PH On 12 Years In The Industry, Gotta Go Single And Upcoming Projects

PH Madubela / 32 / DJ

Why did you pick the DJ route?

Music is my life, without music I’d probably be sitting at a desk somewhere dreaming about music. 

Over the past 12 years in the industry, what moment still stands out for you?

It’s hard to pick out one singular event and say that was “THE MOMENT”, it’s been a series of small achievements which snowballed into recently being at the forefront of a game changing show which provided relief and entertainment to millions of people in South Africa.

Your latest single ‘Gotta Go’, how did you pick the features on it and what’s the song about?

It’s all been fun and interesting. Tumi and I have been sitting on this song for just under two years. We’ve gone back and forth about who would sit well as a feature. I was recording another song at Da L.E.S’ house when he heard the beat, I then asked him if he would jump on, and 30 minutes later we had a fire verse from him. Kiddo C is special. I was scrolling on Instagram when I saw one of his many freestyles that I liked. I sent him the beat and later that day he sent me his verse, and that’s how the song came about. The song is about having good clean fun, homies wanting to hit the coast, party it up and head back home afterwards.

Following the success of Lockdown House Party, any projects you’re working on?

I’ve been bitten by the TV producer bug. I’m really liking TV and the back of TV shows. There’s something I’m currently working on that will come to light next year. I’m excited for that.

You’re an award winning DJ, does the title come with a lot of pressure?

That’s a thing of the past now. We are in a new year with new challenges. It was great to receive recognition from industry peers. However, I have to earn that title once again. 

What’s your ultimate favourite song?

Common & Kanye West – Go. I will never get tired of that song. And don’t tell anyone (for real for real) Natasha Bedingfield – These Words. That’s my sh**

How do you generally prepare for a big show?

Big or small show, I need to know the demographics, that’s always a good start. Apart from that, I’m always prepared musically. The mood is never the same, so you need to stay ready and stay flexy. 

Any more music you’re set to release before 2020 ends?

Yeah, one more song, or the EP, I’m really undecided. I’m also waiting for one or two more features then we are good to go with the EP.

One thing your fans don’t know about you is…?

It has to remain that way, they must know it!

Follow PH!

Instagram: @iam_ph

Twitter: @iam_ph

Facebook: @IAMPH

-Bridgette Makhela

Castle Lite Unlocks Cardi B In Mzansi This June!

 CASTLE LITE UNLOCKS CARDI B IN MZANSI THIS JUNE, OKURRR!

Africa’s biggest supporter of Hip-Hop culture, Castle Lite has sent chills throughout the continent as they revealed that ground-breaking rapper, Cardi B will headline this year’s Unlocks experience.

Set to perform at the TicketPro Dome in Johannesburg, South Africa on 12 June 2020, Cardi B is one of the most sought-after voices in global Hip-Hop yielding a Grammy award and a world record for the Most Simultaneous Billboard US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Top 10 entries by a female. This year, Castle Lite is proud to have her headline the Unlocks experience as it celebrates its 10^th year.

This is a big year for Castle Lite Unlocks as the brand not only celebrates a decade of making a bigger contribution to African Hip-Hop than any other brand, but also a decade of having given local fans of the genre, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see their favourite chart-topping stars such as Drake, J Cole, Chance the Rapper, Kanye West, Travis Scott, Post Malone, and Meek Mill. And now Cardi B’s performance marks a triumphant 10-year anniversary of the Unlocks experience.

“Castle Lite prides itself in not only being a market leader in the beer category, but also in our commitment to making a positive contribution to African Hip-Hop culture. We couldn’t be more excited to reveal the multi-award winning Press hit-maker, Cardi B as this year’s headliner,” said Castle Lite Brand Director, Silke Bucker.

The brand made the big reveal on Thursday, 20 February after having given loyal Castle Lite Unlocks fans an exclusive first dibs at Early Bird tickets to the 2020 experience. The internet was a buzz with news of Unlocks 2020 tickets being sold from as little as R50.

Devoted fans of the Castle Lite Unlocks movement purchased their Early Bird tickets prior to finding out who this year’s headlining act would be. This dynamic pricing model gives our consumers the ultimate opportunity to experience Castle Lite Unlocks for a fraction of the regular cost while relying on the concert’s reputation to bring the biggest stars in the world to South Africa.

The campaign saw tickets at each phase selling in a record-breaking 10 seconds and sky-rocketing www.castlelite.co.za to the 4^th most visited site in the world by number of visits and is now the most visited site in Africa. At any given moment, 10s of thousands of Hip-Hop lovers camped on the site in hopes to snatch one of the Early Bird tickets.

