Tellaman On His New Single, South African Artists And His Dream For 2017

Thelumusa Samuel Owen aka Tellaman / 25 / Singer, Songwriter & Producer

When can you say you made a recognizable mark in the music industry?

2016 was the year for me. A lot of people started recognizing Tellaman as a musician then. I released a mixtape titled ‘Mind vs Heart’ and I was featured on Dj Speedsta’s hit single titled ‘Mayo’, which was one of the biggest songs of 2016. I was also a part of the most anticipated album of 2016 titled ‘Bad Hair’ by Nasty C.

Was this always the path you wanted in life?

No it was not. I had other interests when I was younger, such as playing soccer. I was introduced to music by a friend who was making beats, I used to watch him work all the time. I then started making beats as well; eventually I realized my love for making music. I then decided to pursue it as a career.

Why the name Tellaman?

Tellaman is a nickname that was given to me by my friends, it comes from my real name Thelumusa. I decided to stick with it because a lot of people know it and it carries so many memories.

Your new single ‘Dandy’, how is it being received so far?

The response has been really amazing, I can’t even put it into words. I really appreciate the love and support my people are giving me, I am grateful.

Do you have a favourite project that you’ve worked on so far?

Yes, ‘Lucid Dream’ is my favourite project so far. I think I have grown as a musician and that’s always been the motive.

Your dream for 2017?

To see my family and I doing great, and that is not just my dream for this year; it’s just my all-time dream.

What’s the one thing you wish you could change about South African artists?

I wish we’d stop releasing bad quality music. Mixing and mastering is as good as making the song.

Music or Money?

Music, because when you make good music, the money follows.

Any more dope music from you coming soon?

Yes! New collaborations are coming soon. I really cannot wait for you guys to hear it.

 

Follow Tellaman!

Instagram: @real_tellaman

Twitter: @Real_Tellaman

Facebook: Real Tellaman

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

Christopher Jaftha On The Industry, Juggling His Titles And Some Wise Words

Christopher David Joshua Jaftha / 32 / Actor / Presenter / Model

How and when did your journey into the entertainment industry begin?

In 2000 when I left school. I did voluntary work for three years, we raised money for HIV and AIDS orphanages through industrial theater.

You carry so many titles, how do you find the time to juggle all your jobs?

It’s not easy but it’s a good problem to have. I try and prioritize and get as much done as possible, so I am able to free myself for the next opportunity.

How does a typical day in your life go?

Pray, eat, gym, work, eat, work, eat, work.

Do you attend all the events you get invited to?

I don’t attend all events I get invited to. I simply don’t have all that time. I’ll go if I have committed and work doesn’t get in the way.

How do you distress?

I go to the cinema on my own, take drives on my own, chill on my own.

What has the industry taught you?

Spread your wings as far and as wide as possible, you need to be versatile, be a jack of all trades and master of some.

Anything you would change about your journey so far?

I would’ve started investing in property at a much younger age, and probably studied Drama instead of Fine Art.

Would you spill the beans on any exciting projects coming up for you?

I have a cameo in a feature film to be released next year.

Some wise words to live by?

“You are what you repeatedly do, excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” ~Aristotle

Follow Christopher!

Instagram: @chrisjaftha

Twitter: @chrisjaftha

Facebook: Christopher Jaftha

–Bridgette Makhela