Kgadi Mothotse On Ambitiouz Entertainment And Public Relations In South Africa

Kgadi Annah Mothotse / 25 / Publicist & Booking Agent

How did you get into Public Relations?

I studied at a media school, Boston Media House and fell in love with the concept of creating ideas strategically to build a certain perception of the brand or whatever it is you are trying to achieve with your consumers. My personality was also well fitted for the career path that I chose because of the fact that I am so confident, I believe in my ability to create stars and so I ran with it.

Your journey in the industry so far, how has it been?

It hasn’t been an easy one at all. But it most certainly has been rewarding. But one thing that has really helped is to have my own goals and targets in mind. I know very well that I want to be the best and I know what it will take for me to get there. I think the journey is still to give me challenges to overcome, but the most important thing is to overcome them right? I won’t give up, that much I know. I plan to go out in history books.

Ambitiouz Entertainment, what has it taught you?

It has taught me a lot about loyalty and passion for my career. Ambitiouz Entertainment has given me a voice and a fighting spirit in the bigger scheme of things. It made me realize and expose my strengths, passions and weaknesses to masses and myself that I wasn’t even aware of. It has also assisted me to polish my skills.

Which artists do you represent at Ambitiouz Entertainment?

I represent all artists.

How do you deal with bad publicity that affects your artists’ reputation?

It is important to remind fans and media of all the positive things that the artist has achieved in a small period of time. It is also important not to stray away but instead own up and give a humble approach. Let people know you are also a person but one whose mistakes and successes are magnified by an entire nation, whether good or bad.

Is South African PR on a competitive level yet?

No, I don’t think it is. I don’t think that we are being creative enough, instead we follow methods and ideas that have already been there for over 20 years. We need more people to be innovative and really think outside the box and work with what they have. Whatever it is you are trying to sell will only be appreciated with a stand out, memorable approach.

A moment you’re really proud of to date?

Being asked to be on a panel of Women In Music, presented by Thiwe Mbola. I was asked to speak as a PR expert at the age of 25, making me the youngest person on that panel. Most recently is Sjava winning a 2018 BET Award for Best International Act.

What would you like the rest of 2018 to bring?

I would like it to bring more prosperity and success with the company and it’s artists.

A message you would give to industry personalities seeking to keep a lasting brand…

Stay true to yourself and be authentic. People fall in love with people who are true and give real life stories.

 

Follow Kgadi!

Instagram: @kgadiness

Twitter: @kgadiness

Facebook: Kgadi Mothotse

 

Follow Ambitiouz Entertainment!

Instagram: @ambitiouz_entertainment

Twitter: @Ambitiouz_Ent

Facebook: Ambitiouz Entertainment

 

–Bridgette Makhela

Kutloano ‘Da Kruk’ Nhlapo On DJing, The Axe Ibiza Experience And His Industry Journey

Kutloano Nhlapo / 29 / Mix DJ / Radio Presenter / Radio Music Executive / All Round Creative

How’d you find your way into the industry?

It’s been a really long journey that started during school holidays. I used to job shadow DJ Sbu’s Drive Time Show and eventually had a taste of radio and the Schools Art Festival in Grahamstown, I think that’s when I knew that music and radio are what I’m going to do until the casket drops. DJing started a lot earlier, which was also during my high school days, a friend of mine had equipment and we’d chill for hours on end in his backroom DJing. The defining point, however, was leaving UJFM to produce Mo Flava’s Breakfast Show on YFM 99.2 at the age of 22 back in 2012.

Has your journey been epic or a beautiful struggle? Elaborate…

My journey has been a beautiful struggle and epic at the same time because it’s been really challenging, confusing and torturing all in the same breath. Every time I think of giving up or doubting my abilities, a reward takes me to the next level.

You made headlines last year by winning the Axe DJ search competition, how has that impacted/shaped your brand?

That was a defining period, I mean I was one of the last people to enter the competition because I was in a place where I was fighting who I am and what I wanted from the industry as a creative. So I entered because playing in Ibiza was a childhood dream and this opportunity really took me back to why I wanted to DJ and why I actually started, so it really wasn’t a battle to beat any other DJ but a challenge to fulfill something I’ve always wanted.

How does a typical day for you look like?

I’m a workaholic that’s always ready to outwork everybody, so every time I have time on my hands and doing nothing with it, I feel like I’m cheating myself. So during the week (Monday to Friday) I’m at YFM working as a Music Executive, playing my part in contributing to the sound and direction of the station. During weekends I’m either doing my radio shows on YFM or gigging somewhere in the country.

Ever had/have a mentor?

Yeah, before I got into radio I worked as an intern at a youth marketing agency called Monatefellaz, which was founded by Musa Kalenga. I left Monatefellaz at age 22 as a Junior Creative Director and made sure that I maintain that relationship over the years, so besides not working for him, I kept reaching out over the years and that’s how he became a person that helps me make some crucial career decisions and maintain a progressive mindset. Musa Kalenga is an author, master strategist, speaker and all things progressive African.

What does music mean to you?

Music means ‘Privileged Mindset’ to me because music prepares and makes us overcome any situation or any stage of life. It’s one of the only art forms that gives obvious solutions to our everyday life struggles.

Favourite genre of music? (already seems pretty obvious though…lol)

Well I don’t think it’s as obvious as you think. I’m a big Hip-Hop fan because of how precise the messaging is in the art, so you know exactly what the person is going through and what he/she is trying to say. It’s closely followed by Dance/House music because of the feeling of immunity it gives one and the fact that you are able to comprehend every record the way you want.

When you play for a crowd, what makes it memorable?

I think being able to take a group of people from one energy wavelength to the next regardless of their racial, socioeconomic status or background is an out of body experience for me and is probably the most addictive thing one can do.

You’ve done some traveling too, any type of growth you experienced?

Yeah man, traveling just makes you realize how much more there is to contribute to the culture and world through music. It’s taught me a lot about myself and what I have to contribute creatively.

What’s the plan going forward?

Just being more creative in my approach and not fall for society’s trap and what everyone else is doing or deems as a working formula.

What’s your 2018 mindset yet?

2018 is looking amazing, as we speak my first quarter is almost sorted and it entails traveling, international collaborations and growing organically as a creative so I’m really amped up.

Any closing words for the culture?

ALL DREAMS ARE VALID!

Follow Da Kruk!

Instagram: @dakruk

Twitter: @dakruk

Facebook: Kutloano da Kruk

–Bridgette Makhela