WurlD On New EP, Contagious Single And Being Human First

Nigerian-American Singer and Songwriter, WurlD (real name Sadiq Onifade), recently visited South Africa for the first time, giving an amazing musical showcase at the Universal Music Group South Africa head offices in Rosebank, Johannesburg. #BKoolMedia got to sit down with him following his showcase, this is what he had to say…

First and foremost, why South Africa to showcase your music?

South Africa represents the future for Africa, it is an amazing country. What Mandela has done is truly inspirational, and it takes a village to continue that good work. I have a song called Mother’s Prayer with a line that actually says “When I was young, I dreamt of being Mandela”. I’ve never been to South Africa, this is my first time but I am a fan of the growth.

What’s the EP about?

My EP is titled Contagious and it is a universal conversation. It’s Africa, it’s the US, it’s London. It’s free music. My only hope for the project is to touch as many lives as possible and I can’t wait to share it, it has different colours to it.

Time spent between Nigeria and America, how did that come to be?

Most of my childhood was spent in Nigeria, I went to high school in Nigeria and went to college in America, Atlanta. I actually have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and a Master’s Degree in Information Technology.

Music has always been a part of me, in my spare time after school I used to go and take part in talent shows and go to studios in Atlanta. Atlanta has always been a hub for Hip-Hop and R&B music. I’ve found myself in the midst of really talented people. I have however, had to work five times harder because I’m African, people would always have a perception of how my music is supposed to sound.

What’s Contagious about?

Contagious is me going back to my childhood, being inspired by Juju, Fuji and Afro Beats music, the kind of music my parents would listen to while I sat in the backseat of their car.

Any South African artists you’d be keen to collaborate with?

I’d love to collaborate with Shekhinah, she’s dope. Nasty C is dope as well, I love what he represents for the youth and the kids. I also love what artists such as Black Coffee are doing, it’ gonna touch hearts.

Before the end of the year, I’ll be releasing the Contagious EP. I’m also doing a lot of collaborations with different artists. It’s a beautiful time to be African, the rest of the world is watching.

It’s Women’s Month at the moment in South Africa, anything you’d like to share about women?

Happy Women’s Month by the way, it should be an everyday thing actually. I’m so inspired by women that are doing amazing things in various fields. I have an amazing mother and sisters so I know what women are capable of, I mean I’ve met so many women killing it in fields are mainly male-dominated.

Any big names you’ve worked with?

 I’ve worked with a lot of producers and artists. Names such as Akon, B.O.B, Timabaland and Trinidad James to name a few, I’ve also written for some successful artists. I worked with them as a songwriter and as an artist as well. And there’s still so much more to come.

Follow WurlD!

Instagram: @thisiswurld

Twitter: @thisisWurlD

Facebook: WurlD

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

Khutso Theledi On Her Career, Spinning Cars And Giving Back To The Community

Khusto Zanele Theledi / 25 / Radio Personality, Corporate MC, Motorsport Enthusiast, Female Car Spinner, TV Presenter & Voice Over Artist

How did you find your way into the media/entertainment industry?

I was poached by YFM’s former programming manager Tumelo Diaho-Monaheng and former YFM DJ Mo Flava from Boston Media House, Sandton.

You hold the titles Radio Personality, Voice-Over Artist, MC, Brand Ambassador and Motorcar Enthusiast, when do you ever get some alone time?

Every week. I make sure I make time not only for myself, but for God, family, my partner and friends no matter what. I will never compromise that, I would drop everything for what comes first in my life.

Your partnership with Boston Media House, what’s that all about?

I studied at Boston Media House in 2011 (Media Practices) and majored in Radio. I then became a Boston Media House voice over artist, all thanks to my principal at the time, Ruan Venter and Radio lecturer, Karl Kikillus “Mr K”, who believed not only in my voice, but also in the passion I had for radio. Ever since then, Boston Media House has been a part of my journey and a true blessing, opening up opportunities for me in radio and more. Since 2016/17 I’ve partnered with Boston Media House to bless five people each year with bursaries over R500 000.00

Giving back to the community, what does this mean to you?

Giving back to the community always reminds me that no matter how tough my life is (and it’s been very tough), there’s always someone who’s facing challenges that are even tougher than mine. It takes nothing away from me to give back and I expect nothing in return for it. If God can bless me, nothing will stop me from blessing others, it gives me so much joy and this is just the beginning.

Where does your love for cars come from?

