SA CELEBRITY C E L E B R I T Y I N S P I R A T I O N | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4
IMRAAN VAGAR | ROB FORBES | BRUMILDA VAN RENSBURG BRETT SHUTTLEWORTH | CAMERON BRUCE | TONYA KOENDERMAN
sa celebrity patron | brettshuttleworth.com
Patron | Brett Shuttleworth ‘I am an international motivator. My purpose is to create a ripple effect of love and success in all areas of life. I assist you in creating your own masterpiece, which I assure you, will bring out your greatness - Brett Shuttleworth’
‘Who Am I and what do I stand for? I am an international motivator. My purpose is to create a ripple effect of love and success in all areas of life. I assist you in creating your own masterpiece, which I assure you, will bring out your greatness. What is my message? My message is that the opportunity is always available to each and every person to face their own challenges and to start anew by creating a soul smiling lifestyle powered and motivated by love. Why should you hire me, versus another speaker? My work is evolved from 25 years’ R&D of what it takes to be successful, live a purposeful life and be fulfilled, from my own firsthand organic seeing. Second-hand information will not get you there. If you have not achieved it for yourself how on earth will you teach it? I have achieved the heights of success as a professional sportsman, supermodel, Hollywood actor, entrepreneur and adventurer.
As Corporate Sales Director and Trainer at one of the top Coaching academies world-wide, and I have now positioned myself as one of the top speakers to emerge from South Africa currently. I am always pushing boundaries professionally and personally, my latest challenge being swimming the Robben Island Crossing, one of the world’s toughest mental swims . What is unique about my presentation style and the way I teach? I always present in Clown-shoes, in order to remind participants and myself not to take ourselves too seriously. If you’re not having fun and loving what you do, what’s the point? I teach live, 100% present and with full power, belief and awareness that I will make a significant difference to every single participant - whether it is a sports team, support staff, the MD, top 5 management, a sales team of 50 or a group of 100 engineers. My commitment is get the best out of each and every person by getting them to step into their greatness. To do that authentically, I take full responsibility for leading the way. You will get results. Guaranteed. More on Brett at bresttshuttleworth.com
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September 2014 | sacelebrity.com
Contents 6. Imraan Vagar 10. State of the Art 12. Rob Forbes 15. Tonya Koenderman 16. Cameron Bruce
‘Rudi Thor has done just that with his Guphacci range of clothing’
Ed’s Note SA Celebrity aims to inspire through many a celebrity’s tale of how normal folk can achieve great things in this beautiful country of ours. Designer Rudi Thor has done just that with his Guphacci range of clothing and I am excited to be asked to wear Guphacci from now on. Would I look as distinguished was it not for the magic of photographer Jaco v Ransburg with a little help from dentist extraordinaire Dr Emil Jansen on 012 653 4119 who has perfected many a celebrity’s Hollywood Smile and then I have to mention the best casting agent in town, Kimberleigh Stark from starksa.co.za who seems to know everyone who is anyone. My haircut is Floyd’s 99 Barbershop on 011 467 1150 in Fourways Johannesburg and do ask for Dilan who cuts with German precision, as one would expect from a Herselman male descendent. Have a look at floydsbarbershop.co.za for updates on their regular live gigs.
The regal Duke and Duchess is where I stay when in Pretoria and theatre-wise the five star Foxwood Boutique Hotel in Houghton Johannesburg’s theatre is always happening with Brumilda van Rensburg their patron. I play the Maitre’d in the popular Afrikaans soapie Binnelanders with Brumilda - or ‘Brums’ as she is lovingly called by those who know her. Brums and I often get the chance to catch up on what’s happening at Foxwood while rehearsing our lines on the set of Binnelanders. We have partnered with SA EX PAT Magazine UK, US, AUS and NZ. The editor Fanie Theron keeps the South African fire burning for all those South Africans abroad. Enjoy your read! Pierre | tvpierre.com
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interview by jacob aupiais
Imraan Vagar Imraan Vagar is possibly best known for his work on TV's Eastern Mosaic, but the ambition to succeed and achieve his dreams began in his school years. Growing up in Apartheid South Africa Imraan was forced to attend a so-called Indian school and was denied admission to study at Natal Technikon on the basis of race, though he never saw this racial discrimination as a blockade. He was filled with a desire stronger than the net that was cast over him from this racial divide. He excelled in a number of subjects showing particular skills for Art and Speech & Drama. He was cast in leading roles for plays, musicals, and professional theatre productions, throughout his academic years. After studying for his bachelors in Fine art, Imraan went on to pioneer a fashionable line of garments, through which he incorporated the use of a traditional eastern materials and hand embroidery, combined with western silhouettes to create a truly unique ‘fusion’ style. His eastern-inspired designs have graced catwalks throughout Africa, at some of the top events throughout the continent. These included the “J&B Rare Designers Awards”, “July Fashion Showcase”, “Miss South Africa” pageant, “Miss India Universe” pageant, and M-Net's “Face of Africa” international model search.
