Issue 24
ConverseAtions June 2021
J'Adore D'Amour 100% Mzansi and world class shoe designs by Mathapelo. Siya Sityana Film & Commercials director who has worked on International productions. Wines & Stuff Queenery wines by Hlelokuhle Zwane? June
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Youth struggles in 2021.
ZION COLLECTIVE #RoadTo20K
A DUO, NOT TO BE SLEPT ON.
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Contents Page 06 02. Zion Collective Abongile and Qeren - a duo not to be slept on in the advertising space in Nelson Mandela bay. 06. J'Adore D'Amour The only female who has her designer shoe in Mzansi is telling us where it all started. 09. Pull Up Energy Drink Nkululeko talks about his energy drink, which is finally ready to hit the streets. 12. QELELE A Xhosa named clothing brand, which has a great meaning behind it. 15. QUEENERY WINES Inspired by her role model Bonang Matheba, Hlelo has started her wine brand at the age of 20.
Page 18: Siya Botyana
18. FILM, FINANCES & BOOKS We brought you the best of Mzansi. 36. CLASSIFIEDS Directly contact numbers on the posters.
Local to us is everything local to you - SUPPORT LOCAL!!!
Bringing vision to life, words that inspire our creativity and remind us that our work is a constant collaboration with our clients. Zion collective is a brainchild of Abongile Ngalonkulo, who is also the managing director of this phenominal ad company. Abongile started out studying law but soon realised that his passion was in the creative industry. His partner Qeren Fourie studied marketing and joined Zion to step away from a traditional role as a marketing manager into a more creative environment. When did you start and what inspired you to start the business? “Abo started Zion Collective with a team of
creatives in 2017, wanting to pursue the freedom of being self-employed in a creative field. Qeren joined Abo as a co-owner when Zion had suffered the loss of a major national client. They were both faced with the harsh reality of working for a start-up with no external funding or support, but decided that the pay-off of doing what they love is worth more in the long-run than making more money in the moment”. Your highlights and maybe names of the popular clients that you've “Most days can pass for a highlight with the work worked with before.
that we do, although there have been extremely tough times, we've had the privilege of working with some amazing brands like Reebok, Red Bull and S.P.C.C., we've also had some incredibly fun fashion-focused projects with our friends, such as Fashion Designer GUGU Peteni, Creative Director and (very) frequent collaborator Banele Dlodlo and Streetwear Entrepreneur Evans Zemba (Walk in Closet). our more corporate clients include Imperial, EOH Holdings, BLC Attorneys and others”. 02
Zion collective has a very wide range In terms of hiring employees of services they offer, but they and industry partners - we hire the definitely prioritise the client needs best, and the best are never all the hence they prefer a chat with a client same colour. about their business before making a pitch. “Sometimes they deal with a traditional business that needs to break into the e-commerce space, sometimes it's a new brand that needs a logo and corporate identity, sometimes it's a business needing a full digital or traditional ad campaign or content for their social media. Our services work hand-inhand and can be split into Marketing/Advertising Strategy, Graphic Design, Web Design, Photo/Videography and Animation”, said Qeren. In a country where race is still an issue, how did you guys overlooked that and worked together and how important is it for you guys to see a black and white South Africa that is racist-free in future? “Conversations about
race inevitably come up from time to time, we speak openly and honestly between ourselves and advise our clients in the same way. Being a diverse team hasn’t been a challenge, infact it has helped us see things from different perspectives. In terms of hiring employees and industry partners we hire the best, and the best are never all the same colour”. So where do you see Zion collective in five years time?
“We'd like to see Zion Collective grow further into the forefront of bringing South African creativity and creative problem solving into the international market, especially relating to international fashion brands like Off-White, Vogue, Maison Margiela, Versace and streetwear brands like Nike and Adidas”. 03
Lastly, to people who would want to start the kind of business you’re running – what can you advise them? “The best advice we would
have for someone wanting to start a similar business would be to dig deep to find out exactly why they want to do it, if the reason is something that will still be worth it when you're struggling financially, not getting recognition or just having a hard time in general, then go for it. Another factor that has helped us a lot is having good mentors. We've gotten guidance and game-changing advice from some of South Africa's best minds by just reaching out and being teachable. There are a lot of very capable people who can give advice if you're willing to listen. The only guarantee in business is that there will always be something new to learn”.
