Mo Flava On Trending SA, Radio And Everything Else In Between

Moeti “Moflava” Tsiki / Radio & TV Personality / Club DJ

What do you think you bring to the new Trending SA presenter line-up?

My experience in media and broadcasting has exposed me to many different facets and I hope that will shine through. I can cover a range of topical discussions ranging from current affairs to entertainment. Naturally, my personality and wit is apparently another stand out factor, lol.

How does Trending SA stand out for you as a TV show?

I love talk-show formats. I enjoy TV shows that create content based on daily affairs and social commentary. Trending SA is an excellent platform and it allows us to touch on many different subjects and get a sense of public opinion on a number of matters.

You’ve been in the entertainment industry for a long while, what do you think still needs to change?

The entertainment industry needs to be regulated better so that talent is protected. Our industry still remains relatively unstable. Talent needs to get paid more, talent also needs to plan careers and manage finances better. I think corporates and media platforms need to collaborate more with personalities on their own concepts.

Radio is in your DNA, how is TV different for you?

On radio, people hear what you say. On TV, they hear and see what you’re saying. The visual aspects of how you communicate become important when you’re live on TV. I also think TV has a much bigger crew working on one show, unlike with radio.

            Your wish for this year is?

            To elevate my career to the next level, and get the vaccine! Lol.

        How does a typical day look for you?

My radio show on Metro FM, ‘The Morning Flava’ from 5-9AM. Then meetings, voice overs and brand campaigns that I’m working on. Next thing you know, it’s time for Trending SA!

            Anything you would change about your career journey so far?

I wouldn’t change anything, but I do feel procrastination has been my “achilles heel”. I’ve put off so many great ideas and opportunities and I feel I need to stop second guessing myself and take more risks.

            What can fans expect from you in 2021?

I hope to contribute to the growth of Trending SA and grow my radio show too. I’m also working on my own initiative called ‘Buy Local’, a YouTube show that promotes local brands. I’m also giving away bursaries to students who want to study, and I’ve been a part of a student debt initiative aimed at eradicating student debt.

What would you say is your ex-factor?

People say it’s my smile, my voice, my choice of cologne and sneakers and my witty sense of humour, lol.

Follow Mo Flava!

Instagram: @moflava

Twitter: @moflavadj

Facebook: @MoFlavaDJ

-Bridgette Makhela

Khai Swartz On House of Velour, Fashion And Being A Young Designer

Khai Swartz / 24 / Designer & Founder of House of Velour

You’re a young female making moves in the fashion industry, has this always been your dream?

Definitely, ever since I was a little girl I always knew I’d work in the fashion industry.

How did House of Velour come about?

I studied a BBA in Media at Lisof, worked for two years at Studio Space Pictures as a Production Assistant and decided I wanted to do my own thing. What better than going back to my roots? Fashion! I love working with different fabrics and textiles, so I started making my own clothes and posting them on social media. I then got the opportunity to work with Moozlie, and since then I’ve been making pieces for people who work in the entertainment industry: Musicians, Presenters, Actresses, Social Media Influencers, etc.

Who’s your target market and why?

My target market initially was influencers, I believed that if you influence the influencer, then the influencer will influence the public, if you get me. It now ranges from young to older people, whether they are creatives or work in the corporate industry, individuals who are bold and enjoy being daring, feeding their alter egos, love dressing up and stealing the show wherever they go, at an affordable price.

What’s the process like when creating a piece for a client?

The client has the option to see my designs online, and can alter it to their requirements. We make custom made garments too, it all depends on the client really.

How does House of Velour stand out from other designer lines?

HOV currently has it’s own aesthetic that nobody else really has. We have an old Hollywood twist to things, 90s Black Excellence vibes with a modern twist of colour. For example, with fur trench coats, HOV’s trench coats are baby blue. Eccentric colours.

  

What’s your plan for building a lasting, fashionable brand?

Just to stay relevant, keep up with trends but design my own twist to things of course, then hopefully open a boutique in the near future.

What would you like House of Velour to resonate with within the industry as a whole?

Class. Opulence. The Versace of designer lines!

How does a typical day look like for you?

I work alone. I have seamstresses in Town and Randburg that constantly work on my garments, turning my designs into reality. I wake up at around 9am, check on my seamstresses, have fittings throughout the day, then if I have time, go have lunch with friends then get back to delivering garments, all while having photo shoots and sending quotes, lol. My days are busy but I love what I do. Always up and down.

What’s still missing in the South African fashion industry when it comes to opportunities for the youth?

Exactly that. Opportunities for the youth. People believe in you and your dreams, however, they don’t like to assist up and coming artists with a monetary injection to help them grow and sustain their brand and that’s what I’ve mainly struggled with, especially men who have the ability to do so. If you’re a pretty girl, it’s even harder because people always want something from you that has absolutely nothing to do with your talent and aspirations, which has kind of set me back. I’ve rubbed shoulders with some of the most powerful and influential people in Johannesburg and have been miserably disappointed in their interests. I think the industry is dark, and if you’re not willing to “do what it takes”, you will hustle longer and harder than the rest.

 

Follow Khai Swartz & House of Velour!

Instagram: @khaiswz

Instagram: @houseofvelour

 

–Bridgette Makhela