‘Growing up in Apartheid South Africa Imraan was forced to attend a so-called Indian school and was denied admission to study at Natal Technikon’
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‘Imraan announced his departure as anchor of the show as to pursue other television projects, including producing and directing’
In 1998, Imraan retired from the life of a fashion designer to pursue a career in presenting. He went on to anchor such lifestyle shows as “Chill Out” (SABC 1), “InStyle” (SABC3) and “Success at 7” (e-TV). Career highlights also include hosting the “Miss South Africa” pageant at the turn of the millennium. He later went on to reinvent the style and feel of the magazine show, “Eastern Mosaic”. Currently on SABC2, “Eastern Mosaic” celebrated 13 years on air in 2013 and has twice been nominated for a “Golden Horn” at the South African Film and Television Awards in the category of “Best Magazine Programme” and won a SAIFTA (South Africa India Film & Television Award) for “Best Lifestyle Show” in 2013. Around the same time, Imraan announced his departure as anchor of the show so as to pursue other television projects, including producing and directing an Afrikaans food series, “Geure Uit Die Vallei”, which is returning to KykNET for its second season in January 2015.
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‘I’ve always rebelled against the idea of anyone else thinking that they’re permitted to decide how I should feel’
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Growing up in the Apartheid era, what was your strength, when your worth was based on color? “The question of “worth” is a grey one because most young, fledgling spirits experience moments of self-doubt as they develop and grow, so I don't think my experiences were dramatically different to anyone else my age purely because I was discriminated against. The appalling realities of apartheid most certainly heightened my insecurities at times, but victimhood is not part of my system of beliefs. Growing up I was buoyed up by unwavering self-belief and dogged determination! I've always rebelled against the idea of anyone else thinking that they're permitted to decide how I should feel about myself. What I found exceedingly frustrating, however, was being held back and sabotaged when all I wanted was to soar and reach my full potential! In the past I used to ruminate about who or what I could have been if I lived in a society that willed me to succeed instead of placing impediments at every turn. Now I channel that energy, more constructively, into mentoring young people and helping them to realize their own potential. Their challenge will be to lead the transition from the adolescence of our democracy to advanced citizenship. I pray that this happens – and that it happens in my lifetime.”
Aside from the 'celeb' star, who is Imraan Vagar as a person? “Firstly, I've never been comfortable with the 'celeb' moniker – although I humbly acknowledge that I'm a public figure by virtue of the work I do. As far as character and identity go, I've always found it challenging to sum myself up in a neat, 'press release' kind of way. I would be disastrous if I was ever placed in a job interview scenario! But if I were to go on my more marked characteristics, I'd have to say candid, direct, generous, loving, surprisingly permissive, pragmatic, passionate & funny. Oh, and I'm a reformed perfectionist! I say “reformed” because, to borrow a quote from one of my favourite books*… “When I loved myself enough I gave up perfectionism – that killer of joy.” *When I Loved Myself Enough” – Kim McMillen Throughout your life what words of wisdom have motivated you to achieve your goals? I'm more motivated and inspired by actions and deeds, rather than words. Far too many people... See our BLOG at sacelebrity.com for the complete article and more Q and A with Imraan Vagar
‘Oh, and I’m a reformed perfectionist!’
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state of the art
Chris Denovan Artist Chris Denovan has recently moved in to a new studio in Observatory. We met up with him to preview his works-in-progress, learn about what inspires him, and see his work insitu.
Favourite material to work with? It really depends on what I'm doing. Charcoal and pastel for sketches. Oil for thick and textural stuff and glass stain on perspex for depth and luminosity. What themes do you pursue? My passion will always be Portraits but currently I'm pursuing a study on full body Figures and Drapery. Where is your studio? The Bijou: https://www.facebook.com/pages/TheBijou/163396593734919
Art school or self-taught? I studied at Ruth Prowse School of Art in Woodstock. Where can we find you out side of the studio? On a bicycle, behind the wheel of my Kombi, in the living room. If you couldn't be an artist, what would you do? I love a well designed home and garden so I think I'd be an architect. What was the best advice given to you as an artist? 'If you like the space and the people then GO FOR IT!'