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If you'd like to reach out to us to help with your brand or are in the same industry as us and want to connect, slide into our DMs or send an email to info@zioncollective.co.za or click on the social icons below. We'd love to hear from you.
Have a courage to start, and the rest will follow. - Mathapelo Bridget Pitse
Meet Mathapelo Bridget Pitse, born in the East Rand, Boksburg, raised in Johannesburg and currently resides in Midrand. Mathapelo had to work right after high school , but because of her entrepreneurial drive and passion she managed (and still) enrolled herself to short courses through different educational institutions. In a conversation we had on what and why this brand name, she replied by telling us that, “J’ADORE D’AMOUR means I LOVE LOVE and it’s centred around the love I have for everything dear to my heart. The brand is a luxury woman’s footwear brand for sophisticated women that have a passion for fashion and who consistently steps in style”. When did you start with J’Adore D’Amour and what inspired you to go for it? “True
story - my inspiration comes from being a shoe hoarder! I once owned over 300 pairs of shoes. I then had an aha moment and thought of combining both my entrepreneurial passion and love for shoes into a business, that’s how J’ADORE D’AMOUR was born”. 06
What challenges you faced when starting J’Adore D’Amour and how did you overcome those? “One of the many challenges I faced in the
past was the manufacturing process. Oh my goodness, it was quite a rocky journey but I’ve learnt a lot from the technical phase to approving prototypes, the list is endless! I must say entrepreneurship is a journey that I’ve learnt to embrace at all times. Whatever challenge we face, I’m certain we’ll thrive and hope for the best". Since the inception of your shoe business – what has been the highlight of this journey, something that made you say YES they know and love my work? “I must say the unboxing experiences I receive from my clients
makes my heart melt. It proves that all the hard work we put in as a team goes unnoticed. From the design process, production, packaging, and long hours put to turn this dream to reality is mind boggling- I’m really proud of my brand”. Please share if your shoe is available in any retail store? If yes, please share name…and for people not in Gauteng how can they buy the shoe and the price ranges? “Our shoes are available at the AFI concept store-
House Of Nala situated at The Leonardo Hotel in Sandton. We’re also at Africa Rise which is owned by local designer Thula Sindi. Alternatively, you can purchase our shoes on our official website www.jadoredamour.com Were also available on Zando and Takealot”. Lastly, there’s young girl out there who would like to follow on your footsteps – what can you advise them? “You have
to motivate yourself at all times. Don’t give up on your dreams and always remain positive and optimistic about life”.
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For more info contact us on:
0785083915 / info@malumeplayground.co.za
Pull Up ENERGY DRINK
Pull Up energy drink, a subsidiary company of Kelep’s Trading by Nkululeko Kelepu is changing and shaking the beverage industry. It is a company that hails all the way from the Free State and has been manufacturing beverages since the year 2018. The company started with manufacturing mineral water and alkaline water, ginger juice, ice (2kg) and energy drink but in a plastic bottle. The company was a success for two years until the Covid-19 pandemic slowed the sales down. The company had to rebrand and add certain products in order to ensure that it is sustainable in the future. The production of a canned beverage in a form of an energy drink was the ideal product to increase sales. This did not come without its own fair of challenges. The formula was not the difficult part as getting funding was very difficult. 09
Seda assisted with marketing material and the company had to fund most of the work and this meant that the product had to take longer to be completed and at the same time resources were not sufficient to run the business and create the product.
Keya Mapara and Manyora of life, and those who extremely need that PULL - in order to go UP.
The product was officially completed , tested and canned on the 25th April 2021. This was a mile stone that comes with more challenges of getting enough stock to distribute. The company has already made strides to market a year in advance and sampling was done a year in advance as well. Potential bulk suppliers are already starting to order and the company is engaging many distributors.
Funding the product was a challenge, but now we are ready to hit the streets.
The product will be available in the month of July 2021 in local wholesalers, taxi ranks, clubs, shops, spaza shops, etc. And we will ensure that it reaches the rest of Africa as well with your support.
