Pamela Mtanga On Content Creation And Building A Lasting Brand

Pamela Mtanga / 26 / Multimedia Entrepreneur

Pamela in one sentence?

A multitalented girl from Port Elizabeth with an inevitably successful journey awaiting her.

               You label yourself a ‘Fashionable Multimedia Entrepreneur’, what does the title entail?

Stylishly infiltrating the stage, Television, social media and soon, radio.

What is your take on 2022 content creation in South Africa?

It is my favourite era! Landing up on a Television show that you used to watch when you were a child or seeing yourself on TV after creating social media videos warms my heart, especially seeing it happen for many creators. The unemployment rate is at an all-time high and I commend those who keep creating until they get a breakthrough, because seeking employment for long periods is heart wrenching. Over and above this, I am appreciating the amount of effort that creators are putting into their work. Content creation has been around long enough for us to actually start reinventing and finding new ways to market ourselves to our followers.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I would like to know myself! You wake up with plans to do nothing but exercise and run errands, then end up sleeping at 2AM due to a last minute client brief that needs to be out the next day, all this whilst packing to prepare to be in another city, so you sleep for an hour then tackle the next day, which could be filled with admin work and preparation for MCing at an event.

I am however taking a break from content creation for a bit so I can get back to having a strict routine like exercise, family time, coffee breaks and a balanced content schedule. I am also in the process of making structural changes to my team so I can have a helping hand to elevate the work off of my shoulders and deliver my best to client. 

Let’s talk Fashion, favourite designer/s? 

I am at a stage in my life where I am starting to take interest in designer items and anticipating what will bet first designer item. I recently wore a dress designed by Ryan Keys and that is easily the most expensive dress I have ever worn. The quality is immaculate and so was the service. I am a fan of MaXhosa as well. Internationally, Giuseppe Zanotti, Chanel and Carolina Herrera are sensational. 

What would you still like to add to your titles?

I would love to go back to radio, I believe the opportunity is yet to come.

Name a campaign you’ve absolutely loved working with to date?

It changes every month, I would say Adidas, Nedbank and Nivea have a special place in my heart. I am now working on a campaign with MiWay Blink which is completely different to what I normally create, yet I’m enjoying it. 

Behind the scenes, what do your followers not know about the process?

I think my followers are starting to get a glimpse of what happens in the background because I share as much as I can. My team and I create beautiful content pieces that come out perfectly but I try my best to share the “not-so-perfect” parts through my live videos or stories. This helps people understand the immense amount of work that goes into it, simultaneously helping other creators create realistic expectations for their work and less pressure.  

Create a lasting brand, what does that look like to you?

Creating a lasting brand speaks to a lot of things. Talent is the foundation but hard work, respect for your craft and clients, constantly reinventing yourself to adapt to changes within your industry and strategically placing your brand in relevant spaces keeps you versatile and relevant. 

Follow Pamela!

Instagram: @pamela_mtanga

Twitter: @pamela_mtanga

Facebook: @pamelamtnagasa

-Bridgette Makhela

Bonko Khoza On Playing Mqhele, Following His Passion And Upcoming Projects

Bonginkosi ‘Bonko’ Khoza / Actor & Voice-Over Artist

What sparked the love for acting?

I have always been into acting, since primary school I loved plays but never took it seriously. I went to art school and studied graphic design, I dreamt of being an overall visual artist. After 2 years of trying that, I dropped out to figure out my life. I asked myself if I was doing things because the status quo says so or if I was going to focus on what brings me joy. I decided that I wanted to do something I enjoy and would do for the rest of my life. So I took the decision to study Drama at The Market Theatre Laboratory.

You play ‘Mqhele’ on Showmax’s ‘The Wife’, how would you describe the character?

He is a complex character that is heavily bothered by demons in his head. He has unresolved childhood traumas that cause him to act and react in a certain way. Other than that, he is a sweet guy.

You are an extremely talented actor. How do you prepare yourself for a role?

My preparation starts at the audition level. I’ll read my script and research the character biography. I get to know the character and start looking at costumes and play scenes out. If I get the role, it’s a progression of building the character.

What would you change about the South African entertainment industry?

The industry doesn’t exist on its own, it doesn’t function without the audience. If anything, I would like to change the audience. I wish South Africa would open up access to more global content because it is part of a global market. The audience can then push the industry towards something different. The audience needs to start playing with their appetite and choosing different types of content.

That one moment in your career so far that you’ll never forget?