Consumers who missed out on this feast of Early Bird tickets can purchase their concert package deals at their full retail price starting at R690 from www.castlelite.co.za as of Friday, 21 February 2020.

For more information check out www.castlelite.co.za or follow the official social media pages:

Facebook: Castle Lite

Twitter: @CastleLiteSA

Instagram: @CastleLiteSA

#CastleLiteUnlocks

–Bridgette Makhela

 

Sne Mbatha On Her Passion For Dance And Making Major Moves In The Industry

Snenhlanhla Sne Mbatha / 25 / Choreographer, Dancer, Actress & Creative Director

How did you get into the industry?

I have always been a street dancer, but the day I made my debut on television my life changed forever. I went to a dance school, Dance Direction International to expand my knowledge in dance. From there I moved to the City of Gold to pursue my dream.

You are passionate about dance and it shows through your work, when was the love for dance ignited?

By the time I got to college, sitting in class without a uniform meant I’d be driving myself up the wall in an office environment for the rest of my life! I had to make a decision. Fortunately I got my first proper paying gig which made it easier to convince my mother. It was a question of “Do you want to pay my college fees for the next three years and not be guaranteed a job, or do I make this paper now whilst living my dream and changing lives?!” I never looked back after that day!

Any big shows you can mention that you choreographed?

Wow, there’s quiet a lot! The MAMAs 2015 & 2016, SAMAs, Metro FM Awards 2015 & 2016, Travis Scott, Kanye West, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, The Movie Music Festival, Fill Up The Dome (assistant choreographer), Glo CAF in Nigeria, Yvonne Chaka Chaka in Tanzania (GOALS!!!), etc.

People only see the finished product on stage, how much work goes into what you do on a daily basis?

A whole lot! We just never have enough time. One moment it’s 8am, the next you’re walking out of a studio and it’s past 11pm (good luck to my future hubby, lol). We deal with impressing the client and artist, training our artists, creative directing, music, lights, costumes, keeping our bodies intact because injuries happen (we get sick ALL the time), castings in between work and training our own dancers, it just never ends. I’m just grateful for the people I work with. It’s been pretty balanced. It’s a crazy life that every creative is in a deep relationship with.

That one thing you always do before going on stage?

PRAY! You never do it alone. It’s by God’s will! Before you show off what He’s blessed you with, you gotta give thanks! You can miss a warm up and everything, but not Prayer!

Complete this: I would never trade _________ for anything!

“… my life and it’s ups and downs..” because it got me to where I am today.

How’s your fitness schedule like?

I can freely say it used to be bad but I’m getting there. I don’t eat the healthiest but I’ve gotten into a ‘drinking as much water as I can’ habit. Grateful for my partner, he’s my biggest gym motivation, so now I do those early morning gym sessions. I also do Yoga to keep myself supple, gyming a lot can make your muscles tight, so I have to keep it well balanced. I also don’t have much of a choice because I have a permanent spinal injury so I have to keep training my core and back muscles.

Being approached by big campaigns such as Nike, does that make you feel that your work is being recognized?

My girl Tarryn is the one that’s always on the lookout for me there. It’s always a huge thing for me. These are brands that I grew up struggling to buy, but being put in a position to represent the brand is an honour. I’m also a Puma girl.

What do you think South African dance still needs to get to the next level?

We need to be educated about the business in dance. One of the reasons why society and the rest don’t take us seriously is because some of us still struggle to operate the business itself. Once we get that on the go, I’m sure things will change. 2018 is gonna be my year for that!

Your favourite South African song right now?

Yoh! South African artists are eating fire these days. Newcomers, upcoming artists, legends, err’body! Everyone is so lit that I don’t have a specific song but DJ Maphorisa’s Qhom album is LIT, Shane Eagle also DID THE DAMN THING, Phantom, Costa Titch, Benny_Chill, Mr All Of It are some of the artists to be on the lookout for! Priddy Ugly, 2018 neh! OK! Bruh there’s A LOT mate.

Who is/are your biggest cheerleader/s?

My family, my man and my supporters.

What’s your go-to form of meditation?

YOGA! I play slow music and listen to my body. If I was back home I’d be at the beach but shame Jozi thle, so I hit the mountain. No one ever knows when I go there.

Think 2018 has your name on it already?

Hmmm, kindly ask the Almighty! I’m already cooking! I just feel sorry for those who thought it’s over for me.

Follow Sne!