To get a monthly copy of the WhatsApp Magazine for FREE - save our WhatsApp line 0787037820 and text #WhatsAppMag
Price for 1 can is R13.00 and if you are bulk suppliers, then a discount of around 30 to 45% is applied depending on the number of cans or cases procured.
You can order or follow us by clicking the social icons on your right for more info.
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YOUTH STRUGGLES IN 2021. Accountability is the new struggle – and before I proceed, forget it if you think you will find it on politicians. A great shift occurred in 1976 after the black South African youth fought for a system that was not serving the nation. That system died and we were then exposed to a new page, a new page to write a different narrative about which languages are we happy or not happy to speak, a new page to have our own education system that can empower us from the foundation phase to tertiary, a new page to say we do not just want a better South Africa but we, as individuals can be a better South Africa in mind and in actions. Today struggles are also a result of the 1976 youth who never literally died but gained power and riches to control and apply some of the apartheid laws in our people in a different way. The youth of 1976 are now the leaders in our parliaments, in our society, and in our workplaces. These hooligans are the ones who asks for sex before hiring our sisters, the same people who fought for us are now drug lords who are the reason we have brothers who can easily access drugs in our communities. But remember accountability – and ask yourself what do we do with what we know now, what we have now and what we do not have now?. The ruling party has all the red flags, the red barrets have all the red flags, and to be precise the political parties are not our way out of our situations. We are our way out of our situations. Our government do not seem to have all the opportunities we deserve, hence graduates are having it bad, instead our economy thus far is carried by the individuals who are creating small businesses and hire from their communities. If we start by being accountable of our own journey, self-educate, self-hire and hire the unemployed through the initiatives we create, self-teach ourselves to not rely on the government, then we will see Canaan.
- Editor
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POWERED BY
Qelele
We spoke to Alatha Maneli who is the man behind the brand Qelele. The young man was born and still resides in Zwelitsha, a small location near King William's Town. Alatha matriculated in Breidbach Senior Secondary, went to Lovedale where did he his diploma in Public Management. He had a great up bringing with siblings always around, growing up in a tight knit family environment and he was fortunate enough to have a mother who encouraged him to push beyond his wildest dreams. One of the greatest values which has been passed down to each generation of his family was to fear and respect God, and that through prayer anything and everything is possible.
From Negativity
Please share when did you commence with this clothing brand and what inspired you to go for it?
“I started my clothing wear early this year, it was an idea I’d been pondering up on since last year and I have to say procrastination weigh heavy on us sometimes, but I have to say big up to my younger cousin, for being the craziest motivation I got where I had least expected it. My cousin encouraged me to go forward with it and here we are. This is a start of something new, an adventure for me and since I love challenges I believe and will make sure we grow bigger”. We sell hoodies, sweaters, tracksuits, tshirts, bucket hats, beanies.
Prices ranges from R150 to R600 12
Please share the meaning of the word QELELE, and why you chose to use that name for your brand? “Qelele is a Xhosa
word which means far, and with this brand what I am trying to say is seclude yourself from negativity - stand far from it. Anything which you view as not aligning with who you are “Ithi qelele kulonto”. Regrettably we've been seeing quiet a lot of incidents where violence has been witnessed in different parts all over the country. So Qelele is a plea to disassociate ourselves with such unscrupulous acts. Also if you look at the our logo the person standing under the post Qelele from the rest doing his own thing. Challenges you faced when commencing with QELELE and how did you react to those? “One that I would say stands out the most is me believing in myself,
If I could take on something of such magnitude and ofcourse some “pap talks” and encouragement was needed to move forward, and I have a great support structure through my family. That led me into taking a leap into faith. Also what made me want to move forward most was knowing what I wanted and achieving is greater than the risk of losing”. How has the clothing brand been received thus far and what is motivating you to keep pushing QELELE? "I have to say the audience it has received thus
far since it's inception is whooping, but through hardwork and exposure we could reach more people and get them to be Qelele as well. Determination and focus and my drive to be who I want to be and the belief that nothing is impossible is what keeps me going,. And I am strong on God,I believe that with him by my side everything is at arms reach CLICK ON THE SOCIAL ICONS ON YOUR RIGHT FOR MORE INFO.
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Queenery Wines By Hleloluhle Sthandiwe Zwane
I've always looked up to Bonang, when she launched her BNG house champagne at a very young age I was so inspired.
