Thabang Molaba: The Actor, Model And Upcoming Stylist

Thabang Molaba / 23 / Actor, Model, venturing into Styling

Explain how the journey to where you are now has been…

It’s been a very difficult journey of rejection, failure and sometimes success. I’m actually glad I never gave up. Besides that, all the struggles and failure I endured, were preparing me for a great reward which is currently unfolding.

You’re a model and actor, has this always been on the cards for you?

Yes, especially with acting, that’s where my heart is.

What would you be doing if you were not in the industry?

I’d probably be with a team of architects putting together a sketch of a building about to be built.

How’s your daily routine like?

Very busy. Filled with spiritual, physical and mental activities. And a day doesn’t end without me getting busy with anything that has to do with acting and drama.

You’ve recently done work with Ferguson Films via The Queen, any valuable lessons learnt there?

I learnt that you need to be firmly present and be there for yourself.

Had you ever done acting before?

I had drama plays in my hometown’s youth club. However, The Queen was my first Television acting gig.

How do you keep focused in your line of work?

I try my best to shut out the distractions. I keep myself present in the now. Give everything in the process instead of the results.

What’s that pinnacle you’d love to reach one day?

I want to be an award-winning actor, it could be any type of award. I want to be in Hollywood productions and projects. I want to play the Marvel superhero ‘Black Panther’ someday. More than anything, I’d like to maintain a constant stupendous improvement in my craft of acting.

Motivation and inspiration, were do you draw them from?

I probably have the most motivated and determined friends in the world. We inspire each other to constantly do great and better. And of course my acting coach Patricia Boyer, she is truly amazing. Other than that, I get it from watching good classic movies and theater plays, interviews and series.

How was 2017 for you and any big things you’re looking forward to this year?

2017 was honestly an amazing year for me. Everything only began to fall into place. It was the beginning for me. A great start. In 2018 I’m looking forward to my comeback on The Queen and a small role I did for Ring Of Lies. That’s all I know of so far, however I know for a fact that 2018 is going to be a year that’s impeccably great. I am excited.

Follow Thabang!

Instagram: @thabangmolaba_

Twitter: @ThabangMolaba_

Facebook: Thabang Molaba

–Bridgette Makhela

Kinetic On New Single ‘Touch’, South African House Music And Future Plans

Thabo Damari aka Kinetic / House DJ, Producer, Professional Audio Engineer & Entrepreneur 

Who is Kinetic?

Kinetic, as I like to call myself, is an avid music enthusiast. I am someone who has continued to stay true to what I believe in despite many influences. I possess a creative spirit that continues to drive me and constantly pushes me to challenge myself. The name Kinetic is simply defined as an energy around a moving object. I possess that energy within me and whether I’m behind the decks or sitting in front of my DAW, I am simply transferring that energy.

Your new single titled ‘Touch’, who does it feature?

Touch features an amazing fellow creative by the name of Vugar M Beats. Vugar is a multi talented individual who sings, produces and also comes up with unique concepts. The track also has a remix by Chris Carter, who gave it a different feel which resonates with the masses.

What inspires your love for House music?

Over the years I have realized that House music is not just a genre, it’s a community. My inspiration stems from the community of House music. As House music enthusiasts we are always looking to better the culture within the community. Not only that but we are always looking to progress the sound forward. That for me, provides constant inspiration.

Any other singles you are set to release this year?

I have a few projects pending which are set to be released this year (if all goes according to plan). I have already completed two EPs, but I need to make sure that the standard and quality of the music can compete on an international level. I’m also halfway from concluding a project with a very talented female vocalist from Pretoria, the details of that project will be released in due time.

What’s your relationship with Just Mo Records?

The label founder and owner Just Mo has been like my mentor to me ever since I joined YFM. He is a respected member of the House music community, and he is somewhat of an authority in the music industry. I have always wanted to work with Just Mo on a personal capacity outside the realms of radio, so when the opportunity came about I was more than thrilled.

What’s your take on the current South African House music industry?

There’s been talk around how monotonous the industry is currently. A lot of people, particularly those who are in the industry have been complaining about the standard of local House music and the events. I personally believe that there has to be diversity in order for all of us to co-exist. Our aim should be to push the culture forward and avoid being stagnant so that the House music industry can be as economically viable as it’s counterparts. This can only happen if each individual in the community can add positive value, including myself.

How do you balance your day job with a DJ career?

I have always found a way to have balance. In the times we live in now it is not uncommon for someone to be engaging in multiple crafts at the same time. What has helped me is that what I do as an Engineer has enhanced my capabilities as a Music Producer and DJ.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

That has always been a relatively tough question for me to answer because I analyze so many people in the industry, not only in House music but across multiple genres. That’s because I believe that I can learn more from a group of individuals than I would from one person. Everyone has something to offer and everyone has a lesson to teach.

How’s the future looking for Kinetic?

I believe the future holds so much more for me. I see progress each passing day. I was destined to succeed and no matter the challenges, I will continue to work towards my greatness. With God and my family by my side nothing is impossible.

Follow Kinetic!

Instagram: @kinetic_sa

Twitter: @Kinetic_ERR

Facebook: Thabo Kinetic SA

–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

 

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