Lawrence Maleka On Playing Zolani And How He Plans On Impacting The Industry

Lawrence Maleka / Actor & Entrepreneur

Projects you are currently working on?

I’ve never intentionally put word out of what I’m busy with. I want my work to speak for itself and that’s how I’ve maneuvered my career so far.

Let’s talk The River, how did you land the role of Zolani?

I have had engagements with MNet for a while now, having d done Clash of The Choirs and All Access Mzansi. They were trying to get me on a drama series and they’d send me scripts but nothing resonated with me. I then got called in to audition for Cobra’s role initially but everything happens as it should as that character is now played by Presley Chweneyagae. The writer’s then wrote a part for me that I read and loved, that’s how the character Zolani was born.

What was the highlight of your childhood?

A primary school play I was in, The Jungle Book. I landed a role of a pigeon and had one line throughout the whole show. The hall was full of students and parents. When I said my line, the crowd exploded! That was the moment I knew I like attention. Then throughout the rest of the play, I’m flying in and out of scenes I wasn’t supposed to be in. That was when the seed was planted.

How do you wish to impact the South African entertainment industry?

Through credibility, authenticity, breaking barriers and altering stereotypes. I’ve always wanted to be known for my craft and my work. I want to be “Mr sexy” with my shirt on. Careers such as Meryl Streep’s and Denzel Washington’s are what I aspire to, their work comes before their physical appearance and that’s amazing.

Describe a typical day for you?

My day starts at 3:30AM. I wake up, pray and meditate and have a quick workout session. I then take a shower and get ready for work. I’m usually on set at 6AM, then by 7AM/8AM my team gives me updates on what I’m doing for the rest of the week. Then I’m on set and get my fencing lessons done afterwards. Once I get home I catch up on emails then spend time with my family, loved ones and do the boyfriend Olympics thing, lol.

Your favourite career moment so far?

Everything I work on is my best “thing”. Every job you’ve seen me do was intentional. I’ve always wanted to carve out a certain path out to maintain a career I am proud of. Actually, the character Zolani is a celebration of my brother and friend Mzwandile, it’s also about the culture and people I grew up around ekasi. People resonate with shows they see themselves in.

Something you’ve learnt while working during a pandemic?

I’m proud of the decisions I’ve made throughout my career and this made the pandemic slightly easier. On the business front we did however suffer some losses. In the greater scheme of things, it’s all about preparation, the more prepared you are, the more you become ready to face anything. When the pandemic hit, I was able to identify opportunities within it over the tragedies.

Any final closing words of wisdom for your fans?

There’s no manual to life, everyone is figuring it out. There’s more than enough room for all of us and the more we collaborate, it makes us better as a people and we can leave something behind for the next generation. No one is coming to save you but don’t discount the goodness of people. Try to be the best version of yourself because the best person to meet is you, this will resonate with other people. Be selfish with your time and the things you want for yourself and don’t forget to experience joy in moments.

Follow Lawrence!

Instagram: @sirlawrencemaleka

Twitter: @Lawrence_Maleka

Facebook: @LawrenceMaleka

–Bridgette Makhela

Nasty C On New Album Zulu Man With Some Power, His Journey And Hip Hop Culture

Nasty C / 23 / Rapper, Songwriter & Record Producer

Started From The Bottom Now You’re Here: How has your journey to where you are now been like?

It’s been interesting. Lots of ups, lot of downs. Good memories, some trauma and permanent damage too. I wouldn’t do it any other way though.

If Music Be The Food Of Love: What’s the message in your song ‘There They Go?’

Its addressing haters and people that like to doubt things with no proper reason. It’s about how I’ve grown a thick skin when it comes to haters and how I view them in my eyes.

In A Nutshell: Can you sum up what ‘Zulu Man With Some Power’ Means To You?

It means that I’m a man who understands what I am and where I come from, also understanding where I am going, which is a big deal for me especially with going global now. It also means that I am a person that understands that I have power. I want people to know that they too have power when they listen to this album, they can be kings, bosses and gods of their own worlds and they don’t have to live by other people’s standards.

Can You Keep A Secret: Share something no one knows about your music-making process?

I actually do a lot of writing in the shower, I don’t think a lot of people know that…

It’s Bigger Than Hip-Hop: What has Hip-Hop culture taught you?

It has taught me confidence, I doubt there’s another industry that needs confidence such as the one I’m in. People will give you all the love in the world when you have confidence.

Featuring: The features on the album, have a favourite one?

I like all of them, they are all so different. There are all types of songs, different feels and different styles as well.

On The Real Though: Please drop some advice for upcoming artists…

Just stay true to who you are, that doesn’t mean that you have to be a 1000% different from another person, a lot of artists fail to understand this. Sometimes people don’t like who they are any way, so they try so hard to be so different and it’s out of pressure most times and you can’t blame them. Be patient, don’t look at what others have on their plate and keep focused, look ahead and keep going.

 

Follow Nasty C! 

Instagram: @nasty_csa

Twitter: @Nasty_CSA

Facebook: @nastyczzle

 

-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

Fulu Mugovhani On Musical Theatre, Ayanda Movie And The South African Film Industry

Fulufhelo Georginah Mugovhani / 25 / Award Winning Actress

 

Where is Fulu from?

Fulu was born and raised in Thohoyandou, Limpopo.

Share your journey into the acting industry…

I’ve always been a singer…sang all my life and also participated in church plays from a very young age. However, I studied all your typical academic subjects (Maths, Geography, Science, etc) until Grade 12, then I had to decide what I really wanted to do for the rest of my life. My dad had just started working at the Tshwane University of Technology as Head of the Performing Arts Department and he handed me a brochure with the word ‘Musical Theatre’ on it – and there it was! I had found something I wanted to do but was also very good at…Singing, Acting and Dancing. After completing my studies at TUT, I immediately landed the role of Nala in the Hong Kong production of The Lion King. This was validation to me and to the rest of my peers who thought I was admitted into the Musical Theatre program because my dad was overseeing the whole department, I did well!

How did you land the Ayanda role?

It’s quite a story, to cut it short: I got a call from Ntathi Moshesh (who had just left Scandal) telling me about the auditions and how they were struggling to find the lead. I went there and I gave my best audition, then I got the part!

You’ve received a lot of love (and awards) since the Ayanda movie, what’s your opinion on the South African film industry in 2016?

Well, my introduction to the film world was just recently with Ayanda, and that did great. As long as we have amazing filmmakers in this country, the industry will only get better.

Do you have a mentor in your field of work?

I look up to a lot of women in this industry that motivate and encourage me both personally and professionally (whether they know it or not). But, my biggest mentor is my mother.

Do you sing in the shower?

Not anymore…now I just wanna shower, and get it over and done with, haha!

How do you keep fit and stay healthy with your schedule?

I try and make time but I’ve learnt not to beat myself up about missing a day or two of gym and eating badly. Life is too short really.

Love or laundry?

Love, but sometimes I’d just rather do my laundry.

Follow Fulu!

Instagram: @fulu_mugovhani

Twitter: @fulu_heart

Facebook: Fulu Mugovhani

 

–Bridgette Makhela