Reabetswe Mooketsi On Public Relations And Founding I BAR PUBLICITY

Reabetswe Fortune Mooketsi aka “Rabi” / 26 / Founder & Director at I BAR PUBLICITY 

 How have you contributed to the industry so far?

Wow, it has been an interesting journey for me. PR really found me, in 2016 on a random day I got a call for my Mavin records (Nigeria) and they asked me to assist Tiwa Savage with PR, just a year later I was employed by Sony Music Africa as a PR intern – the greatest foundation ever! Having worked on the biggest projects; Dj Maphorisa, Riky Rick, Kwesta, Jabu Hlongwane, the list goes on and on! Six months later, I found myself at Universal Music as a Coordinator for the local division, 2018 releases had to become my babies; from Nasty C’s “Strings & Blings”, Lady Zamar, Prince Kaybee, Mafikizolo, DJ Ganyani, Kalawa Jazmeee, Dr Tumi, Khaya Mthethwa, I could literally go on. But I can confidently say I was truly blessed having worked with a quarter of the South African music industry and made a great contribution to that!

What does a typical day consist of for you?

My day consists of a lot of emails, long phone calls and seeking new opportunities! Re-Introducing myself, taking care of existing clients and ensuring that all is still going well.

What’s the one thing required when working with artists and celebrities?

Being selfless; having worked with number of artists has taught me to put the client’s needs first, and making sure their dreams come true!

Describe Public Relations in one word… 

Exciting.

Who’s got the dopest brand/image right now according to you?

Riky Rick! What an Influencer!

What’s the secret to a successful event?

Planning and dedication.

One item you can’t survive without?

My phone!

 It’s not easy working your way to the top, advice for upcomers? 

Stay true to who you are, don’t break but just crack and get up! Be open to learning, be humble, don’t be scared of introducing yourself! With each opportunity you get, whether it’s a paying or non paying gig, take it as an experience and give it your all! It’s okay not to know, just ask! Make mistakes and learn from them!

Where can people reach you?

Personal: @RabiMe on Instagram & Twitter

Work: @ibarpublicity on Instagram & Facebook

 

–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

 

 

Ayanda Thabethe On Her Modeling, Acting, TV Hosting And Entrepreneurial Career

Ayanda Thabethe

Actress | TV Host | Model | Entrepreneur

Who is Ayanda?

A lover of God, family and friends. Ambitious and carving my own path, my own way.

How did you break into the modeling industry?

After many closed doors, due to my height and lack of exposure, I reached out to a friend who happened to know my current agency head. He then put us in contact with each other and when she saw my pictures, she immediately signed me to the agency under which I now work under.

Was it a surprise to be selected as an E! Africa Television host?

A complete surprise and an absolute honour and privilege. I had worked with the team before on a production for SABC 1, a movie called Zion. They remembered me from then and called me for E!, much to my amusement and delight.

Any other avenues you are focusing on this year?

I’m focusing on my Marketing agency Buzzworthy that I have been running with my business partner for over a year now. We are seeing great strides in the business and just want to continue with the momentum. I’m also quite excited for my BIG acting debut on one of South Africa’s leading drama series, Rockville, as a lead.

Being a model for Khosi Nkosi, how did that come about?

I suppose when you are being authentic and running your own race people get drawn to you as a person, so I suppose that’s what happened with Khosi Nkosi. I just received a call regarding being the face of their Autumn range and I couldn’t say no. The brand fit was just right. Khosi Nkosi speaks to the woman that is taking strides, owning her talent and is a go-getter, I believe that describes me perfectly. Needless to say, the campaign was a hit!

How do you maintain your fitness and health?

I really struggle in this department, for me it’s a matter of trying, falling off and getting back again. I try my best to eat healthy but I have an extremely sweet tooth which is a big problem. Otherwise I exercise with my mates as often as possible. I do enjoy spinning quite a lot.

Music or milk?

Music… It soothes the soul in a way that nothing else can.

Who makes you laugh?

Nothing gets me like a good quality conversation with great sense of humour.

Describe your life in one word…

Grace.

Favourite quote?

“It takes a long time to become an overnight success.”

Follow Ayanda!

Instagram: @ayandathabethe_

Twitter: @ayandathabethe_

 

–Bridgette Makhela