Amanda Black On New Single, Forthcoming Album And Career Highlights

Amanda Black / Singer & Songwriter

Who is Amanda Black?

A South African musician from the Eastern Cape.

What is the message in your new single ‘Kutheni Na’ featuring Kwesta?

I am venting, talking about how I feel and what I’m going through. There are so many things happening and sometimes I find myself not understanding how to make sense of all the changes we’re going through. It’s all about me being honest with myself. I want people to be okay with not being okay. Kwesta also came on and was honest too in the song and I appreciate that.

Your forthcoming ablum, ‘Mnyama’, tell us the process it took to create this body of work?

When I began making these songs, it wasn’t an album. I just needed to say something and express myself. I decided this year to make an album with all these songs I made during lockdown. The process was about my journey and how I feel. I wanted to be vulnerable and bare. It was about showing my emotions throughout the songs. I needed to be gentle towards myself and I believe it will resonate with people when they listen.

Your journey so far, a highlight that stands out?

Winning my first awards in 2017, such as the SAMAs. Working with the likes of Yvonne Chaka Chaka, and Anthony Hamilton as well as being nominated for a BET award (hearing Nomzamo say my name at the BETs was everything) and being on the Essence stage (it was virtual but amazing). It’s only my fifth year in the industry but it’s been a beautiful journey so far.

What would you say the South African music industry is doing right in 2021?

I’m seeing artists being fearless, owning themselves and the work they do and it’s going to ripple-effect into owning our stake in the industry. Artists have not taken the ownership as playmakers in the industry but I see it happening now. This is our industry, whatever happens is on us.

Where in the world would you still love to perform?

Everywhere in the world, lol. I’d absolutely love to perform at Madison Square Garden.

What would you say is your ex-factor?

My spirit, it’s the one thing that stands out across the board with every hat that I wear.

Consistency, how do you maintain it?

The people I keep around me, my team and the people that know me push me and keep me consistent. I love what I do and that also keeps me consistent because I remain myself always.

Pick one, money or a man?

I would pick “the man”.

How do your fans play a role in your life?

My fans literally come up to me and tell me how they relate to my music and how it heals them. All the love and support they show me is encouraging, I truly appreciate them.

Follow Amanda!

Instagram: @amandablacksa

Twitter: @AmandaBlackSA

Facebook: @amandablackofficial

-Bridgette Makhela

Laduma Ngxokolo On MaXhosa Brand, Coming 2 America Movie And The Clothing Industry

Laduma Ngxokolo / Designer / MaXhosa Africa Brand Owner

Your brand MaXhosa Africa, what would you say is its ex-factor?

The patterns, which is what makes it distinctive and recognizable by consumers. The quality too.

How long did it take you to get to where you are today?

This was always my life plan. I’ve been in the industry for 10 years now, since the start of the business, this was always the plan, and I just didn’t know it would get to where it is now, as quickly as it did.

Coming 2 America, how did the collaboration happen?

The costume designer Ruth E. Carter contacted me two years ago and told me she’d been following my work for some years and would love to collaborate with me. A month later, she contacted me again and told me she’s working on the Coming 2 America movie and would love to work with me. Of course I said yes. The movie is a classic and the work I’ve showcased will still live on even after my time.



How does a typical day look for an international brand such as yours?

I wake up and get to work at 7AM every day, by then everyone is already at work when I arrive. All the departments usually have meetings the entire day and we make sure we’re always aligned.

As a business, what have you taken from the pandemic?

One of the lessons I learned is that saving is very important and knowing where you are positioned as a business in the industry. Human Resources is very valuable within a business and the sustainability of a business comes a lot from how the employees are treated.
 
What would you say South Africa is doing right in the clothing/textile industry?

The labour laws, we’re doing that right. Financial support from the government we’re doing right and a lot of designers are defining their own DNA and we’re standing out as a country.
 


Ever get creative block or lack of inspiration?

I hardly ever get those…instead, I get too many ideas to produce so I have had to learn how to cut down and focus on certain things at a time. I still design everything myself but I’m training my team to assist with that.
 
Any collaborations you’d still like to take on?

Yes, more within the lifestyle space. Crockery brands, appliances brands, etc.
 
Any inspirational advice you’d like to give to people seeking to be in your industry?

Know what your purpose is. Whatever path you choose will determine your level of passion for it. Education plays a big role in knowing the industry you operate in. Work hard, that even beats talented people when they are not working hard enough.

 

Follow Laduma & MaXhosa!

Instagram: @laduma / @maxhosa

Twitter: @LadumaNgxokolo / @MaXhosaAfrica

Facebook: @LudaNgxokolo / @MAXHOSA

 

-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