I spent a day with Benedict Cumberbatch in 2020. We did a scene together on a film called The Mauritanian. My scene was initially for his character. The casting director told me to keep pushing and keep my head up because it may be overwhelming. We did the scene in Cape Town and it dawned on me in that moment that he was just a colleague and I had to get it together. From that moment, we started talking and getting to know each other. That was a special time.

Is there anyone that you call your role model/inspiration?

Mahershala Ali, I love the way he handles his career and brand. He keeps it very much acting-centric even if he does work for brands. He has won two Oscars and I’m pretty sure when he’s not acting he’s probably spending time with his family and relaxing.

What is the importance of following your passion?

Life has a price to pay, you’re not here for free. The system will try and put you in a place where you are most comfortable. When you’re most comfortable, you’ve got nothing to complain about. But things like passion come from the inside, it is who you are, it’s an expression of your true self. Retrospection and bravery are important where passion is involved.

’13 Weeks To Find Mr Right’ is your upcoming project, are you working on other things at the moment?

I have already wrapped 13 Weeks To Find Mr Right. I have now started working on a Disney animation, I’m also shooting a Hollywood film and in talks with various directors but I can’t say much about that right now. Actively working on The Wife and voice overs.

Any advice for aspiring actors?

Study first, treat the art with respect and it will pay you back with longevity and substance. Put in the work and the time. Believe in your dreams, trust in God and don’t forget to pray.

Images by Asanele Shaun

Follow Bonko!

Instagram: @bonkokhoza

Twitter: @BonkoKhoza

Facebook: @bonkokhoza

–Bridgette Makhela

Doowap & Tarryn On New Single Thunda Thighs, Collaborations And Performing

Khetsiwe “Doowap” Morgan / 30 / Live Mix DJ & Performer

Tarryn “TNT” Alberts / 29 / Artist, Dancer & Business Owner

You guys recently released a banger of an Amapiano song called ‘Thunda Thighs’, how did the concept come about?

Tarryn and I had been listening to a lot of Amapiano in 2019 and we started creating choreography routines to some of the tracks to perform during my DJ sets. Then end of 2019, Tarryn had the hook “Mmmm aaaahhh mmmm aaahhhh Thunda Thunda” stuck in her head and around that time we had just met the young producer DJ Nel (now going by the name DJ Nelcee) at one of our shows in Limpopo. I spoke to Nel and got him to send through some of his beats for us to vibe to. We both fell in love with the power and energy of the Thunda Thighs beat and we made the song that same day, all that was left was for it to be mixed and mastered.

How and when did you two start collaborating?

I have always admired Tarryn as a dancer, already back in 2014. Then in 2017 I asked her to help me out with creating a show and adding dance as a new element. Our first ever gig performing together was at Budweiser’s first show in South Africa. We then did Afropunk Jozi and Afropunk Brooklyn, New York together. The transition to making music together was a natural and gradual progression.

Music and Dance are what you guys represent on another level, what do you think the South African industry has done right when it comes to these two entities?

Music and dance is in South Africans’/Africans’ blood. We dance and sing when we happy or sad. There’s always been spaces and platforms for both crafts to shine. I will say though that dancers are not treated with the respect they deserve. The amount of hours they put in to help bring an artist’s show to life is immense. They are often overlooked in terms of budget and attention deserved, but still they deliver over and above to bring a show to life. We need more community centres in underdeveloped areas to give children and young adults an alternative to the harsh circumstances they grow up in. Tarryn started a dance centre called “So Dope”, where she teaches classes and is grooming the next generation of dancers. Hopefully we can have more mentors, leaders and spaces created to nurture and cultivate young talented individuals in all forms of artistry.

Where do you guys keep getting inspiration from?

We are both super inspired and motivated by our country and the driven youth that inhibit it. Connecting with young artists at all ours shows, spending time with like-minded creatives in Braamfontein and each city we visit sparks us and ignites our fire. Travelling is always the biggest inspiration, hopping on a plane and landing in a completely different country with their own culture and views is always a refreshing mind shift and opportunity to learn and engage with other parts of ourselves.

Travel is a major part of your lives, how do you plan your schedules around this?

The traveling is part of the work, I try and organize gigs at the places I would like to visit. Sometimes we are fortunate enough to get opportunities that fly us out of the country and give us time to explore it. Tarryn was fortunate enough to do multiple world tours with a well known group.

Once the lockdown’s done, where can fans look forward to seeing your performances?

Wow the future of music is so uncertain. We are not really thinking about shows at the moment as they keep getting cancelled, the main focus is to keep making music and to keep creating. We are also figuring out new and interesting ways of making money in this industry during this weird climate. If you would like to catch us doing our thing and shining then for now it seems it’s going to have to be virtually through Lives and social media.

