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

Stoan Seate On The Future Of The Industry, Entrepreneurship And Staying Motivated

Serai Tshepo “Stoan” Seate / Entertainer / Busnessman / Entrepreneur

“Entertainer, businessman within the lifestyle entertainment industry. My job is to extract monetary and other types of values out of the brand Stoan and use the products I create as vehicles for it. My business is majority shareholder in the Stoan brand.”

Currently working on?

I’ve had to narrow down my focus down to a few things because even with a hundred lifetimes, I could never reach my full potential. To be excellent, I need to narrow down my focus. I’m continuing to record music but more as a hobby, compared to it being an occupation. I own a gin now, Native Gin. I also work with Magents Lifestyle Apparel in the brand marketing space, it’s a family thing. TV shows also do come but that’s not my main focus at the moment.

Artists are still in an unpredictable phase right now, how do you stay motivated?

I think it’s key to not no plan too far, compress my plan and execute within a period of about 2-4 weeks. You should be able to execute because things can change so quickly now due to the pandemic, daily and weekly goals are vital, you won’t be challenged when your 6-month plan fails. You can’t aim too far ahead but at the same time upping my skills. Graphics, videos, still images I’ve been doing myself. Staying busy…I’ve got 3/4 music videos done, 7/8 features done already and working on more. Stay working and stay positive about the future. Rather stay positive than negative about what the future holds.

You’ve come a long way as a talented all-round creative artist, what’s your winning formula?

It can be a gift and curse to be an all-rounder because you end up being a jack of all trades and a master of none. I’ve tried to keep the skills that can benefit other aspects in my life, such as my TV presenting skills benefitting my MC skills and vice versa. My SeTswana work in terms of my music benefits my presentation when it comes to doing other cultural activities. The key is finding a central point, if it’s something that’s outside, it takes away from my time and we only have 24 hours and 365 days in a year to do what we need to do.

Of all the projects you’re involved in, can you pick a favourite…and why?

There’s 2 projects right now that are working well together. Magents and Native Gin, I’m really enjoying the journey. These are spaces where my opinions and contributions are respected and valued, I’m learning a lot from people who have already invested years and have made the mistakes that I don’t need to make. I’m fast forwarding learning and standing on their shoulders as giants. I enjoy learning and gaining new skills.

Bongo Maffin is a huge part of your DNA, what has being in a band taught you?

Being in a band has taught me about compromise, you can never really have everything go 100% your way. You’ve got four headstrong people who feel that their approach is the right approach. If you understand that you all have the same intentions behind it all then you learn to be more empathetic and see things from another person’s perspective. I’ve learned about teamwork and rising to the highest level and pulling up everyone else to create a “5^th mind” that is stronger than all of us combined.

Describe music in your own terms…

Because of the last 100 years of the music industry, music has now become competition instead of it becoming or staying a mission. Music has become a competition, we are now counting whether an artist is impactful according to their numbers, and not according to how much soul, wisdom and value they impart to society, our souls and towards changing the world. That’s what music and arts as a wider discipline is supposed to be about, you’re supposed to teach, reach and inspire.

You’re an inspiration to many…but who inspires Stoan?

I’m inspired by God and the universe, the wonder that this whole design is. At a micro level, I’m inspired by the positive human beings around me, the ones who have tasted defeat and snatched victory at the jaws of defeat, people who didn’t have an easy way to victory, and people who fell and dusted themselves off to find new ways to get to where they are going. Like how a ship sets off with an orientation point but constantly has to reset its sail as the winds change. Another inspiration is my mother who was a young divorcee that made great sacrifices to raise me, as well as my grandmother too. Many other people too, Jay-Z’s story inspires me, South Africans here as well, the youngsters who continue to make things happen, guys like Cassper. People who have gone against the odds, Oskido is also a big one too, a lot of people can point out his contribution to their come-up. My environment, South Africa – our story and continuing struggle inspires me

A dream you’d still love to achieve?

One of my reasons for waking up, my “why”’ is I want all my four girls to have a life that is set up already by me. The first car, first property and so forth, should be provided by me. Most of my dreams centre around my family, giving them a better life and better opportunities to launch from a higher launchpad. All of us have a finite amount of fuel, so the difference between us are the opportunities we are afforded by our parents through sacrifice and hard work. I want to win, I want to be successful in all the projects I’m involved in, I want to make millions of rands and have another wave of success in life, as I’ve already had many waves of success. I’m still dreaming like I’m nineteen.

What do you think the future of the South African entertainment industry holds for upcoming talent?

