I take time to try and meditate as that assists with training my mind to focus. I also constantly creatively think of ways to make all the businesses I am involved in better.

You’re also a big fitness fan, do you have a schedule you follow?

Yes I am a big fitness fan and I always try and have a schedule, I always want to be prepared.

Proudest moment in your career so far?

There’s definitely more than one moment, but getting a South African Film & Television Award (SAFTA) for my mobile cinema was a proud moment. I hadn’t even planned to take the trip to Sun City that day, so that was definitely a highlight. One other highlight was getting to star on Deon Meyer’s ‘Trackers’ that is going to be aired across the world. I am at the point in my career where I am clear about what I want and what my story is. I hope this is the point in my career where I “Denzel!” I’ve got a lot of international projects coming up that I am signing away, its crazy! 2020’s already fully booked. It’s been 17 years for me in this industry and I’ve never not worked.

What/who keeps you grounded and focused?

It’s where I come from, I come from a very hardworking family. My brothers and I were never raised as kids that had privilege. We were always reminded that we were just people, our own person. My father is quite a successful man (which is all my mother’s doing) but we never used his name or title to gain anything in our personal lives. The prayers from my family as well, there’s a lot of well wishes from them that keep me going and not let me go astray or lose focus of the bigger picture. I am in a public industry and there is so much that could easily go wrong, I am human and I am not perfect but I do however always strive to be the best version of myself. There’s always pressure and I always say I am not a role model, I am a human being who is pursuing his vision and his dream, so take the good that you see, take what you need and leave what you don’t want because I’ll still be human tomorrow. I don’t believe I am “the guy”, my wife and I are not “the couple” and there’s no such thing as perfect love or a perfect marriage. At the same time, I have to be a father to 2 beautiful souls which are my sons, I have to do it for them, they have to be proud of their father. I believe the more you get drawn into the spotlight, is the more you should be selfless, the moment I forget that, I’ll live in my ego and be driven by it. I am South African but I am born into the world, have I really started working as an artist if my work is only consumed in Africa and a bit of London? I don’t think so. There’s still a lot of work to do. I don’t think I am worth celebrating, I think I am just a guy that works hard.

 

Follow Thapelo!

Instagram: @mokoenalive

Twitter: @ThapeloMokoena

Facebook: Thapelo Mokoena

 

-Bridgette Makhela

Thabo & Thabiso On YoMzansi, Relevant Content And Social Media

Thabo Modiselle and Thabiso Modiselle / Content Creators at 5@2 Media & YoMzansi

Content is of the essence. How did YoMzansi begin?

YMZ began as a hobby at a time when we were messing around with computers and coding. And since we were attached to the entertainment industry, we figured we’d create our own blog which would talk about the latest news in entertainment, music and digital trends. This was back in 2008 and we named the blog 5@2 News Network. Then in 2010, we decided to re brand to YoMzansi and make it a solid passion project, because people were enjoying our content and wanted more. Today, YoMzansi is a platform that focuses on current pop culture and documenting it. We also curate our own original content through dope collaborations with different brands.

Describe a typical day at the office…

Weekdays we kick start the day at 8am, the plan is to keep our mornings very easy so we can achieve a lot more within those hours. The first hour we go through our To-Do list and figure out deadlines and the content list. Between that and midday, we’re on our laptops putting up content on the blog and social media, while getting on those morning calls and E-mailing potential clients and brands. At times we use some hours to put together proposals and share ideas with certain brands we’re keen on working with, so this is a team effort. Same morning we get package deliveries from brands that have booked editorials and shoots. Lunchtime we hit the drawing board together with the team to come up with killer ideas for editorial shoots. Once we have implemented the key ideas and plan, we spend most afternoon hours putting together the shoot at the studio. We try as much to stay away from meetings, unless it’s critical. We wrap up our day after receiving a bunch of invites to attend launches, events, press conferences, etc (not all of them pay). We then decide which ones would be great to attend, where it will be beneficial to network and get dope content.

You guys are twins, how does working together pan out?

It has honestly made things a bit smoother in terms of building and getting the work done, because we can multi-task. We have spent time together since day one, and have shared our passion since, so our work relationship has become a lot easier. But also, this comes with a lot of arguments because as much as we’re twins, our tastes differ, so at times when we have to put out a final product, you find that we have to choose what is best and it’s not always easy. But through the years we’ve managed to overcome challenges like that, because we share the same vision and our work ethic is on a thousand.

What’s the secret to always producing fresh, relevant and visually captivating content on your blog? 

When we started the blog, most times, the question was what type of content would we (personally) want to consume and read daily. From that, we started looking at trendy, fresh and youthful content that any millennial would enjoy and want to subscribe to. Picture it: when you’re hanging with your friends, what would you talk about? The ‘IT’ Fashion item everyone has, money, cars, music, the coolest restaurant in Melville and so forth. So it’s not really a secret but more of daily stuff that attracts millennials.

2019, what’s the goal?