Any music video for Thunda Thighs in the pipeline?

We would love a video for Thunda Thighs and have the treatment mapped out but the lockdown has put everything on hold. Hopefully something will come out soon.

The one thing you always do before a performance?

We always do warm ups, some abs and core workout, run through the choreography and stretch. The main thing is to loosen up and get our energy levels up.

Any exciting projects still to come from you two?

At the moment we are just focused on making the music video, keeping fit and finding the direction we want the music to go. We are grateful to have this chance to work on ourselves without the pressure of the outside world at the moment.

Advice for aspiring young females that look up to you?

Advice is do whatever you have to do to keep your star shining. Even if it means sometimes you have to be selfish with your time and the people you want to be around. Work on your passion daily, even on the days you are feeling off, just keep moving forward.

Follow Doowap & Tarryn!

Instagram: @djdoowap / @tarryn_tnt

Twitter: @DJ_Doowap

Facebook: @DjDoowap / @tarryntnt

 

-Bridgette Makhela 

Sazi Ngcobo On Rusco Experiential, Marketing And The Events Industry

Sazi Ngcobo / 32 / Director & Owner of Rusco Experiential

Being in the events industry, what the biggest challenge?

Currently, the biggest challenge for us is to simply stay afloat. Our industry is one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, meaning that for the next few months we have to operate differently as a company. This has resulted in the need for us to reduce overheads (without cutting people), implement new methods of delivering experiences whilst still trying to be innovative & creative.  This entire period has actually been as exciting as it has been stressful. However, take Covid-19 out the equation, and the biggest challenge we face on a day to day basis is managing client expectations with client budgets, whilst still striving to deliver high quality productions and experiences.

The hardest lesson you’ve learnt throughout your career?

Try as you might, you can’t please everyone, and you can’t always be the nice guy! I had to learn that the hard way, but in the end I find that people respect you more (especially your staff) if you tell it like it is when it’s in the name of reaching the high standards that we set for ourselves.

What makes you happy about the field you’re in?

So many things come to mind. If I was to highlight some, here’s top 3:

1: The fact that no two days are the same, every project/experience is different. One can never get bored when they are doing something new every day!

2: People! In this industry you work with and meet people from all different walks of life. From CEO’s to entry level creatives, from world renowned chefs to students who waitress part time. Each person has their own unique story and getting to hear so many is amazing!

3: I love that we get to give life to ideas! The process from concept to execution is extremely stressful and draining, but the feeling of standing back and watching people enjoy an experience that until then lived only in your mind is unfathomable! It’s like a drug!

What sets Rusco Experiential apart from other experiential companies?

Well the first and most obvious differentiator is experience. My partner started Rusco 14 years ago and has since worked on a multitude of events and productions. The reason why that’s so important is that with experience comes trust! Clients trust us to deliver at a high level largely because we’ve been doing it for so many years! A second differentiator for us is that we play in several different spaces simultaneously. We are in the hospitality game (we own and run Pegasus Lounge and the Durban July and Decadance Lounge at Delicious Festival), we are in the eventing game, however we produce events for our clients as opposed to doing our own event, we are also in the sponsorship game in that one of our strategic partners is Big Concerts. With all this, we still take pride in being very low-key and behind the scenes.

What do you think the South African events industry does well?

As far as event productions are concerned, it’s safe to say that although we don’t have the latest technologies and massive budgets seen around the world, we throw world class productions on a constant basis. I’m always proud to be South African when I go to experiences like Friends of Amstel, Castle Lite Unlocks or Rocking The Daisies. Our events, in particular our larger scale events, are on par with some of the best events around the world, and with more people supporting them, they can only get better. Who’s to say South Africa can’t be the destination for the next Coachella?!

The entertainment and events industry are close partners, how does marketing play an imperative part?

Coming from a background in marketing, I would say that to market yourself and your event well is vital (especially for a new event). I mean what’s the use of throwing a dope experience if there’s nobody there to experience it? With that said, we find ourselves working very closely with the entertainment industry. In fact I would go as far to say that we are the intermediary between the entertainment and corporate world.

Most prestigious event you’ve ever worked on?

That’s a tricky one. I would have to say that the most ‘prestigious’ event we did was the President’s Golf Day that we were blessed to be involved with in 2020 (before the Corona virus of course). However, from a personal point of view, I would have to say that the Miller Music Drop Experience we did in 2019 was the best event I worked on, simply because it was a personal project that I’d been trying to execute for about 2 years and Miller Genuine Draft actually gave us the chance to bring it to life.