The new South African industry is already here. It’s an industry for an artist who is more scientific in their approach, an artist who is paying keen attention to the rhythm, the urban flow and tides of their market development. The market development will be key where an industry of 100 people paying you R1000 is more valuable than 1000 people paying you R100. These are people that are more invested, a more hand-in-hand process when an artist is developing a product between himself and the fans, the fans have a buy-in before the product is out, because you’re already consulting them about different things. There will be a closer relationship between the consumer and the product developer who is the artist, it makes for more integrity in the industry, because there is no more bullshitting and no more gimmicks, it’s more about authenticity where then you have a higher equity. More gimmick type artists are going to fall by the way side and all that will be left is the real essence of what artistry, entertainment and expression is all about.

Follow Stoan!

Instagram: @stoanito

Twitter: @stoanito

Facebook: Stoanito seate

-Bridgette Makhela

Austin Malema On 10 Years In The Industy, RTC Studios And The Future Of Photography

Mpho Austin Malema / Entrepreneur, Photographer & Founder of RTC Studios and Pixel Kollective

You’re a well-known photographer in South Africa, how has the journey been so far?

I have been in the industry for just over 10 years as a photographer and the journey has been an interesting one with many ups and downs. It is not as easy as it seems. Right now people only see your glory years and want the same thing but they don’t know of the failures and trials you face before getting to a point where your work speaks for itself.

What is RTC Studios and what services are offered?

RTC stands for Ronewa Tshiamo Cai. We are a visual creative hub which currently offers photography and videography solutions.

What’s your opinion on the current young South African photographer’s career span? 

I think as a young photographer in South Africa your career can be short lived depending on how serious you take your craft and using it to build a career. The big thing is adapting to different forms of photography, as the industry in South Africa is not big enough for one to make a living by just one form of photography. Most times, you have to adapt to new skills to grow. Young photographers need to stay strong and sharp mentally, as failures and rejection can be taxing.

Explain your type of photography…

I shoot lifestyle photography.

How are you staying busy during this pandemic?

At the beginning of this pandemic I was taking part in challenges by other photographers and created one myself, I also started watching tutorials on other forms of photography I am interested in, I usually do this to keep my mind fresh and to develop my skill set. In the  past couple of  weeks, we had had some projects done which should be coming out soon.

Your proudest career moment? 

There are so many of these moments, one being making it onto the Forbes 30 Under 30 list of 2019. I think I realized that photography was more than just photos, but the bigger picture being the business.

One word to describe your industry would be…

Trying.

How’s the future looking?

The future of the industry looks great as there are many opportunities for young people to come in and grow. The future belongs to those who go after it.

Inspire the kids with some closing words of wisdom…

As Confucius once wrote: “Wherever you go, go with all your heart”.

 

Follow Austin Malema! 

Instagram: @aust_malema

Twitter: @AustinMalema

Facebook: @AustMalema

 

-Bridgette Makhela

Nandipha Mqoco On Digital Entrepreneurship, MC’ing And Her Love For Fashion

Nandipha Mqoco / 24 / Digital Entrepreneur, Master of Ceremonies & Fashion Enthusiast

School Them: What’s a Digital Entrepreneur?

Someone who starts a business in the digital space. In my case it would be by means of content creation and endorsing products on my social media platforms.

Content Creation: What’s the process followers don’t know about?

A lot of planning and strategizing. Most of the content you see is curated but that process is where it gets fun, well most of the time.

New Year: What would you love to achieve in 2020?

Solidify existing brand relationships. Getting the opportunity to travel more for work as an MC and a Content Creator, collaborating with more international brands too. Being well on my way to achieving full financial independence.

Rewind: How did you get into the Digital and MC’ing space?

My digital career just happened to me. It definitely wasn’t intentional at all. I would post my outfits, places I would go to on my Instagram. My sisters and I would have impromptu shoots with street fashion photographers. In addition to that, my sister Yoliswa who had a bigger following, would also post me on her Instagram. Thereafter, my audience grew and brands started to take notice and the rest was history! My MC career was definitely intentional. I always had a passion for public speaking so it only made sense to turn my passion into a profit.

Fun Fact: Your sisters Yoliswa and Thobeka are also in the Social Media Influencer game, was this always the plan?

Not at all, we were just living our lives and sharing our love for fashion, beauty and lifestyle then BOOM!

Threads: You’re a very stylish girl, where’s the inspiration from?

