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

 

Thapelo Mokoena Talks New Film, His Craft And The Industry

Thapelo Mokoena
33
Actor / Producer / Filmmaker

What’s the daily Thapelo Mokoena schedule like?
It consists of a high level of discipline and keeping my eye on the ball. Chasing the dream and fulfilling it. Most of the work I have to do myself, as an actor I get to fulfill other people’s dreams. Consistency is key.

Describe the role you play on the upcoming movie, Mrs Right Guy…
I play a guy called Dumile, a well to-do business man, he’s a young guy working for a big corporation. It’s a story of an underdog who goes from rags to riches. He can’t stand people that believe there is a short cut to life. He’s always fixing people’s problems. An arrogant guy who believes he is the solution for people on this earth. He is very self-assured and believes himself to be god-sent.

Tell me more about Kasi Movie Nights?
Kasi Movie Nights is a mobile cinema events company that brings the cinema experience to the people in a refreshing manner; it works as an informal cinema. It takes African-produced movies to the people, we all know there are no cinemas in the townships, Kasi Movie Nights is the solution to township cinema. People can watch movies in their own environment in a special way. It is the first of it’s kind on our shores. I believe our people need to start watching themselves; we pirate so many movies, consuming so much US and Australian content, that has to change.

Did you always want to end up in the entertainment industry?
I think so, I look at my life and since I was a kid my brothers and I have always been that way. It was a natural thing in the household; I grew up in a small town so we entertained ourselves. We would put the radio in the garage; connect a MIC, recorded music and movies. I have a serious passion for the arts. I guess I’ve always known.

What have you learnt about the industry?
It’s growing, from being an infant to a toddler…the world is our oyster. The fuel for the arts is an artist. It is one way to learn a lot of things about yourself. I enjoy it, the world is watching!

Inspiration comes in all forms, where do you get yours from?
Everywhere…I come from a family of hard workers, it’s all we’ve ever known and seen. I am inspired by where I am from; I come from a small town and what my parents managed to do from the situation inspires me. I do not want to fail them. I have also created another generation, my son inspires me every day to be a better man.

How do you practice remaining constant in your craft?
I believe that we all want to make it. Not all of us reach our goals; so I believe that I need to be the best at what I do, when I do it. My last job is the only CV I have so I constantly have to reinvent myself and invest in myself. The industry is small, so if needs be, I will be the freshest, fittest, etc. I will always leave a good mark, no matter what kind of day I’m having. If it needs to get done, I will do it like it’s the first gig. One never stops learning…

What makes you tick?
Time wasting is horrible, especially when someone wastes my time. People who don’t come prepared are to me, very unprofessional.

The bush or the burbs?
The bush!

Are you happy with the man you see in the mirror every day?
Most of the time yes, but not all the time. I do disappoint myself sometimes, and judge myself…But there are always more smiles than frowns.

Follow Thapelo!

Instagram: @mokoenalive

Twitter: @ThapeloMokoena

Facebook: Thapelo Mokoena

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

 

Some Time With Thiwe Mbola, All About Her Soul Therapy Album

Thiwe Mbola / 31 / Singer/Songwriter

Tell us about your album Soul Therapy…
Soul Therapy is my second album, released last year September. It has eleven tracks and was produced by Demor with the exception of ‘I Am Woman’, which was produced by Sun-El as well as ‘I Care For You’, which was produced by Mondli Ngcobo. I wrote six of the songs and co-wrote two. Sbu Nkomo wrote a beautiful Sesotho love song, and two were written by Mondli Ngcobo. The album has three features, which include Zano, Ziyon and Busiswa. It’s a beautiful body of work that showcases my songwriting, vocal capabilities and growth as a storyteller.

What inspired the album?
The album is inspired by my own personal journey. I sing about faith, prayer, spirituality, heartbreak, loneliness, love, a man’s role in society and female solidarity.

What are your favourite songs on the album, if any?
‘I Am Woman’ (a celebration of being a modern day woman and encouragement for women to celebrate their individuality and that of others). ‘Just A Matter Of Time’ is also close to my heart as it’s a reminder that as much as I am nowhere near where I want to be, things will work out eventually.

Any collaborations on the album that stood out for you?
All three collaborations are special. I believe Zano and I are vocal soulmates, what we make together is just magical. Ziyon came in to do vocal arrangement and ended up recording a verse for ‘Just A Matter Of Time’. We really blend well together. The collaboration with Busiswa is special because the one thing I wanted most for the album was female collaborations and she’s the only one who agreed. Her energy on ‘Ubuhle Bendoda’ was exactly what I expected.

Have you always been in the music business?
I have been in the music business since 2004. I started out with doing backing vocals, and then got into the music business learnership, from there I got into artist management and worked on The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz and did PR for Kem when he came to South Africa for the first time. So even when I’m not making music, I’m somehow still involved in the background.

What can you reveal about your journey in the industry so far?
My journey has not been all moonlight and roses but I wouldn’t change anything about it. I have grown a backbone and learnt to do things myself and all this really does come in handy, especially when you are a woman in a male dominated industry.

How’s your schedule for 2016 looking like?
2016 started off on a good note when I got nominated for a Metro FM Music Award in the Best Female category. So God willing, I’ll be bringing it home. I’m heading to the Miami Winter Music Conference in March for two performances and to record a collaboration with the legendary house vocalist Barbara Tucker. One other collaboration with Charles Webster has just been put to bed. I’d love to take Soul Therapy on the road to promote it as I know that many people still don’t know me and my work. Other than that, I’m working behind the scenes for a few projects close to my heart. I’ll definitely be revealing them when the time is right.

What can you tell young talented women that would love to take the same road as you?
When talent is there, don’t ever compromise your values in order to succeed. It’s very appealing to fast forward the hustle by doing things you wouldn’t normally do that compromise everything you stand for, but it’s so rewarding to see your hard work paying off.

*Soul Therapy is available on iTunes and in music stores*

Follow Thiwe!

Instagram: @thiwem

Twitter: @Thiwe

Facebook: Thiwe Mbola

 

–Bridgette Makhela