Building and building. There is much to be done, but the focus for this year is content. We are expanding our current podcast #YMZTechTalk and want to launch two more and produce more video content focused on South African pop culture. We also plan on expanding our portfolio in terms of collaborating with different brands that appeal to our audience.

What do you think South African Bloggers, Influencers and Content Creators still need to figure out?

It’s definitely the ‘storytelling’ part, that’s the key thing, many Influencers new and old still think it’s about the massive following, trending and clout. Creators and Influencers need to focus on telling beautiful and honest stories about whatever subject/topic they are covering. We need more Creators who are reliable when it comes to their word and work. Remember all this has to come with an audience that relies on your word, and that easily makes you stand out. Also for the ‘longevity’ part, can a kid in the next 10 years reference your piece, work, review or photograph? Also, it’s important to ‘stay away’ from the cycle of doing what others are doing, the usual things. It will be so dope to see new Creators and Influencers coming into the industry with their own taste, impact, style and just authentic new cool.

Think we’ll ever see the end of social media?

As long as we have the internet, social media will never die. Besides the celebrity life, slay queens, etc, social media is about connecting people, communicating and sharing information, and you have to think about this ‘world wide’. These days people rely on social media for information, latest news, advice and so on. Platforms are always going to be there for people to access such. Social media has to be the biggest thing that has ever happened to the internet itself, we honestly don’t think that today the internet would be fun without the social media part of it (Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram).

What are you guys looking forward to the most this year?

What is important to us is taking a step closer to the big goal. So even if it’s just one step we take this year, that will be dope for us. We are on a journey of building a media network with YoMzansi, have our own digital network, TV shows and expanding the brand into a lifestyle.

What does YoMzansi do for the culture?

Currently, we’re focused on documenting all the important stories and events that are happening within the music, fashion, art, film and lifestyle industry. We also tell stories about individuals who are pushing the envelope within those categories. This is so that the upcoming generation can have an authentic and honest reference about what was going on 5 to 10 years ago. We’re in the digital era, they should be able to read that, watch it or stream.

 

Follow Thabo & Thabiso! 

Twitter: @ThaboThabiso

Instagram: @ThaboThabiso

Facebook: @ThaboThabiso Modiselle

 

–Bridgette Makhela

Naledi Sibisi On Content, The Throne And The Mobb

Naledi Sibisi / 26 / Editor-in-Chief at The Throne Agency

Content, what does this mean to you?

Quality, value, tact and reception. Beyond how you carry and pass on information, I think content (creation and marketing) has more to do with how much you captivate and keep your target audience. The people behind the content have to be in the know; research, be on top of trends, understand what is happening in their industries and address or influence their audience through that knowledge. I think that really great content has more to do with the audience than the creator or marketer in the end. Your audience is ultimately who keeps determining what content is and how it translates.

It took you how many years to get to this point?

In theory, eight years. In practice, I would say about three years.

The Throne & The Mobb are dope, give a synopsis…

They feed each other but they also stand alone. Both The Throne and The Mobb explore entertainment, fashion, art and culture in a South African context. The agencies study cultural insights and influencer relations in order to serve as a voice for the contemporary urban and creative landscape. Most importantly, they are 100% Black female owned – aiming to reshape and rethink the creative industry and dynamic for the generation coming on board in the future.

What’s an Influencer to you?

Someone who has the ability to affect how you think and feel about products or services and can ultimately control your purchase power as a result. It goes beyond the surface level and pretty pictures on social media. An influencer is someone who has built up a following based on who they are, what they know and has identified their niche. As a result, brands can use this knowledge and audience loyalty to collaborate with them for marketing purposes to achieve their specific objectives. Influencers are assets.

Writing, it’s either you have it or you don’t. Agree?

Yes and no. I think as with any creative field it’s part ‘gift’, part passion and equal parts practice. You have to constantly study and practice your craft as much as you are passionate about it. You can have a natural flair for writing but if you are not pushing yourself, studying other writers and researching, you don’t have it.

South African social media platforms that praise and promote females, do we have enough?

More than enough. We need to keep promoting and praising them more. Above that, we need to keep putting more women in influential positions and positions of power. The gatekeepers of said platforms are still predominantly male. Life is about balance, it needs to apply in quite simple and complex contexts.

They say the hustle never stops, do you ever stop working and just chill?

I think that when you love what you do, you become a workaholic by default. It’s always important to take time out. I make it a point to not check work related things after a certain point. If it’s urgent, it can find me at 5AM lol.

How would you want to change another person’s life through the work you do?

To keep being a source of inspiration or reference on a large scale. In the near future when I feel I have established myself, I’d definitely like to take a group under my wing; I suppose like a mentorship. I think that knowledge is best when it is shared. I want young people specifically to be able to enjoy the fruits of my labour and pass that on.

Where can everyone find your movement, handles?

Instagram: @thethronesa / @themobb_sa

Twitter: @TheThroneSA / @TheMobbSA

Website: www.thethrone.co.za / https://www.thethrone.co.za/the-mobb/

 

–Bridgette Makhela