Thank you so much! My relationship with fashion is VERY personal. I was surrounded by extremely stylish women (my mother and sisters) all my life. I would watch fashion TV all day, everyday. I drive my inspiration from many places. Thank God for the internet because it exposed me to amazing fashion from all across the globe, seeing how people interpret different styles and trends. London, Amsterdam, New York, Beijing, even good ol’ Cape Town right here in Mzansi. I really enjoy how the people dress there.

Brag a Bit: Biggest bag/s you’ve secured so far?

Revlon and Clinique have been the biggest bags for me.

Mzansi: Where do you enjoy spending your free time?

Get on a plane and fly to CAPE TOWN. For many reasons – my sister lives there, the food is amazing, the scenery is breathtaking. There’s just so much to do there! But if that isn’t possible then watching series, movies and documentaries in another favourite place of mine…MY BED, is a close second.

Wisdom: Some advice on how to stay relevant in the digital era?

C-O-N-S-I-S-T-E-N-C-Y

Follow Back: Where can new fans catch you on all platforms?

Instagram: nandipha_mqoco / Twitter: @nan_deep / Facebook: Nandipha

 

–Bridgette Makhela

Thabsie On Her Music, Performing Live And Living Her Dream

Bathabise Vokwana / 26 / Singer, Songwriter & Business Owner

When was your break into the music industry?

I started in the music industry as a backing vocalist in 2013. My big break as a solo artist was the hit SAMA nominated feature with Kwesta, Ngiyazfela Ngawe.

Amongst your others singles, ‘African Queen’ has been a well-received song, did you think it would be this big? 

I never really anticipate how big my songs are going to be, I just write them from the heart and hope that it connects with the listener and African Queen absolutely surpassed my expectations which is pretty cool.

Balancing your schedule must come with a lot of pressure, when do you find time to relax?

I hardly get time for myself these days but I love to use my pockets of spare time to do the things that I love, like going to gym and hanging out with my sisters and close friends. This helps me to recharge my soul.

Do you prefer performing live or spending time in the studio?

I love both but performing live is more fulfilling in the sense that I get to see how the music I make affects people first hand. There’s nothing more heart-warming than having people sing your songs back to you.

What do you believe females in the industry need to focus on?

Empowering other females and working as hard as the males in the industry do.

Any plans to collaborate with other African artists?

I would love to! I’m a huge fan of East and West African music and fellow African artists.

Has your current life always been your dream?

Yes, since I was a little girl, so I’m glad to be living it!

One thing you’d still like to achieve in your career? 

So many more things, I’ve only been in the music industry as a solo artist a little over a year, I feel like it’s only the beginning for me but first off I’d love to win a SAMA award.

Any words of wisdom for aspiring artists that would love to one day be where you are?

 If you feel like your dream is your purpose then pursue it relentlessly. Never make a decision based on desperation and stay humble and hungry.

Follow Thabsie!

Instagram: @thabsie_sa

Twitter: @ThabsieSA

Facebook: Thabsie

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

La-Tasha Pucoe On Starting Her Own PR Company And The Names It Represents

La-Tasha Pucoe / 27 / Director of PRuth Communications

When and why did you decide to start your own Public Relations company?

I started PRuth Communications in 2015 after completing my Public Relations qualification at Rosebank College. I used to have an online magazine called PRuth Magazine that was very successful and landed me my internship and later a job at a very well-known PR company. After gaining experience and not being happy with working for somebody else, I decided to start PRuth Communications and focus on my own dreams. I had no money saved up, I think I only had R500 in my bank account, a laptop my mother bought me for college and my smartphone. No office space. No team. No idea where to begin. I decided to start my own PR company because I believed in my ability to create brands. I am an Entrepreneur by nature, I lead and having a deep love for the art of Public Relations allowed me to be passionate about having late nights and hardly any social life.

What’s PRuth Communications’ mission?

Our mission is to eliminate the gap between up comers and recognition. Most PR companies don’t see the need to sign upcoming talent or brands unless they have a huge following already. I see that as laziness. Why not be the person or company that built something from scratch? Most of the time when you have an already established client, you don’t work as hard as somebody who is hustling from the ground up. That is why we analyze our clients and see potential to grow.

 What sets PRuth Communications apart from other PR companies in South Africa?

• We always aim to Provide Legendary Customer Service to all clients hence why we have a very strong family culture at PRuth Communications. Clients are able to contact myself or the team at any time of the day or night.
• We Admit Mistakes and Fix Problems to Build Stronger Relationships. No PR company is perfect and to understand a client means that you have to go through some trials to understand the client’s way of working.
• We are honest about our services. Clients know exactly what they are going to get and when things don’t work out as planned, we communicate and figure out a way forward.
• Our ability to see potential in up comers.