Founder and owner of Queenery Wines is the 20 year old Hleloluhle Sthandiwe Zwane. Bred and moulded in Paulpietersburg Northern KwaZuluNatal where she still resides. Hlelo went to Paulpietersburg Primêre Skool prior attending at Vryheid Comprehensive Secondary School for he higher grades. She matriculated in 2019, and was busy upgrading her marks in 2020. Please share when did you commence with this wine brand and what inspired you to go for it? “I started
with Queenery Wines in 05 Nov 2020, when I was about to write my final examinations. Honestly, starting a wine brand was never in my head but an influenced thought by my role model Bonang Matheba. I've always looked up to Bonang, when she launched her BNG house champagne at a very young age I was so inspired. That’s when I also thought having my own wine brand could actually be something that might change my life”. 15
Challenges you faced when commencing with QUEENERY wines and how did you “The moment I had this react to those?
winery idea, I had no actual capital at all but savings from the cash my dad used to give, so I had to use those savings to start my business. The other challenge was to find resources but fortunately I met a guy by the name of Alex Mbatha from my neighborhood, who knew more about this idea of mine. From that day he became my mentor and I'm so grateful to have met him”. What has been the highlight of your business this far? “The highlights of my business are not much
this but all I can say so far I have managed to do wine promotions at Paulpietersburg Spar Tops, which included wine tasting too. I also had a Mother's day special for my customers, the first three customers received wine bags and wine glass. The other 7 customers received a free wine bag. On the 29th of May we had a wine tasting event in one of our local Embizo Royal Lifestyle Lounge”. Lastly, your advice to other youth who would want to start a business?
“I would say whatever business it is you have in mind - go for it, don't wait on anyone. Strive for what you want and go for it. There are many distractions out there but if you know what you want, don’t let any of those distractions to stand in your way. Lastly, do your research". To order or follow us click on the social icons on the right. 16
Monthly Specials
For assistance contact: Songz on 081 529 9798
Film Director Siya Sityana
CREATIVE XHOSA CHILD
Often we see full productions and hardly question who is behind these staggering productions on our screens. This month we are bringing you a remarkable film director by the name of Siyasanga Bongani Sityana, who is known as "Siya Sityana" and many call him "Director S". The gentleman was born and bred in Port Elizabeth, currently known as Gqeberha – also grew up in Gqeberha for a while but mostly spent his time in a small town called Peddie, in the Eastern Cape. "I graduated In Film and Television, majored in Script writing and directing at Cape Town International Film School 2004. Currently, due to the nature of my work and bookings I am floating between Johannesburg and Cape Town as far as residence is concerned", he said. When did you start with Filming/Directing and what inspired you to go for it? “I started working on film sets right after my graduation in 2005. I
started off as a PRODUCTION PA then as SET PA, two years later I progressed into Assistant Director for international and local directors. Three years from there I started directing full-time for Local Films, TV Series and TV Commercials. My inspiration for visual storytelling comes from the blood, I am a grandson to one of the greatest Xhosa Novelists (AMS SITYANA) whose books are all over our universities. I read some of his books and listened to some of his radio dramas, from there I knew I wanted to tell stories but visual stories. That passion and gift is what led me to where I am to date”. 18
Since inception with your filming/directing career – which is that one production would you say it’s your favorite or close to your heart and why? “The one production that's a
highlight of my career is called "Hostage", a local movie I directed for eTV as my first movie on TV. Although it's hard to choose just one out of the many productions I've done, a second one would be "OUR DREAM" a public announcement campaign advert for the "46664" Nelson Mandela concert. To me these are major productions of my humble beginnings and rubberstamps that a farm boy like me can do anything and only the sky is the limit”. You once directed Denzel Washington - please share how was it to be part of that production: “Working with Denzel Washington was an honour given
his stature. I was an assistant director on the production which was a major American block buster "Safe House". Having to speak to him and other A-Listers' infants on camera was epic for me, I had such a euphoria”. Most people surely know some of the productions you worked on but do not know you were part of those – please mention three that you think people may know and which production are you currently involved in? “The latest
is the Castle Lager TV commercial, Stokvel on SABC 2, Interrogation Room SABC 1, Uthenjiwe Uyatshata on Mzansi Magic and "BLACK" Music Video with THE DREAM American rapper”. There’s young people out there who would like to follow on your footsteps – what can you advise them? “Wanna be in film and television in any of the
