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

Some Time With Thiwe Mbola, All About Her Soul Therapy Album

Thiwe Mbola / 31 / Singer/Songwriter

Tell us about your album Soul Therapy…
Soul Therapy is my second album, released last year September. It has eleven tracks and was produced by Demor with the exception of ‘I Am Woman’, which was produced by Sun-El as well as ‘I Care For You’, which was produced by Mondli Ngcobo. I wrote six of the songs and co-wrote two. Sbu Nkomo wrote a beautiful Sesotho love song, and two were written by Mondli Ngcobo. The album has three features, which include Zano, Ziyon and Busiswa. It’s a beautiful body of work that showcases my songwriting, vocal capabilities and growth as a storyteller.

What inspired the album?
The album is inspired by my own personal journey. I sing about faith, prayer, spirituality, heartbreak, loneliness, love, a man’s role in society and female solidarity.

What are your favourite songs on the album, if any?
‘I Am Woman’ (a celebration of being a modern day woman and encouragement for women to celebrate their individuality and that of others). ‘Just A Matter Of Time’ is also close to my heart as it’s a reminder that as much as I am nowhere near where I want to be, things will work out eventually.

Any collaborations on the album that stood out for you?
All three collaborations are special. I believe Zano and I are vocal soulmates, what we make together is just magical. Ziyon came in to do vocal arrangement and ended up recording a verse for ‘Just A Matter Of Time’. We really blend well together. The collaboration with Busiswa is special because the one thing I wanted most for the album was female collaborations and she’s the only one who agreed. Her energy on ‘Ubuhle Bendoda’ was exactly what I expected.

Have you always been in the music business?
I have been in the music business since 2004. I started out with doing backing vocals, and then got into the music business learnership, from there I got into artist management and worked on The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz and did PR for Kem when he came to South Africa for the first time. So even when I’m not making music, I’m somehow still involved in the background.

What can you reveal about your journey in the industry so far?
My journey has not been all moonlight and roses but I wouldn’t change anything about it. I have grown a backbone and learnt to do things myself and all this really does come in handy, especially when you are a woman in a male dominated industry.

How’s your schedule for 2016 looking like?
2016 started off on a good note when I got nominated for a Metro FM Music Award in the Best Female category. So God willing, I’ll be bringing it home. I’m heading to the Miami Winter Music Conference in March for two performances and to record a collaboration with the legendary house vocalist Barbara Tucker. One other collaboration with Charles Webster has just been put to bed. I’d love to take Soul Therapy on the road to promote it as I know that many people still don’t know me and my work. Other than that, I’m working behind the scenes for a few projects close to my heart. I’ll definitely be revealing them when the time is right.

What can you tell young talented women that would love to take the same road as you?
When talent is there, don’t ever compromise your values in order to succeed. It’s very appealing to fast forward the hustle by doing things you wouldn’t normally do that compromise everything you stand for, but it’s so rewarding to see your hard work paying off.

*Soul Therapy is available on iTunes and in music stores*

Follow Thiwe!

Instagram: @thiwem

Twitter: @Thiwe

Facebook: Thiwe Mbola

 

–Bridgette Makhela