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

Rowlene On 11:11, The Music-Making Process And Her Message To Female Musicians

Rowlene / 23 / Singer & Songwriter

How did you break into the music industry?

I broke into the industry about four years ago when I did a feature with Nasty C’s debut album ‘Bad Hair’, titled Phases. Everything since then has been smooth, musically. It has been organic working with people that align with my purpose since 2016/2017, it’s been a dope experience.

You’ve gained so many fans, how do you manage to stay consistent?

They are loyal, it’s so crazy. I check in on them and always make sure I’m mindful of what I post. I try and be a good example and stay positive. I also try and make them see how important affirmations and manifestations are, that’s how I came up with the “11:11” title.

Making music is a process, how do you find never-ending inspiration?

My friends are very inspirational and dope. Whenever I feel like I am in a space where I can’t create music or do something that makes me feel good, I spend time with them and I’m inspired because they are always creating amazing things.

What’s your playlist looking like at the moment?

My playlist looks pretty hectic right now, lol. I love that my Spotify curates playlists for me by the way. I listen to Jazz, Blues and 80s music. Artists such as Jhene Aiko, Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder and Luther Vandross are some of my favourites, it’s also a combination of how I grew up as well.

Your album 11:11 dropped this month, what can fans look forward to?

It’s a great body of work, I’ve put a lot of time and effort on it, I worked super hard on this album.

Do you have any special career moments?

Definitely the traveling and getting to meet creatives…oh and the free stuff, I love the free stuff.

What’s your wish for South African female musicians?

I wish they were more determined and understand that they don’t need validation from this male-dominated industry to be dope. I wish they’d do a lot more things for themselves, be proactive and stop expecting things.

You’ve also dropped singles that have been making waves, do you have a favourite one so far?

Right now it’s ‘Sunday Morning’, but it changes with time.

Any exciting news you’d love to share with your fans?

I’ll be doing my first album launch, I’ll promote it on my social media platforms. A lot of things are coming up to launch the album, all details will be on my social media.

Follow Rowlene!

Instagram: @rowlene_sa

Twitter: @Rowlene_SA

Facebook: @RowleneSA

-Bridgette Makhela

Naledi Sibisi On Content, The Throne And The Mobb

Naledi Sibisi / 26 / Editor-in-Chief at The Throne Agency

Content, what does this mean to you?

Quality, value, tact and reception. Beyond how you carry and pass on information, I think content (creation and marketing) has more to do with how much you captivate and keep your target audience. The people behind the content have to be in the know; research, be on top of trends, understand what is happening in their industries and address or influence their audience through that knowledge. I think that really great content has more to do with the audience than the creator or marketer in the end. Your audience is ultimately who keeps determining what content is and how it translates.

It took you how many years to get to this point?

In theory, eight years. In practice, I would say about three years.

The Throne & The Mobb are dope, give a synopsis…

They feed each other but they also stand alone. Both The Throne and The Mobb explore entertainment, fashion, art and culture in a South African context. The agencies study cultural insights and influencer relations in order to serve as a voice for the contemporary urban and creative landscape. Most importantly, they are 100% Black female owned – aiming to reshape and rethink the creative industry and dynamic for the generation coming on board in the future.

What’s an Influencer to you?

Someone who has the ability to affect how you think and feel about products or services and can ultimately control your purchase power as a result. It goes beyond the surface level and pretty pictures on social media. An influencer is someone who has built up a following based on who they are, what they know and has identified their niche. As a result, brands can use this knowledge and audience loyalty to collaborate with them for marketing purposes to achieve their specific objectives. Influencers are assets.

Writing, it’s either you have it or you don’t. Agree?

Yes and no. I think as with any creative field it’s part ‘gift’, part passion and equal parts practice. You have to constantly study and practice your craft as much as you are passionate about it. You can have a natural flair for writing but if you are not pushing yourself, studying other writers and researching, you don’t have it.