department? Just know it's a tough industry, working long hours sometimes on weekends, and holidays. But to those who specifically want to be directors and writers like myself. It all starts with passion, vision, skill then the ability. if you have the above then you are king to the throne. remember school doesn't teach talent, they polish it. it needs to be within you. In my view filmmaking is a form of expression”. 19
Simphiwe Sibisi Founder of Desirableink.sa
Simphiwe Sibisi, founder and management member of Desirableink.sa, a platform created in order to uplift upcoming creatives, creatives that come in a form of photography, videography, modeling, artist management. Simphiwe was born and raised in a township where he never met a positive role model or healthy adult until he became one himself and consciously questioned himself if this is a cycle he wanted to participate in. Having the privilege of being a Logistics Management undergraduate student at University of Johannesburg inspired him to establish a side hustle / grind culture as a Photographer in the midst of a global pandemic while his hood is suffering from not having access to information. Putting the effort to change the environment, life or whatever the case may be is one of the reasons Desirableink.sa was born, born with ideas that are powerful enough to create jobs. We've never been this thrilled to announce the possibilities of designing our lives in a way that is very real , specific ,intentional and fixated on what we've declared on set as a collective. The team would be incomplete without Prince Khumalo(Creative director), Thato Molepo( PR and Marketing director) and Lunga Tshabalala(Model/Influencer), equally responsible for coming up with productive strategies because team work makes the dream work. 21
What inspired you to start Desirableink.sa?
"I knew our brand was something special as soon as I experienced wisdom and leadership from my childhood friends, and I was more inspired to be associated with them which has now helped lead our entire brand to nurture amazing local talent and we're happy with the response, and hope we utilize resources to help struggling artists with progressive views, including the community in general. Bigger doors are opening and attracting influencers and artists that will change our status for the better with 5 artists and 5 models signed and managed independently by Desirableink.sa. Artists Namely: Tshidiso(Kul-T), Phinda(Gary_Wilson), Qingqile(Qithegong), Models Namely: Gontse Mofokeng, Lesego Mofokeng, Thando Maphanga, Kelebogile Mabiletsa, Kelebogile Malebo and Sihle Tshabalala(Videographer). When one of our artists gets recognition .Nothing beats that level of affirmation and to see that our services care enough to make it happen. Our brand invites artists that embody compassion , femininity, playfulness, loudly expressiveness, resilience ,purpose and never stop to re-imagine our artist's lives because it's time to exchange our trauma response for our own free will". 22
I experienced wisdom and leadership from my childhood friends.
"The main objective as an entity is to uplift upcoming creatives. Therefore, nothing will bring joy to the organization than seeing our Artists having been recognized, impacting in the industry at large and being independent. Other than that, being a stable Agency where we have our own recording studio, equipment, having a stable industry market share is our goal.
Tax & Investments By Karabo Rantho
As soon as you become an investor, there is something that you cannot ignore: tax. Dreaded as it is, let us talk about how to soften the blow of tax on your investments. There are four main kinds of taxes that are applicable to your investments: Capital gains tax – this is tax on the money you gain when you sell an investment at higher price than you bought it. Interest tax - this is tax on the income you get from cash and bonds. Dividends withholding tax – 20% of dividends are withheld as tax and rest is the dividends paid out to you. Income tax – if you get dividends from a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), the dividends are taxed as income (and therefore added to your total income). Of course, it is natural to wonder if there is a way to reduce the effect of tax on your investments. The good news is, there are a few. 24
Secondly, there are retirement funds. When you invest into a retirement annuity, the amount of tax that you pay overall is reduced and the returns earned on the annuity are tax free up to a limit. The disadvantage (or advantage) with such an investment is that you can only access it after the age of 55 unless you decide to emigrate or fall permanently disabled before reaching 55. Lastly, is an endowment. An endowment is an investment plan where you can invest your money for a minimum of 5 years. Endowments are best for when your marginal tax rate is greater than 30%, because your investments will be taxed at a total of 30% while within the endowment. At maturity, the money you get will not be taxed. Investing does not always mean you have to pay ridiculous amount of money, finding smart ways to invest helps you save more. 25
Brought to by:
First, we have a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). Although it is called a savings account, it is actually an investment account (I know right). For these investments, there is ZERO tax. The icing on the cake here is the fact that there are no penalties for withdrawal. As good as it sounds though, a TFSA has certain conditions: the limit to the amount of money you may invest in a TFSA is capped at R36000 per year and R500 000 per lifetime. And although withdrawing is not penalized, I would discourage you from withdrawing because that reduces your lifetime limit.
