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

Tresor On New Single, Creating Music And Nostalgia Album

Mukengerwa Tresor Riziki / Singer, Songwriter, Producer & Entrepreneur

You just released Thrill last month, what inspired the title?

The title was inspired by the incredible feeling of excitement and joy I get from living my dreams out loud and the amazing people I am blessed to be surrounded by.

You visited New York pre-lock down, what was the experience like?

The experience was really tense, the city was not alive and crazy like everyone knows New York. I was actually on my way to Los Angeles to record for a week and had to make a fast U-turn when the world started to shut down, luckily made it back home on time for lock down. That was a very hard decision because the trip was planned months prior, but it was the best choice we made.

Nostalgia made waves in the music industry, are you working on any new projects?

Yes, Nostalgia is such a special project that I am very proud of. I am working on a few amazing projects and will be announcing someone exciting news in the next two months.

How are you staying focused on your work during the lock down?

I am making sure I keep to my everyday routine, like it was before the Covid-19 madness. I wake up, exercise in the garden then hit my office for admin and stay up until late writing and producing songs in my studio at home. Sometimes it’s 18 working hours or even 24 working hours, so the rhythm hasn’t really changed. The creativity is keeping me sane. Also, it’s a super inspiring time creatively.

What does music mean to you?

Music is pretty much the essence of my being and core of my purpose.

How do you find the process of creating music?

The process of making music is a great spiritual journey. It’s uplifting, healing and a joy fountain.

Your story is an inspiring one, what keeps you grounded and focused?

My journey and where I come from keep me focused on the bigger vision and grounded to stay in touch with my core and values.

Do you have a favourite song from your catalogue so far?

This is a very hard one, my catalogue is growing and to be honest I don’t think I have written my favourite song yet. Things change as time goes by and the music keeps coming. For now I am enjoying ‘Thrill’.

Any hidden talent/s your fans may not know about?

I think I am a decent cook.

How do you plan on making a lasting legacy?

I plan on reviving glory days of African Pop music globally and uplift the next generation of African leaders in our youth.

Follow Tresor!

Instagram: @tresorofficial

Twitter: @tresoroffcial

Facebook: @tresor.official1

 

-Bridgette Makhela

 

Thabang Molaba: The Actor, Model And Upcoming Stylist

Thabang Molaba / 23 / Actor, Model, venturing into Styling

Explain how the journey to where you are now has been…

It’s been a very difficult journey of rejection, failure and sometimes success. I’m actually glad I never gave up. Besides that, all the struggles and failure I endured, were preparing me for a great reward which is currently unfolding.

You’re a model and actor, has this always been on the cards for you?

Yes, especially with acting, that’s where my heart is.

What would you be doing if you were not in the industry?

I’d probably be with a team of architects putting together a sketch of a building about to be built.

How’s your daily routine like?

Very busy. Filled with spiritual, physical and mental activities. And a day doesn’t end without me getting busy with anything that has to do with acting and drama.

You’ve recently done work with Ferguson Films via The Queen, any valuable lessons learnt there?

I learnt that you need to be firmly present and be there for yourself.

Had you ever done acting before?

I had drama plays in my hometown’s youth club. However, The Queen was my first Television acting gig.

How do you keep focused in your line of work?

I try my best to shut out the distractions. I keep myself present in the now. Give everything in the process instead of the results.

What’s that pinnacle you’d love to reach one day?

I want to be an award-winning actor, it could be any type of award. I want to be in Hollywood productions and projects. I want to play the Marvel superhero ‘Black Panther’ someday. More than anything, I’d like to maintain a constant stupendous improvement in my craft of acting.

Motivation and inspiration, were do you draw them from?

I probably have the most motivated and determined friends in the world. We inspire each other to constantly do great and better. And of course my acting coach Patricia Boyer, she is truly amazing. Other than that, I get it from watching good classic movies and theater plays, interviews and series.

How was 2017 for you and any big things you’re looking forward to this year?

2017 was honestly an amazing year for me. Everything only began to fall into place. It was the beginning for me. A great start. In 2018 I’m looking forward to my comeback on The Queen and a small role I did for Ring Of Lies. That’s all I know of so far, however I know for a fact that 2018 is going to be a year that’s impeccably great. I am excited.

Follow Thabang!

Instagram: @thabangmolaba_

Twitter: @ThabangMolaba_

Facebook: Thabang Molaba

Bridgette Makhela

Xavier Steeze On Being An Entertainer And Maintaining Stage Presence

Sibusiso Xavier Lawrence Thwala / 23 / Freelance Entertainer of everything in the name of Arts

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 When did you fall in love with dance?

I’ve always loved dancing and entertaining.

What does being an entertainer mean to you?

It means everything to me, I feel alive when I am on stage. I also love watching choreography or stage direction I have created on big stage productions.

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What other avenues are you involved in?

I have just started my own cinematography company called #X_FRAMES. I am also doing a bit of photography and videography for some artists. I work with BlackWorks Media too, I host events at different clubs and festivals and also do brand activations for various brands.

How much time does it take to choreograph a routine for a performance?

It all depends on the time the choreography is needed, but there are cases where you have to create choreography on the spot.

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How do you select the perfect song for a routine?

Well, you pick a song that best brings out the creativity out of you, or a song you know will move people.

How many years have you been in the entertainment industry?

I have officially been part of the entertainment industry for ten years. My first paying gig was at the age of 13.

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How many South African music videos have you been featured in so far?

I really have lost count…but I can proudly say that I have done music videos for most of the prominent artists in South Africa and North Africa.

The biggest highlight of your career so far?

I have three:

1. Black Motion performance at the MTV MAMA AWARDS performance, choreographed by me. –> https://youtu.be/B2fc1acRUAw

2. Placing top 3 HIP HOP INTERNATIONAL FOR DUO ALL STYLES with @LEASH_KES –> https://youtu.be/_Gh7QedPIsk

3. Riky Rick’s performance at the SAMA22, choreographed by @PHANTOM_STEEZE

 

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Follow Xavier Steeze!

Instagram: @xavier_steeze

Twitter: @Xaviera_Steeze

Facebook: Sibusiso Thwala Xavier

 

Bridgette Makhela