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youth radio 5FM
Rob Fobes Rob Forbes, is an award-winning radio presenter from Johannesburg. He discovered his talents for broadcasting at university in Pretoria, where he spent 10 years honing his skills as a presenter, producer, sound engineer and voice artist. At 31, he currently speaks to almost half a million people every week on his prime weekday slot from 1pm-4pm on 5FM, SA's most popular youth radio station. Rob has also bent his talents to the DJ world, and now regularly rocks dancefloors at clubs and festivals all over the country.
‘5FM, SA’s most popular youth radio station’
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‘My show is an extension of who I am’
Do you have a specific focus for your radio show on 5FM? “The aim on my show is to engage with young South Africans who feel like they're part of the 5FM family. We're young, we like to have fun, we're heading to the top, and anyone who shares in that ideal is one of us.” Aside from the radio show, do you get involved in any humanitarian projects or charity events? “I am not affiliated with a single entity, but I do like to get involved as far as I can, whether it's simply throwing another voice behind a global cause, or joining up with the Cheese Kids to help out in a specific community on Mandela Day.”
As a radio presenter, what do you hope to achieve? “To still be doing this when I'm 50. To do that, you need to build a relationship with people - a real relationship. If you can't relate to me, you won't listen to me. And you can't relate to me if you think there's something non-believable what I do. Presenters need to be real, not trying to be something they're maybe not.” How do you feel your show inspires or motivates the listeners? “My show is extension of who I am. If someone can listen to my show and think 'hey, that's just a normal guy and... See our BLOG at sacelebrity.com for the complete article
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foxwood theatre
Tonya Koenderman The Five Star Foxwood Boutique Hotel’s Foxwood Theatre (foxwood.co.za) with Brumilda van Rensburg as their patron is showcasing the legendary Ms Tonya Koenderman during September 2014. Tonya has been hailed by critics as “one of the hottest properties on the cabaret circuit”, and “a pint sized dynamo”. After 23 years in show business, there is no stopping her now, as she continues to wow audiences both locally and abroad.
What is the most exciting thing about performing as a cabaret artist? I am a very interactive cabaret artist, and I love to play around, so a performance can change quite a lot from one night to the next. Also, audiences can be quite different from one performance to the next…..they can be very entertaining and provide me with great material to work with. If they are enjoying it, then I enjoy it more, then they enjoy it more….and so it goes.
What inspires your many performances? Sherry!!!! No seriously, knowing that I can move someone to tears, or laughter is a wonderful thing. When I’m performing the hell out of a song, and knowing the audience is hooked, there is no greater joy.
From where you have come from, and what you have achieved so far, do you have any future goals that you are working to? I have lived in South Africa for most of my life. I have consistently worked as a performing artist for my whole adult life. I have worked mostly in South Africa, but have also performed in Ethiopia, Morocco, Seychelles, Namibia, and Australia. For the most part is has been a fantastic crazy ride, but at times it has also been tough. As far as I’m concerned, I still have many things to do in this wonderful career called Show Business...
See our BLOG at sacelebrity.com for the complete article and show dates for Tonya at Foxwood Theatre in September 2014.