Any regrets throughout your journey so far?

None! I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and that we learn a lot more from our mistakes than our successes.

Where can people get to know more about Rusco Experiential?

Shameless plug time, lol. You can find us on our website www.rusco.co.za. You’ll get to see a lot of what we actually do there. Alternatively, we are on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @RuscoExperiential.

 

Follow Sazi!

Instagram: @sazingcobo

Twitter: @Saz_SA

Facebook: @SazNgcobo

 

-Bridgette Makhela

Carissa Cupido On Her Journey, The Industry And Her Proudest Moments

Carissa Robyn Cupido

27 / Media Personality, Voice Over Artist & Content Creator

 

You’ve been in the broadcast industry for quite some time now…how did you get here?

I have been interested in media and entertainment for as long as I can remember. As soon as the opportunity to job shadow came around in grade 11, I approached a radio station and magazine to spend some time learning in their space. It was affirming and so enlightening. University wasn’t too long after, beyond picking my electives I knew exactly which societies I wanted to join. The University of Cape Town Radio and Cape Town Globalist were the ones I committed myself to. 4 years later I knew radio was exactly where I was headed. I would still travel by bus to campus radio after graduating with two degrees and zero in my bank account every other day to do my show in the hopes that someone would recognize my talent. Good Hope FM finally heard me and the rest is history.

 

What has your journey been like?

If there is any theme that’s been prominent in my career so far it’s the question I’m always faced with: “How badly do you want this?” It’s what kept me going through doing graveyard Monday to Friday 1am-4am in the morning for a year, it’s what fueled me when I bought a one way ticket to Johannesburg to pursue my dreams with no guarantee, it’s what gets me up in the morning today as I continue carving out my path. Ambition and drive is one thing but no one ever talks about how gruesome and grueling the process is. It’s been my greatest reward pushing through every obstacle, breaking down doors and shattering glass ceilings; I respect my calling but I would never glamourize the journey. 

 

Your proudest moment so far?

I have many. My first commercial job being on Cape Town’s biggest commercial youth radio platform was a biggie. Soon after that I won TLC’s Next Great Presenter, being the first woman and South African to gain the title. I then became TLC’s official voice over for the continent. The show I co-hosted alongside Thando Thabethe, ‘Thando Bares All’, won a South African Film & Television Award. I was honoured to have hosted a show on Gauteng’s biggest youth radio station, YFM. Every move I’ve made has been intentional, divine and fruitful. I’m really grateful.

 

What have you promised yourself this year?

Something I’ve told myself for 2020 is that I am showing up for myself in action. I’m a big dreamer and have plenty of vision boards and notebooks filled with my dreams and aspirations. My approach now, though, has changed from fantasizing to doing. Instead of overthinking my way into procrastination and sitting for days thinking of the “what if’s”, I now act.

 

What’s a typical day like for you?

I’m a freelancer and work from home so routine is vital for me. I wake up and exercise. I shower and eat breakfast, something nutritious to fuel me. I make sure to not work from bed, so I’ve set up a designated place as my desk and work space. Then I just get stuck into my to do list for the day. Admin, brainstorming proposals, calls, meetings, castings, voice over work, content creation, etc. I then try to switch off at around 5/6pm.

 

If you weren’t in the industry, what would you be doing?

I would probably be a writer or working in the humanitarian space. 

 

What’s your take on content curating in the age of social media?

It’s so important. The internet is flooded with information even more so is social media which is saturated with people trying to do something significant. Carving out your niche is vital. Curating your profile so that it authentically speaks to who you are and your interests will just help you in staying invested in what you’re doing. Never take your audience, building or establishment for granted. People can smell BS from a mile away. Just slay in your lane, man.

 

One true thing you’ve learnt?

Speak truth to power always. It’s landed me in sticky situations many times but not compromising who I am and what I am willing to do is something I’m not willing to budge on.

 

Any hidden talents?

I’m pretty artistic. I’m a great doodler.

 

Where can followers keep up with you on social media?

Across every platform it’s @carissacupido

Come say hi!

-Bridgette Makhela

Pearl Shongwe On Her Journey In The Broadcast Industry And What’s Still To Come

Pearl Shongwe / 31 / TV & Radio News Anchor / Host of the most impactful youth leadership show on the continent, One Day Leader / Voice Over Artist / MC & Facilitator

How did you mould your way into the broadcast industry?