It comes from growing up in Mpumalanga with a family that loves cars. My dad drove a BMW 325is Coupé “Gusheshe’” that was red in colour. I remember being driven to school in it everyday with my cousins. I still remember everything about that car and until this day, I’m in love with the Gusheshe. One person I need to thank for bringing back that memory back to life is Pule from Soweto Drift Academy, who I met in 2013/14 and learnt how to spin Gusheshes from.

You’ve also partnered with Cars.co.za, what’s the scoop there?

The work that you’ve seen with Cars.co.za and myself is just the beginning of many more great things to come. It was an honour to have been part of the annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards 2017 as a female judge to establish the most prestigious, credible and influential Awards programme in the South African motoring industry. The scoop is that there’s more to come from Khutso Theledi and Cars.co.za

Are you proud of your accomplishments so far?

I believe my biggest accomplishments are the ones no one ever sees, the ones that aren’t so out there, and obvious to anyone else, the ones that have been personal and close to my heart.

Your most treasured moment in your career so far?

During my show on YFM Saturday and Sunday 12-3PM #ChargedUp, I have a segment called #RevdUp where the listener gets to talk to me and tell me more about their cars. It’s not a platform to brag about your car, it’s a platform for the listener to share their treasured car story, how hard they had to work to drive the car they are driving, etc. I had the privilege of talking to Nomzamo Mbatha about her car. She said live on radio: “Khutso, I think you are one of the most under celebrated people amongst us in this industry, and I really just want to commend you for your work and everything that you do, you have your own race at your own pace and I respect that about you.” Those words from such a phenomenal young black woman, doing great things not only in the industry, but for many who are inspired by her and the hard work she’s put in, has been the most treasured moment for me in my career so far.

How do you plan on making the rest of 2017 as an amazing year?

All I’m going to say is “2017 is 20Theledi”

Follow Khutso!

Instagram: @khutsotheledi

Twitter: @KhutsoTheledi

Facebook: Khutso Theledi

–Bridgette Makhela

 

Get To Know Khathu, DJ And Funny Guy

Khathu Litshani

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Mix DJ / Comedian / Radio Producer / Record Label Owner / Music Producer  

Firstly, what’s Khathu all about?

Khathu is about happiness and spreading good vibes, a very easy going kinda guy who works hard and gives life his all.

You’re known all over social media for your ‘Abuti Nice Time’ funny videos, how did you start the movement?

My videos began when I was promoting an event I was hosting. I uploaded a video inviting people to come party with me…The manner and accent in which I made the video was what  got people talking, so from that first video people requested me to upload more videos, I gave in and from then on it has just been video after video and I’m loving it!

Your funny videos opened up some big doors, how did this come about?

My videos helped open up a lot of doors for me within the South African entertainment industry. I got deals from big companies wanting me to represent their brands, wanting to work with me and they also helped with growing my DJ career, as I started getting more bookings and traveling more. I started getting noticed by a lot of people and brands.

Being a DJ, what negative factors does the title come with?

Being a DJ isn’t easy, especially when it comes to relationships because there is a stigma attached to the career; which is that all DJs are players and cannot be trusted…which is not true. Besides that, there are not a lot of challenges, I enjoy my work!

How has your new single ‘Love Her Like She Ain’t Mine featuring Vugar M Beats and Kidd Nemo been received so far?

My single Love Her Like She Ain’t Mine has been received very well and is on a few charts and radio stations.  Although I have not full on executed the PR and Marketing plan for it, the love is amazing. Ladies love it, the gents jam to it so I’m happy…I’ll be shooting a video for it in the next few weeks, it’s the second single from my upcoming EP that will drop on the 14th of August, which is also my birthday.

Any more music that your fans can expect soon?

2016 sees DJ Khathu dropping an EP with about eight tracks. So more hits, more timeless music and out of this world music videos.

You’re always making people laugh, what makes Khathu laugh?

As much as people see me as the funny guy and always wonder what makes me laugh, it really is just people, people are so special. I also always look on the bright side of any situation that gets presented to me.

A burger or pap?

As a proud Venda man, I have to say pap!

What are some of the goals you are working towards achieving?

I have a lot of goals set out for the future, but some of my 2016 goals are to grow my business, invest in some property, release more music and never stop gigging!

Follow Khathu!

Instagram: @djkhathu

Twitter: Dj_khathu

Facebook: Dj khathu / Khathu DjKhathu Litshani (Dj-khathu) / Khathu DjKhathu Litshani II

 

–Bridgette Makhela