Nomuzi “Moozlie” Mabena On The Come Up, Making Music And What The Industry Lacks

Nomuzi “Moozlie” Mabena / 27 / Recording Artist

It’s Been A Minute: You’ve been in the industry for a a while, how has the journey been?

It’s really been exciting. Lots of highs and lows, plenty of lessons learnt and priceless memories to last a lifetime.

Something New: ‘I’m A Star’ just dropped recently, what’s the message there?

I think the title says it all, just letting people know I’m a star!

A First: What are you still jamming from your debut album ‘Victory’?

‘Vatel’ will forever be on my playlist, but ‘Victory Anthem’ featuring Tribal has been really great during these crazy times.

A Woman Of Many Talents: What do you enjoy more, TV or making music?

Making music.

Coming To You Live!: The one thing you still get nervous about at live performances?

I’m not sure if nervous is the right word but you always want the crowd to engage and enjoy your performance. You always want people to like what you’ve got to offer.

If Only Ya’ll Knew: The dopest thing to happen to you in your career so far?

I could tell you but I’d have to kill you. I’ve worked with some of the biggest stars both locally & internationally so just know I’ve got behind the scenes stories for days, lol.

Preach Sister!: What does the South African entertainment industry lack?

Wow, there’s a lot honestly. Our industry is still young and although we’ve come far, we still have a long way to go. True costing for work being one of them, it’s high time we all got paid our worth. Not only the people on screen, but those behind the scenes too. There’s a big shift that needs to happen.

There Can Only Be One: Fashion or Friends?

Friends. You can always steal their clothes, that way you have both.

The Come Up: What advice would you give to anyone trying to build a lasting brand?

Think about who you want to be in the future and think about who you are now. A perfect blend of both those people authentically shining through will always be relatable no matter what stage you’re at, and give yourself room to grow as a person.

 

Follow Moozlie!

Instagram: @moozlie

Twitter: @nomoozlie

Facebook: @Moozlie

 

-Bridgette Makhela

Tino Chinyani On The Modelling Industry And Opportunities It Has Brought His Way

Tinotenda Chinyani / 23 / TV Presenter / Model / Actor

How did you get your break into the industry?

A friend of mine, Donald, suggested that I try out modelling. I then did a photo shoot, then got signed to Boss Models…the rest is history!

Has modelling always been in the cards for you?

I didn’t always want to be a model, instead I always wanted to be an athlete. Basketball was always the sport I wanted to play. My first year at varsity I got signed to a modelling agency and that’s when the journey began.

You’re the main guy in Thabsie’s new music video ‘African Queen’ featuring JR, did you have to audition for the role?

No I didn’t, they called me, having seen me on the Channel O Top 5 show. They contacted me the day before the shoot and invited me to go to Mpumalanga and shoot the music video.

All the titles that you hold, how do you find some balance?

Finding balance requires knowing when to say no because it’s very easy to get burnt out. You have to value your own time and take some time to rest.

What’s your typical day like?

Call time could be anytime between 08:30 or 09:30. You could be on your feet the whole day, you have to be smiling the whole time and getting the work done. I’ve never been a fan of sleeping anyway so as soon as the sun’s up I’m good to go.

Would you say the industry you’re in is tough, and why?

The modelling industry is very blunt. Castings and auditions are very unapologetic when it comes to what they want. At the same time it’s also a beautiful industry when it comes to the places you travel to and the people you meet. It’s also tricky when it comes to getting booked, payment could sometimes take from 30 to 90 days. Clients you deal with are also different compared to agencies. You can get taken advantage of if you’re not careful, you have to be very woke. You may look up to big names in the industry, but when you actually get to work with them, it turns out to be something very different. I am very thankful that I’m still young and doing what I love.

Who or what keeps you grounded?

My friends keep me grounded. I’m very personal with people who I keep in my space. My sister and mother also play a big role in keeping me grounded. I want people to see me years from now and still say that Tino has remained humble even after all the achievements, even if I was to take my career to an international level.

Money or Fame?

Money, definitely not the fame. You need to be financially secure. Go get your money, you didn’t go through all the hard work for nothing.

That one thing you can’t function without?

God.

You dress very well. How do you put an outfit together?

I love comfort, that is always key. I always ask myself “does it look good?” I’m not trying to be acknowledged for how I dress, but I’m also not trying to look terrible either. I always try to stand out within my simplicity.

How do you deal with all the attention?

People want you for who you are right now. The same people who were never even interested in you from way back. I evaluate it in the sense that no one really loves you out here, they only value you for what you do. There will always be distractions in whatever industry you’re in, I just try my best to always keep focused.

2017’s almost done, any exciting plans for next year?

2017’s been a really eye-opening year. I started doing Television for the first time and also further learning about the reality of the modelling industry. I got to meet and work with amazing people, it’s still surreal. Coming into 2018, you’re gonna see a hungrier me, chasing that cheque and a lot of things to come. I like keeping people in suspense so watch this space!

 

Follow Tino!

Instagram: @tino_chinyani263

Twitter: Tino_Chinyani09

Facebook: Tinotenda Chinyani

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

 

Thuso Mbedu On Her First Acting Break, Her Journey And The Industry

Thuso Mbedu / 26 / Actress

 

You’re such a talented actress, how has the journey to where you are now been?

It has not been an easy one, it tests you to discover if you really love what you do.

What was your first acting break like?

It was with Saints and Sinners. It was nice to especially work with industry veterans who were willing to teach and guide me.

 

 

Who do you look up to in the industry?

Denzel Washington.

The first time you saw yourself on screen, how did that feel?

I was excited! Then a few seconds later, I started criticizing my performance.