How do you keep going despite the downfalls you come across?

It’s hard. Unless you are born into a very wealthy family that funds your business but for the rest of us hustling from nothing, it gets hard. I constantly remind myself why I began PRuth. When times are tough, I have a very supportive family and they are always there to remind me how far I have come. Downfalls will always be there and when I fall 100 times, I will simply get up 101 times.

PRuth turns 3 this year, any great names you have come to represent so far?

Yes, we turned 3 years on the 25th August 2017. All of my clients are great names. I don’t look at any of them and think one is better than the other. That’s the difference of being a part of #TeamPRuth, all clients are big names and are treated as such. Currently we service a variety of clients such as:

• DJ Sabby (Drivetime Host on YFM),
• Khutso Theledi (Lunchtime Host on YFM),
• Blayze (SAHHA Nominated Producer and Musician)
• Dejavu Clothing ( High-End Fashion Brand)
• O.Kay (Musician)
• Bakhothe Mzee (Musician)
• Cohl Oudetech (Musician)
• Angie Purple (Musician)
• Soweto Fashion Week (Social Media Management)
• Chef Starlin Feder (Chef from Dubai)
• And the list goes on…

You’re definitely an inspiration to young females, where do get the will to keep going?

Thank you. I have a few things that I always remind myself of and this keeps me going. Hopefully it will inspire other Entrepreneurs too:

• Be Patient. Success takes time. You have 24 hours in a day and that means you can achieve 24 things in a day.
• Play a bigger game than yourself. Don’t limit yourself by treating yourself like a start-up even though you might be.
• Only compare yourself to yourself. The only person you should become better than is yourself. No one else.
• Know that when things are at their worst, there will always be light at the end of that tunnel. The greatest inventions and success stories go through “a dip” before they achieve prosperity. The night is darkest just before the dawn.

What do you love the most about the PR industry?

PR is versatile. Whether you like to write, pitch, research or strategize – there are many roles within the field that you can throw yourself into.

What’s your plan going forward to maintain staying power in the industry?

Consistency is my plan. To keep doing what I have been doing. To ensure that every client is a reflection of PRuth.

Any closing words of wisdom?

Your Social Circles Will Make Or Break You. A poor choice of close influencers can make entrepreneurs quit early. To grow, you need positive people, those who know that you can and will succeed. If you can associate with people who will challenge you to think positively, think bigger and offer advice – you will be more likely to be a great success.

Follow La-Tasha @ PRuth Communincations!

Instagram: @pruth_communications

Twitter: @Pruth_Comm

Facebook: Pruth Communications

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

Gigi Lamayne On The Hip-Hop Game Right Now, Inspiration And Dominating 2017

Genesis Gabriella Tina Manney / 23 / Poet, Musician, Songwriter, Activist, Actress, Voice Over Artist & Wits Graduate in Anthropology & Media Studies

 

What does Hip-Hop mean to you?

Hip-Hop is a lifestyle and way of living. It moulds one’s mind, behaviour and experiences. It allows for wisdom to be spread by the oppressed. It allows for victory to be attained by the hopeless.

When did you decide to get into the game? Your favourite single so far?

I was sixteen, so back in the year 2010. My favourite single is definitely my debut for 2017 titled ‘My Ugly Boy’ produced by new kid on the block, J Twinn. I can’t wait!

How’s your 2017 looking like?

Packed from brands, to music, to new business ventures for myself as well as my company, Hart Roc Entertainment. It’s going to be a crazy year for Hip-Hop and the rest of the industry. Endorsements, projects and of course, the #GigiGoesGold saga continues.

Who inspires you in the South African music industry?

Brenda Fassie, Lebo Mathosa and Miriam Makeba.

The awesome thing about being a female rapper is?

You get to train twice as hard to beat the guys. 🙂

Do you believe Hip-Hop and fashion go together? If yes, how so?

I honestly do. Fashion has always been a huge part of the Hip-Hop culture. As with any culture, apparel is of significance. We find so many people denying this fact, however, to belong holistically to any way of life, one has to embody the physical and mental aspects of it. This is fashion.

Fame or fortune?

Fortune.

What do you believe your industry still needs to do in order to improve?

Working together and thinking beyond South Africa.

What would you love to achieve this year?

Domination.

Follow Gigi!

Instagram: @gigi_lamayne

Twitter: @Gigi_Lamayne

Facebook: Gigi Lamayne

 

–Bridgette Makhela