4 minute read
ROYAL HUSTLERS
New media leaders Taleni Shimhopileni and Zellmari Brandt stepping up
Over the last three years TribeFire Studios has gathered a diverse group of passionate people in its tribe. Fired up to grow influential media voices that shape Namibian and African minds for a better future, the young team builds distinguished media brands that stay connected to Namibian communities by being good and honest storytellers.
Two of the rising stars at the TribeFire Studios Group recently stepped into new leadership roles when founding directors passed the torch to them.
Zellmari Brandt
Zellmari Brandt (34) was appointed as an executive director of 99FM. Zellmari takes over from Christine Hugo who served as General Manager and Director of 99FM since 2011.
Taleni Shimhopileni
Taleni Shimhopileni (30) took over from Chrisna Greeff as a director of One Africa TV. Chrisna Greeff served as director since 2014.
This special edition of the Royal Hustlers features these two phenomenal young women.
Taleni Shimhopileni has been One Africa TV’s Content Manager since 2016 and an Exco member of TribeFire Studios since 2018. She is also the project lead for #LearnOnOne, One Africa TV’s Daytime TV Educational platform, launched in April 2020.
When asked how she feels about her new role, Taleni said: “For me leadership is more about serving than a fancy title. I believe we’ve all been brought onto this earth for a purpose. I’d like to die knowing that I used my talent to make the world and my country a better place.”
TribeFire Studios CEO Stefan Hugo noted: “Her passion to make a positive impact and her earnest drive to uphold honesty and transparency, are crucial qualities that we need in leaders of media in the new world. More than ever we need responsible, trustworthy media organisations that carry out their work with purpose. Taleni is a leader who will steer One Africa TV and TribeFire Studios’ presence to influence a better future for many Namibians and Africans”.
Taleni holds a Law Degree from UNAM as well as an BA Honours Degree (Cum Laude) from AFDA, and she is also a graduate of the African Leadership Institute.
Taleni served as a Trustee for The One Economy Foundation, established by the current First Lady of Namibia, and is currently also a board member of the Namibian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Windhoek Chapter. Her journey in television started when she was 13 as a host of “The Child’s Way” on NBC. She has since hosted a number of TV and radio shows.
Zellmari Brandt started working at TribeFire Studios as Brand Experience Manager in 2018 and soon after that she took up the position of 99FM Station Manager and Exco Member of TribeFire Studios.
Commenting on her appointment, Stefan Hugo said: “Her ability to lead change, combined with her creative industry experience, positions Zellmari as a strong leader for the flux of media in the 2020s. We are privileged to have her passion, creativity and drive on the TribeFire Studios team”.
“I am most excited about being part of this group of young, dynamic, influential people at TribeFire Studios, pushing an optimistic and productive culture forward, influencing people for the better. It’s magical!”, said Zellmari.
Christine Hugo, who handpicked Zellmari as her successor, said:
“She has the creative, intelligent and emotional quotient required to take the brand forward. Zellmari is invested in the purpose of the brand to ‘inspire Namibians to be the masters of their own destiny’, the very essence that drew her to the company. Since day one she has shown immeasurable commitment and consistent work ethic to make it happen. She does the work!”
Zellmari holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual and Performing Arts from AFDA. She completed Management Training at the University of Stellenbosch Business School and obtained her Certificate in Leadership from the Africa Leadership Institute at the end of November. Zellmari worked in the film industry, for the National Theatre of Namibia and with DB Audio in Live Events.
About TribeFire Studios
One Africa TV (Namibia’s only non-state TV channel) and 99FM (originally Radio 99, Namibia’s first privately owned English radio station), became members of TribeFire Studios in 2018. TribeFire Studios is a creative collaboration of likeminded media brands that share a common goal – telling stories to weave a positive Namibian narrative.
www.tribefirestudios.com
www.99fm.com.na
www.oneafrica.tv
Tune in to The Royal Hustlers on 99 FM every Monday to Friday at 07h35. (Stream us here) https://99fm.com.na/ external-radio-live-stream/