From winning a radio talent search competition in 2010, I’ve come a long way.  It’s taken a lot of hard work, dedication, networking, failure, rejection and a lot of patience! I’ve tried not to plan too much in my journey, I have set my eye on things I have wanted to accomplish and worked steadily from there. I follow my gut and I allow myself time to grow into whatever role I’m in. Being authentically me and not allowing myself to succumb to pressure has helped me stay true to my cause. It has not been easy and I’m grateful that my journey hasn’t been the smoothest because my character and who I am now is better for it. A lot of the skills that I possess have had to be self-taught, which is one of the things I remain profoundly proud of!

 

Your schedule is probably demanding, how do you keep focused?

There is a lot of demand on my time but with everything I do, my secret is to talk myself into staying present, so that I don’t miss out on any experience and any opportunity to be grateful. It’s so easy to fall into ‘auto-pilot’ mode and so it’s become imperative for me to take it one show at a time, one voice recording at a time, one shoot at a time, etc and be fully present so that I can deliver the best standard of work possible. I have been working 7 days a week for several years now and yes, it gets exhausting. It is especially difficult because I miss a lot of family and friends time but I think I’m getting better at managing that now, especially this year. I have learnt to manage my time more efficiently.  That also comes with sacrifices like saying “no” to paying gigs!

 

What have you learnt on your journey in the industry so far?

That it’s so important to do things your way, in your own time and pace. People will try and mould you into their own ideas of who you are and what you should be doing, and when. It’s not necessary to live up to anyone else’s expectations except your own. Rejection is part of the game. Deal with it. Do your best, audition, get better, take notes, practice and perfect it! Do what you can, until you can do what you want. Also, never forget why you started and always pay it forward.

Biggest moment you’ve had?

There have been so many! I’m gushing just thinking about a few of them! It’s impossible to single out just one. My most stand out Television moments include what was the very first time I was booked as a field reporter at the 2014 Carling Cup, making my debut on SABC’s longest running breakfast show, ‘Morning Live’, and working alongside Kass Naidoo on the Rio 2016 Paralympic show. Also, signing off at the end of my first news bulletin on Metro FM was a massive moment of sheer elation, joy, and satisfaction. I had dreamt about it for a very long time.

 

Look up to any one in the industry?

There are so many female broadcasters that I have immense respect for; Kass Naidoo, Ayanda Allie Payne, Azania Mosaka, Carol Bouwer, Oprah Winfrey, Lara Baldeserra, Bonang Matheba, and Gorja Calvin-Smith are at the top of my list but I also have a deep sense of admiration for women working behind the scenes in television including Desiree Markgraaff and Mmabatho Montsho who are such A-graders!

 

What’s the end goal after doing your part?

There’s a lot that I still want to achieve but I think one of my ultimate dreams is to own a TV and Film school in the township. Our children are so talented and need to be supported if they are passionate about the arts. I always think of what Oprah has done for our country to advance education and to provide better opportunities for young girl children here, it’s something that I think everyone should aspire to do; to contribute towards positively changing the trajectory of the future of our children. Our success is not our own, it is meant to build others up and to create a better reality for those who come after us! I also have a secret dream of being a diplomat and then retire in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands at 45!

Working on anything else in 2018 you’d like to share?

Not much. I lost my dad in January this year and I think my biggest commitment has been to try and focus on my healing journey and being there for my family.  It’s been a challenging time and I’ve just been showing up for all the current projects I have running without wanting to put myself under any pressure. I am an extremely ambitious woman, and though it’s been a little weird trying to allow myself to slow down, I’m actually okay with it. I am not complacent however and something exciting is definitely brewing for 2019, but I won’t say too much about it for now. All I can say is that I’m banking on it being a game-changer for me.

 

Talent, consistency and hard work, what do these things mean to you in your everyday work life?

Talent is not enough, consistency in itself is hard work and is tough to maintain and well, hard work pays off! Cliché but, it works! Whether you believe in working hard or smart – either way, work must be put in!

 

Strong, fearless females are usually seen as intimidating in society, how do you deal with that stigma within your work space?

I don’t think about it and so there’s nothing to deal with. I stand tall, go about my business and get the job done. I have no emotional capacity to deal with negativity or to try and nurse egos or even notice who is feeling what about my position. It’s simply a non-factor. There’s work to be done and I’m pretty good at shutting out the noise. Men or even women who feel intimidated should rather focus on their own journeys. Life’s too short to try and keep up with anyone else. Pearl Shongwe is busy working…are you?!

Follow Pearl!

Instagram: @pearlshongwe

Twitter: @Pearl_Shongwe

Facebook: Pearl Shongwe

 

–Bridgette Makhela