Khuli Chana On New Album, Achievements And The Motswako Movement

Khulani Morule / 37 / Motswakoriginator

You’ve just dropped your new album, ‘Planet Of The Have Nots’, what’s the message in the music?

It’s about paying homage to a place I come from, my big brother HHP, and sharing stories about failure, success, the past and the future.

Your catalogue is absolutely incredible, what kept driving you to get this far?

Sustaining a career in this industry is not easy, but we’ve done it for over 10 years now. I attribute my success to the guys I came up with, Kaygizm and Towdeemac (MORAFE). Making music that ages well, it’s timeless.

Something people don’t know about Khuli Chana?

Before I became a rapper, I was a gymnast for about 7 years.

In all honesty, what scares you about the industry?

Being forgotten and dusted, that fear has always kept me going, and re-inventing myself.

Your biggest achievement so far would be?

My music catalogue, building my mom a property business, raising a beautiful daughter and marrying my best friend.

All your albums are a true reflection of the Motswako movement, has that always been your core focus and message?

GROWTH has always been the core focus.

The years have seen you carve yourself into a unique South African artist, what would you believe is your ex-factor? 

Trends come and go, style is timeless.

Amongst other titles, you’re a multi award winning rapper, what other projects are you involved with?

I’m a co-founder of MAFTOWN HEIGHTS, an annual Hip Hop event property. It just recently turned 10 years and we are currently working on the Anniversary Celebration.

Does fame or reputation matter to you? And why?

Fame is the worst drug known to man, it comes with what I do, but I never let it get to my head. Building a great reputation in this business will sustain your career.

Photographer Edit: Odirile Seagang

Follow Khuli Chana!

Instagram: @khulichana01

Twitter: @KhuliChana

Facebook: @KhuliChana

 

-Bridgette Makhela

Kgadi Mothotse On Ambitiouz Entertainment And Public Relations In South Africa

Kgadi Annah Mothotse / 25 / Publicist & Booking Agent

How did you get into Public Relations?

I studied at a media school, Boston Media House and fell in love with the concept of creating ideas strategically to build a certain perception of the brand or whatever it is you are trying to achieve with your consumers. My personality was also well fitted for the career path that I chose because of the fact that I am so confident, I believe in my ability to create stars and so I ran with it.

Your journey in the industry so far, how has it been?

It hasn’t been an easy one at all. But it most certainly has been rewarding. But one thing that has really helped is to have my own goals and targets in mind. I know very well that I want to be the best and I know what it will take for me to get there. I think the journey is still to give me challenges to overcome, but the most important thing is to overcome them right? I won’t give up, that much I know. I plan to go out in history books.

Ambitiouz Entertainment, what has it taught you?

It has taught me a lot about loyalty and passion for my career. Ambitiouz Entertainment has given me a voice and a fighting spirit in the bigger scheme of things. It made me realize and expose my strengths, passions and weaknesses to masses and myself that I wasn’t even aware of. It has also assisted me to polish my skills.

Which artists do you represent at Ambitiouz Entertainment?

I represent all artists.

How do you deal with bad publicity that affects your artists’ reputation?

It is important to remind fans and media of all the positive things that the artist has achieved in a small period of time. It is also important not to stray away but instead own up and give a humble approach. Let people know you are also a person but one whose mistakes and successes are magnified by an entire nation, whether good or bad.

Is South African PR on a competitive level yet?

No, I don’t think it is. I don’t think that we are being creative enough, instead we follow methods and ideas that have already been there for over 20 years. We need more people to be innovative and really think outside the box and work with what they have. Whatever it is you are trying to sell will only be appreciated with a stand out, memorable approach.

A moment you’re really proud of to date?

Being asked to be on a panel of Women In Music, presented by Thiwe Mbola. I was asked to speak as a PR expert at the age of 25, making me the youngest person on that panel. Most recently is Sjava winning a 2018 BET Award for Best International Act.

What would you like the rest of 2018 to bring?

I would like it to bring more prosperity and success with the company and it’s artists.

A message you would give to industry personalities seeking to keep a lasting brand…

Stay true to yourself and be authentic. People fall in love with people who are true and give real life stories.

 

Follow Kgadi!

Instagram: @kgadiness

Twitter: @kgadiness

Facebook: Kgadi Mothotse

 

Follow Ambitiouz Entertainment!

Instagram: @ambitiouz_entertainment

Twitter: @Ambitiouz_Ent

Facebook: Ambitiouz Entertainment

 

–Bridgette Makhela