Instagram: @iam_snembatha

Twitter: IAM_SNEMBATHA

Facebook: I AM SNE Mbatha

–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

 

Get To Know Sne Mbatha…

Sne Mbatha, 23
Professional dancer, choreographer and upcoming actress

Dance is your life, tell me why?         

I’ve made the biggest sacrifices for dance; it saved me from a lot of things. Dancing got me through a lot in life. I appreciate this talent that God has given me…somehow people seem to understand me better when I dance, without dance I don’t see myself doing much in life. Dance has made me the person I am today and I still have a long way to go.

How and when did you get into the South African dance scene?     

Yoh! I’ve been dancing since I don’t know when dance decided to enter my system. I did two Television competitions, Wimpy Beat and my favourite, So You Think You Can Dance (Top 8 finalist). From then on I received a lot of calls in Gauteng so I decided to move here in 2013. I have had contacts from both commercial and theatre side…I’m truly blessed. I have had opportunities to work with amazing choreographers and also to choreograph some of the biggest concerts and award ceremonies in the country.

Are you part of a dance crew?  

Yes I am, Freeze Frame dance crew.

I’ve spotted your talent on most SA Hip-Hop & House music videos, how do you get to be chosen to be a dancer on a music video?     

I meet artists and directors in different places so networking has been my biggest saviour in this industry. It has always been a thing of me making sure I leave them more than happy with my work so I can be referenced more. I push myself to be recognized because being on TV for one show doesn’t make you the best thing ever; it’s about the after effect. Treat everyone around you the same, from the make-up artist, to the cleaner, the lighting guy, to the director…First impressions count! When I stand in front of that camera, it is no longer only about the people around me at that moment, but the people watching at home!

How do you balance things in your busy life?      

I have an injury that can never go away unless I do an operation so I always have to make time to see a chiropractor, get to rehearsals, do gigs, have meetings, etc. I have a lot on my hands but I can handle it, I always find ways to make it work…I don’t know how.

Give me a pro and a con about dance  

The pros are getting to travel and doing what you love. You grow as an artist and get to work with some amazingly talented people; you get to be part of history.
Cons, man the biggest battle almost every dancer is fighting: finances, respect, unity and consistency. You always have to stay fresh in this industry because it is easy for anyone to replace you, you have to stay hungry. The sacrifices dancers make are actually shocking! The things we do for success neh…

Music obviously plays a major role in a dance routine; give me your favourite SA Hip-Hop track out right now  

Oooooh I’m in love with Riky Rick- Fuseg, Breeze- FENDA, Cassper Nyovest featuring The Game – Cooking In The Kitchen & Turn Up, Wtf – all their tracks, Dj Switch featuring Nasty C, Tumi & Youngsta- Way It Go and an upcoming artist named Phantom Steeze – Skipa Saka Jo, Hooray and Losing My Mind…You’ll know him soon.

What exciting dance competitions/projects have you been involved in so far?               

I choreographed for the MTV BASE AFRICAN MUSIC AWARDS, Kanye West concert, Miller BoomTown Kendrick Lamar tour, I almost choreographed for Ne-yo but there was a situation with that, lol. Miller SAB, Castle Lite, I also choreographed and danced for Cassper Nyovest at #FillUpTheDome. I recently worked with Lee-ché Janecke (Vintage Cru) on Idols Season 11. I traveled with Freeze Frame dance crew to represent the country at the world champs in San Diego – Hip Hop International. I’m also in a Dance movie called Pop Lock ‘n Roll, I’m in the main crew there, super excited! It comes out this year. Keep your eyes and ears open!!!

Is there longevity in the dance industry to choose it as a career path?    

Yes there is, It all depends on how hard you work and if you are ready to truly bend over backwards to get there. Your level of faith and commitment must be on a 100!

What traits do you believe make a good dancer?          

Workaholic, fresh, be creative, be consistent, be a people’s person, be humble and always be open to learning new things because our industry is forever evolving. Work hard but work smart.

Give aspiring dancers some advice about choosing dance

Be ready to work, never give up! Push harder when people stop believing in you. It is not going to be a walk in the park; you have to keep your head up. The whole world will fall on you but you got to get up, dust your shoulders and continue running. Tomorrow is still another day but live today like you’ve only got one shot to do this! It’s not a joke, it’s your life!

 

Follow Sne!

Twitter: @IAM_SNEMBATHA

Instagram: @IAM_SNEMBATHA

Facebook: Sne Happyfeet Mbatha

–Bridgette Makhela