What do you believe young female South African actresses should strive for?

Excellence and greatness, and to be able to pave their own ways.

 

 

What do you do when you get some time alone?

I work on my projects and read a lot.

What do your family and friends mean to you?

My sister and niece mean the world to me, they are always there for me and are also my biggest supporters. The journey to where I am today would have been harder without them.

 

 

Boys or bags?

Sneakers.

How would you like viewers to feel when they watch you?

Inspired.

 

Follow Thuso!

Instagram: @thuso.mbedu

Twitter: @ThusoMbedu

Facebook: Thuso Mbedu

 

–Bridgette Makhela

Lira On Born Free Album, The Voice SA And What Makes Her Happy

Lira

Singer / Songwriter

 

The Born Free album, tell me about it…

It is my 6^th album and the first album I am releasing under Otarel Music. I named it Born Free because the whole album is about freedom; songs like ‘Be About It’ and ‘Brave Heart’ are testament to this. The album discusses freedom as a state of being.

Any upcoming shows that your South African fans can look forward to?

Yes, the album launch takes place on the 8^th and 9^th of April at Gold Reef City (albums will also be available at the show), tickets are available at Computicket. The album will be available countrywide from the 18^th April.

How has your time on The Voice South Africa been so far?

It’s exciting! It is a fun show and people get to see another side to my personality.

 One word that describes your career so far?

Transformational.

What does music do to you?

It makes me happy.

How does Lira relax when she has time off?

I stay at home with my cat and husband. I spend time in my organic garden…I have a lovely, tranquil place. I don’t watch much TV, except for The Voice SA ofcourse.

What has your favourite body of musical work been so far?

Born Free, because it is so different. It’s boldness, it’s size, the production and songwriting…with every very album, I am becoming more and more myself. It is my proudest work.

What makes you happy?

Music. It has offered me the freedom to do anything I want, I have a career that excites me. Good food also makes me happy too. I enjoy having breakfast at hotels, going on holidays and staying in beautiful places.

Pyjamas or a dress?

Definitely a dress!…I hardly ever wear pyjamas. When I was a kid I would always get pyjamas as a gift…My sister also recently bought me a pair that I hardly wear.

Any wise words for young females dreaming of doing what you do?

Believe in yourself. It is reflected in how you speak about it; think about it and what you are doing about it. You don’t use your own mouth to stop your own journey, you don’t use your own brain to break yourself down. Have a vision, see what is beneficial. Always remember detours are not a means to an end, don’t sit there, move on. Be gentle to yourself.

Follow Lira!

Instagram: @miss_lira

Twitter: @Miss_LIRA

Facebook: LIRA

*Lira’s Born Free album is now available on iTunes and Apple Music

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

 

DJ Doowap: Doin’ It And Doin’ It And Doin’ It Well

Khetsiwe Morgan aka DJ Doowap
YFM 99.2 Radio Host, Live Mix DJ & Conceptualist

 

What does a day in the life of a Dubstep, Hip-Hop and Bass mix DJ look like?
Everyday is wonderfully different. I wake up early, workout, have breakfast and then handle whatever is in the diary. It varies: from preparing a new mix for a gig, to shooting one of my concept videos, playing at one of the Nike training events, getting my hair done in Hillbrow (on average every two weeks), recording my radio show on YFM 99.2 or sometimes even designing outfits I would like to get made. It’s awesome that each day differs.

How was your childhood like?
I would say I have lived a charmed life. My parents are happily married so there was always fore filling love in the air, which gave me a fantastic support system for all my dreams.
My parents believed that we (my sister and I) should travel as much as possible and try as many things as possible to see what we like, what we don’t like and most importantly, what we are good at. I went to the French school Jules Verne in Morningside, where I did springboard diving for the national team, that took up a lot of my time as it was intensive training. It taught me self-discipline and “kept me off the streets”.

 

When did you decide “Okay, I wanna be a DJ”?
I have always had a passion for music, so I started studying Sound Engineering in London and partying in the bass scene at the underground clubs. I moved back to South Africa in 2012 to complete my studies and needed to make a bit of cash on the side, so I did a DJ course with DJ4Life and got my first gig at Roxy’s. I was scouted by YFM at that first gig and it’s basically just been a snowball effect from there.

Pick one: walk-in sneaker closet or music?
WOW! That’s a super tricky one. But I have understood that music is my destiny. Music will bring me the walk-in sneaker closet.

 

Who or what keeps you grounded in this industry?
My wonderful parents, sister, my love and my incredible zen manager, Preneil Pillay.

 

Do you like that ‘female DJ’ tag? If no, why?
Crisis, that’s one thing I hate the most. So I appreciate how you phrased the question. I just feel that if you badass you badass, no gender discussion needs to be involved. People often say “Oh wow you’re not just female and beautiful but you can actually play!” Like why was that even a question? Nicki Minaj isn’t getting judged as a female rapper, she has managed to break through that ceiling and be labelled one of the best rappers in the world. I would like to do that as a DJ.

 

Favourite jam right now?
Gosh, I am constantly changing favourites, I hear a lot and get bored quickly so probably by the time this is published I would be over it…But right now it’s Conduction x Notion – Felt This Way

What’s that one thing people don’t know about you?
I am fluent in French.

 

Got big plans for the rest of this year? If yes, do share…
Sooooo many BIG plans but the most exciting one that will open many other doors is the move to Berlin in June for 6 months for the European summer.

 

Follow DJ Doowap!

Instagram: @djdoowap

Twitter: @Dj_Doowap

Facebook: Dj Doowap / Khetsiwe Morgan

 

–Bridgette Makhela