South African social media platforms that praise and promote females, do we have enough?

More than enough. We need to keep promoting and praising them more. Above that, we need to keep putting more women in influential positions and positions of power. The gatekeepers of said platforms are still predominantly male. Life is about balance, it needs to apply in quite simple and complex contexts.

They say the hustle never stops, do you ever stop working and just chill?

I think that when you love what you do, you become a workaholic by default. It’s always important to take time out. I make it a point to not check work related things after a certain point. If it’s urgent, it can find me at 5AM lol.

How would you want to change another person’s life through the work you do?

To keep being a source of inspiration or reference on a large scale. In the near future when I feel I have established myself, I’d definitely like to take a group under my wing; I suppose like a mentorship. I think that knowledge is best when it is shared. I want young people specifically to be able to enjoy the fruits of my labour and pass that on.

Where can everyone find your movement, handles?

Instagram: @thethronesa / @themobb_sa

Twitter: @TheThroneSA / @TheMobbSA

Website: www.thethrone.co.za / https://www.thethrone.co.za/the-mobb/

 

–Bridgette Makhela 

Meet One Shaman, The Artist And Content Creator

Wandile Mathe aka One Shaman / 27 / Artist & Content Creator

What’s the plan for One Shaman?

The plan for One Shaman is to introduce myself to the media industry primarily as an artist, and secondly, as a content creator. I really believe in the music I make, my skill as an Emcee and being in the competitive space that is Hip-Hop, I now have the chance to show that. I am very passionate about content too and I have a lot of ideas on how South African media can compete globally as far as our content and how we consume it.

Braam Baby is dope, what’s the track all about?

So ‘Braam Baby’ is a story about the modern independent woman who knows her worth and her value in the current climate of pop culture. It’s a story we all know too well but how I tell it is very relatable, cool and fun. It’s a record I’ve teased for the past few months and plan to release in Spring with the visuals. I’m currently promoting a record called ‘Yes Lord’ and an upcoming Mixtape titled ‘’Who The Fuck Is This’’.

The South African Hip-Hop scene is getting really competitive, what’s unique about you?

I’m versatile as far as my subject matter, I really enjoy the craft of emceeing but I know how to make good records too. I find a balance between traditional emceeing and rapping, as well as knowing what’s popular and adapting to that. I enjoy taking risks with music and will try almost every sound if I can pull it off. I approach every song like a film, regardless the subject matter, I need you to see it (the song), as well as hear it.

What does your brand and image seek to portray?

I honestly haven’t come to terms with that word, brand, I really don’t like it but to answer the question, my brand would be authenticity over everything. I am a 27 year old guy who is taking a shot at his dreams. I’m flawed like everyone else and I just want to portray that balance of life, the righteous and the ratchet. I guess I’m also winging it and figuring it out as I go.

How long have you been on the scene?

I have been in the media space for over 5 years now, as far as music goes, I would say I started buzzing around 2016 when I really decided to give this a go.

Where can people access your Mixtape?

My mixtape will be out on June 16, 2018 and will be available for free download and streaming via my social media. My current single ‘Yes Lord’ is available on all digital platforms and streaming services. Shooting a video for that in a few weeks so do look out for that as well.

Your dream performance would be where?

I have to do Back To The City before it ends, that is the staple as far as South African Hip-Hop. Before 2021 that will definitely happen, it’s on my list.

Plan for the rest of 2018?

The rest of 2018 is more music, more content. Shaman EP in September 2018 and something special for the West Rand in December 2018.

Your social media handles are?

Twitter: @One_Take_One

Facebook: One Shaman

Instagram: @OneShaman

 

Links to music by One Shaman:

iTunes/AppleMusic

https://apple.co/2rzfqPq

Spotify

https://spoti.fi/2G8qZlZ

TIDAL

http://tidal.com/album/88691369

Google Play

https://bit.ly/2Ibr8LD

–Bridgette Makhela