4 minute read
10 minutes with local tastemakers
Taylo Mannetti
I remember sitting in front of the TV as a little girl, seeing this beautiful blonde woman with red lips on the screen, wearing a beautiful flowy dress, dancing with such confidence and speaking with so much sass. I remember asking myself how she got into the TV. Silly question, right? However, I knew that she knew she was being watched, and that struck a chord with me. It ignited a curiosity and sense of wonder about performing and being on TV. Ever since then, being an actor and ‘the girl on TV’ took centre stage on my list of priorities.”
This is the origin story of Taylo Mannetti’s rising star.
Grounded by a culturally diverse upbringing in Namibia and standing out as a beacon of true talent in the realm of lights, camera and action, Taylo’s ancestry blends Xhosa, Ovambo and Italian heritage. This melting pot of influences infuses her acting, modelling and radio presenting with a unique depth and captivating perspective.
From a young age, Taylo’s love affair with storytelling ignited a passion that would shape her future endeavours. Her journey into the world of acting, modelling and radio presenting was not merely a career choice but a calling – an innate desire to connect, inspire and leave a mark on the world.
Balancing the demands of academia and a thriving entertainment career, Taylo’s days are a whirlwind of activity. As a student at AFDA, South Africa’s esteemed institution for the creative industry, she immerses herself in the art of live performance and motion picture medium, honing her craft under the mentorship of industry stalwarts like Brümilda van Rensburg. Yet, amidst lectures and rehearsals, Taylo finds solace in stolen moments of script review and audition preparation, fuelled by a relentless drive to excel in her chosen field.
In 2019, Taylo’s journey took her to the prestigious stage of Miss Namibia, where she experienced the transformative power of sisterhood amidst fierce competition. But beyond the glitz and glamour, it was the unwavering support of her fellow contestants that left an indelible mark on her heart – a testament to the strength found in unity and camaraderie.
Fuelled by her love for storytelling, the starlet’s foray into radio presenting was a natural progression – a chance to share her voice and charisma with audiences. Through hard work, determination and a stroke of luck, she seized an opportunity to fill in as a presenter on Fresh FM, embarking on a journey that would see her blossom into a confident and engaging radio personality. While her radio show is on hold as she pursues studies and entertainment jobs in South Africa, this avenue has ignited a desire to continue honing her presenting skills, further diversifying Taylo’s repertoire.
Beyond the spotlight, Taylo remains grounded by her values of humility, kindness and respect. In a world often defined by superficiality, she advocates for inclusivity and compassion, championing the cause for fair compensation and recognition within the entertainment industry.
As Taylo’s star continues to rise, she remains committed to her roots, striving to pave the way for aspiring actors and models in her homeland of Namibia. Through her advocacy and dedication, she hopes to create a more inclusive and prosperous future for artists in the region.
In an industry where perception often eclipses reality, Taylo Mannetti is a beacon of authenticity – an artist whose journey embodies the true essence of passion, resilience and unwavering determination. As she continues to shine on screens and stages internationally, her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of art and the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