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live gigs at floydsbabershop.co.za
Cameron Bruce South African audiences first came to know Cameron Bruce, then 17-years-old, with his stirring version of the John Mayer classic “The Hurt” in his audition for Idols 2009. This mind-blowing performance ensured a certain path of success within the competition where he worked his way up the ranks into the top 6. Cameron released two singles, I Didn't Mean to Come Around in 2011, and When the Heart Hurts in 2012 which have enjoyed heavy play time on several radio stations, including Jacaranda 94.2. These gave a sample of what we could expect in the future. Cameron then went on to produce his debut album, ”Damage Done” which was released in August 2012. His polished approach to the delivery of his music is reflected on this album. Now 23, and nearly 5 years after the reality show, Cameron with his smooth vocal style, skillful guitar work and his own striking lyrics, is set to become one of the country's leading artists by far. Spending valuable time over the last couple of years working on his vocal, guitar and song writing crafts, and deriving his inspiration from the likes of John Mayer and James Morrison, Cameron has defined his own unique style of pop with tinges of blues. Cameron is always eager to express his views, and he is always certain about what he wants from his music, Cameron is set to sustain his success in years to come, with the opportunity to receive award winning status both locally and internationally, within the next 5 years. Cameron adheres to his mantra: “Goals, dreams and ambitions are easy – make them work!” - Interview by Jacob Aupiais
‘I love music so for me to be able to express myself through it is motivational. It gives me a platform to say things I would normally only say to my best friend’
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From your latest album what do you want to tell the people who listen to it about Cameron Bruce? “That I am evolving as a person and musician. My first album, 'Damage Done' was from a certain era of Cameron Bruce. What was amazing is that while I was preparing for my show for 'Live and Uncut', I was singing some of my new songs along with my old ones, I could almost visibly see the difference in technique, and maturity. So from my new album you can expect to see a mature, honest and aware Cameron, instead of a fresh out of high school Cameron.”
Having to deal with being referred to as a musician who became famous on idols, how do you show the world for that matter, that Cameron Bruce is different? “I battled heavily coming out of idols, I would be booked for shows and people would expect a certain thing. You can say my own voice was drowned out by all the covers I was expected to play. I came out of Idols wanting to still be me and that was really hard because being an idols star is one thing, and pursuing an original song writing career is another. But as long as I am true to myself, and what I want to be and that I get a positive reaction from those I share it with then I am pretty happy.”
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guphacci clothing
Rudi Thor Rudi Thor is founder of the highly successful GUPHACCI Clothing Brand and is a firm believer in working hard to achieve success. He started his career out as a freelance graphics designer and artist whilst studying Multimedia Graphic Design and Photography at The Open Window School of Visual Communication in Pretoria in 2006.
‘I always knew there was a greater purpose for my life and I knew deep inside me that I was destined to become more than just a Graphic Designer’ 18
‘You are what you draw’ Having built up the uber stylish Guphacci brand - whilst maintaining a job on the side - what advice would you give to someone who is working for the sake of income, and who abandons the happiness that could be gained from the pursuit of their dreams? I was lucky enough to have started work at a creative company. This was exactly in line with what I love to do. I can say with all honesty, that I know how frustrating it is to want to be something, but seeing this enormous mountain of obstacles stand between you and your dreams. Having an income is extremely important, and finding a job that falls exactly in line with what you love to do can be very difficult. If you are not fortunate enough to find such a job, I would consider doing freelance / part time work alongside your current job. Not being in the career you prefer does not mean you cannot work on your dream. It just means you would need to put in the extra time and effort to make your dream a reality. If it means achieving this after hours, then so be it. If it means sacrificing weekends to push portfolio work and gaining more experience, DO IT! No sleep? That is why you have a library full of great music to keep you awake! I read an article with a heading called “Do what you love on the side”. One part in that article that I thought was really great and to the point was as follow, 'If you can't find the motivation to pursue your passion part-time, you'll never be able to push yourself and make it work fulltime. Prove to yourself that this is really what you want to do, and test the waters without quitting your day job. Whether it means volunteering, getting a part-time job, taking an art course, or just locking yourself in your room with a guitar, a pencil, and a piece of paper, get down to business.’
Before taking the plunge and opening a business, it is very important to first gain more experience in the area of expertise where you would like to start a business. Jumping straight into starting your own business runs a great risk of you losing not only the dream you had, but money as well. You need to know exactly what it is that you want to be doing. If you have a dream, you need to set the goals and work towards that. Do research on the product you would like to create and sell in the future, see if you can find an existing company already doing what you dream of doing, getting a freelance job at that company would be ideal for gaining experience. Get to know the field well enough before you take on the challenge of running a business. Whether is running your own small bakery or even an upmarket boutique. Each type of business has its own set of logistics that make the business run. You need to learn these beforehand. It takes time, effort and allot of sacrifice to work on your dream job while working full time. But as I always say, if your dream is in fact SO important to you that could almost taste success, then you would have no problem swopping all the free time you have with work. After all, this “extra work” is what you love to do and sets you in motion for even bigger and more exciting things to come. Most people would say, the secret to starting your own business would be “never give up”. Which is true, but I have been following my motto since the beginning “YOU ARE WHAT YOU DRAW”, the time and effort you put in will result in the success and freedom you get out!”
Interview by Jacob Aupiais
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