Xavier Steeze On Being An Entertainer And Maintaining Stage Presence

Sibusiso Xavier Lawrence Thwala / 23 / Freelance Entertainer of everything in the name of Arts

 When did you fall in love with dance?

I’ve always loved dancing and entertaining.

What does being an entertainer mean to you?

It means everything to me, I feel alive when I am on stage. I also love watching choreography or stage direction I have created on big stage productions.

What other avenues are you involved in?

I have just started my own cinematography company called #X_FRAMES. I am also doing a bit of photography and videography for some artists. I work with BlackWorks Media too, I host events at different clubs and festivals and also do brand activations for various brands.

How much time does it take to choreograph a routine for a performance?

It all depends on the time the choreography is needed, but there are cases where you have to create choreography on the spot.

How do you select the perfect song for a routine?

Well, you pick a song that best brings out the creativity out of you, or a song you know will move people.

How many years have you been in the entertainment industry?

I have officially been part of the entertainment industry for ten years. My first paying gig was at the age of 13.

How many South African music videos have you been featured in so far?

I really have lost count…but I can proudly say that I have done music videos for most of the prominent artists in South Africa and North Africa.

The biggest highlight of your career so far?

I have three:

1. Black Motion performance at the MTV MAMA AWARDS performance, choreographed by me. –> https://youtu.be/B2fc1acRUAw

2. Placing top 3 HIP HOP INTERNATIONAL FOR DUO ALL STYLES with @LEASH_KES –> https://youtu.be/_Gh7QedPIsk

3. Riky Rick’s performance at the SAMA22, choreographed by @PHANTOM_STEEZE

 

Follow Xavier Steeze!

Instagram: @xavier_steeze

Twitter: @Xaviera_Steeze

Facebook: Sibusiso Thwala Xavier

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

MTV Channel Director Dillon Khan Speaks Lip Sync Battle Africa, To Air Soon

MTV Channel Director, Dillon Khan

How will Lip Sync Battle Africa (#LSBAfrica) be unique in its own right?
As with most formats, the show will remain true to the original but we’ll also be adding a big touch of African flavour. We expect the celebs to get their inner performer out by dazzling the studio audience as well as the ones watching on MTV (DStv Channel 130). The guests will first perform an African classic and close with an international smash hit. It promises to be as entertaining – if not more – than the US version.

Content is vital, will the show keep viewers glued to their Television sets?
Content and talent are vital. This show gives you bragging rights when you defeat your opponent. Imagine seeing your favourite rapper singing Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” or a big name politician singing Kanye West’s “Gold Digger”. That’s what dreams, or nightmares, are made of. We’ll have the entire family gathered round the TV to watch this one.

Which big African names can viewers look forward to seeing on the show?
We can’t reveal who the names are just yet. You’ll have to tune in on Thursday 14th April at 8:50pm on MTV channel 130 to find out what we have in store for you.

 

Why the decision to use e.tv for the Lip Sync Battle Africa terrestrial premiere?
We like to share our sweets with everyone and it’s great to get a terrestrial footprint for this great property. We’ve partnered with e.tv before, whether it was the VJ search or the MTV Africa Music Awards. This format will premiere on MTV and then on e.tv 9 days later, allowing the whole of South Africa to enjoy this jaw dropping show.

Any hints as to who the hosts of the show will be?
It’s a top secret at the moment. There are many amazing hosts that we’re looking at and many who have reached out to us who want to take the reins. We’ll be announcing very soon, so stay tuned to mtv.co.za and @mtvafrica for breaking news.

Is there a set target to reach when it comes to viewership numbers for the show?
Our aim is ambitious – we are gunning to achieve our highest ever ratings on MTV.

Overall, what can viewers expect on Africa’s version of Lip Sync Battle?
If you’ve seen the US show on MTV on Mondays at 9:35pm, multiply it by a gazillion.

 

–Bridgette Makhela