Austin Malema On 10 Years In The Industy, RTC Studios And The Future Of Photography

Mpho Austin Malema / Entrepreneur, Photographer & Founder of RTC Studios and Pixel Kollective

You’re a well-known photographer in South Africa, how has the journey been so far?

I have been in the industry for just over 10 years as a photographer and the journey has been an interesting one with many ups and downs. It is not as easy as it seems. Right now people only see your glory years and want the same thing but they don’t know of the failures and trials you face before getting to a point where your work speaks for itself.

What is RTC Studios and what services are offered?

RTC stands for Ronewa Tshiamo Cai. We are a visual creative hub which currently offers photography and videography solutions.

What’s your opinion on the current young South African photographer’s career span? 

I think as a young photographer in South Africa your career can be short lived depending on how serious you take your craft and using it to build a career. The big thing is adapting to different forms of photography, as the industry in South Africa is not big enough for one to make a living by just one form of photography. Most times, you have to adapt to new skills to grow. Young photographers need to stay strong and sharp mentally, as failures and rejection can be taxing.

Explain your type of photography…

I shoot lifestyle photography.

How are you staying busy during this pandemic?

At the beginning of this pandemic I was taking part in challenges by other photographers and created one myself, I also started watching tutorials on other forms of photography I am interested in, I usually do this to keep my mind fresh and to develop my skill set. In the  past couple of  weeks, we had had some projects done which should be coming out soon.

Your proudest career moment? 

There are so many of these moments, one being making it onto the Forbes 30 Under 30 list of 2019. I think I realized that photography was more than just photos, but the bigger picture being the business.

One word to describe your industry would be…

Trying.

How’s the future looking?

The future of the industry looks great as there are many opportunities for young people to come in and grow. The future belongs to those who go after it.

Inspire the kids with some closing words of wisdom…

As Confucius once wrote: “Wherever you go, go with all your heart”.

 

Follow Austin Malema! 

Instagram: @aust_malema

Twitter: @AustinMalema

Facebook: @AustMalema

 

-Bridgette Makhela

Ginger Trill On Music, Relevance And Always Staying Focused

Tshegofatso Seroalo aka Ginger Trill / 30 / Musician

The Ginger Trill story, where did it all begin?

The Ginger Trill story began long ago, probably back in Potchefstroom before I was called Trill. My friends and I had been making music and cutting demos since high school. I always knew I loved music but it wasn’t until I turned 22 that I knew that I wanted pursue a career in music. 

The come up and remaining relevant, what are your thoughts?

My come up was different and I think no two come-ups are the same really, I’m from the school of the hard knocks. So many failures, mistakes and lessons that helped me grow, not only as an artist, but as a person as well. Seven years since I released my debut album and I’ve learned that relevance is almost like having a “buzz”…it’s all about what you do with the traction you gain.

South African Hip-Hop is hella right now, agree? What are your reasons?

Agreed, the local Hip-Hop scene is lit right now. I think the cycle before this generation had a lot to do with the shift, we’ve never had a scene so full of young independent artists making so much bank off of Rap music, EVER! Thanks to the arrival of prodigies like Nasty C & A-Reece, the industry is opening up.

As an artist that expresses themselves through words and beats, where do you plug in inspiration from?

I draw my inspiration from the music I bump into mostly, and the things I read, the conversations I have, even the shows I watch on TV or on the net, anything that stimulates my mind really. 

How would you describe your music in one word?

Piff. 

Any new material you’re yet to release this year?

Finishing my work on “Tales of the High & Mighty”, a joint tape with myself and Top Goggs from Dizzy Monks. 

Have a favourite track to date that you’ve released?

Too many to mention, and I think they switch every season or year, but right now? I’d say #Money is my favourite song by myself, that record is HARD. 

The plan is to never give up right? What keeps you focused and going?

What keeps me going is purpose, and my family, they are the people I draw my strength and motivation from and of course, my Lord and Saviour.

Where can fans keep in touch with you?  

Fans can catch me on social media.

Instagram: @Ginger_Trill Twitter: @Ginger_Trill Facebook: @Gingertrilly and for music www.gingertrill.com 

 

–Bridgette Makhela