Simamkele Socishe Fashion Explosion NMB Who is Sima - give us your background?
“I am a 22 year old born and breed in Gqeberha. A very motivated and peace loving individual. Extremely laid back young lady that enjoys serving others in whatever way possible. A law student in the Nelson Mandela University, and also Miss Port Elizabeth 2021 2nd Princess amongst other things”. When did you decide you want to do modeling?
“I cannot pin point the exact moment and time when I said modeling would be my thing as I never really wanted to do it. I just 'fell' into it around 2017, as a means to help me come out of my shell, overcome social anxiety and low self-esteem challenges. I figured, if I threw myself into the deep end and do the very thing I dread I'd be forced to learn how to swim then overcome all that was holding me back”. What are the highlights of your modeling journey? “One of the highlights
of my modeling journey so far is being featured in the Sensational Magazine and coming 2nd in a hair competition, in which I modeled for Looney Hair . Sensational is a hair fibre manufacturing company in S.A. & sells hair pieces and fibres from the Expression brand. Also taking part in Miss PE 2021 and took the second princess crown”.
Contact: 073 936 8259
Images by: Sebenzile Zalabe 27
What inspires you?
“My dreams inspire me. The deep desire within self to be better to self and offer better to others inspires me. I believe that we all have a unique purpose and that nobody is ever on planet earth to just occupy space. I believe there's more to life then what we see or know and my curiosity to find out what that more is, is what inspires me. The pursuit of more, of greater. The word of God inspires me, more especially the things God says in Ephesians 3:20. They are telling me that there's more and I will not stop not quit without discovering those things that my mind can't even think of due to its limitations”. Being in the EC, does it have a negative or positive impact in your modeling career? “I'd say it positively impacts my modeling career, granted yes there
are way more opportunities in other cities but right now my main focus is getting my law degree and modeling is a side hustle. With that being said, I don't mind the 'little' or very few gigs I get here in the Bay as they help me manage my school work well and I believe in not despising your humble beginnings”. Given an opportunity to travel, what places would you like to visit?
“Paris , Tokyo, California and Germany. I'd love to tour Africa, in its entirety one day however if I had to choose just a few I'd choose those 4 places mainly because of the work I'm interested in right now. Places like Paris has many talented designers, and hosts great fashion shows”.
You can follow me by clicking on the social icons on the right. 28
Unemployment made me re-evaluate my life. Ingrid Arlington - the author of this month book recommendation, was born in South Africa but raised in both Zimbabwe and South Africa for different periods in her life. She is currently living in the UK and has been there for 4 years with her husband, father-in-law and two dogs. She currently has Diploma’s in Coaching and Information Technology – Programming and Certificates in Project Management and Systems Engineering. We asked her to share the name of her book and what inspired her to write this memoir and this is what she said, “The name of the book is Kinky Roots: A Memoir. The title came to me while I was writing a chapter called Identity (don’t worry, no spoilers). The title describes not only the relationship between my hair and who I am but also how hair can form part of our identity as a person. Kinky Roots was the beginning of a BIG change for me. I started writing it 4 years ago, a few months into living in the UK when I came face to face with the realities and challenges of immigrating to a new country. What inspired it was a television show but more on that in the book”. 30
To decide what to write and what not to write. Book available at: Book shelf sale Bookstore and Lotus Bookstore OR Click here.
What kind of challenges you faced when you started writing it and prior publishing – was it easy to fund it? “Initially the challenge was
deciding what to write but more importantly, what not to write. There were internal struggles around what my family and people close to me would think about me telling the truth of my story and journey. There were fears of judgment and shaming. Revisiting painful and emotional events to be able to narrate them in the book was particularly difficult because it was like experiencing everything all over again. But this was all part of the process and necessary to bring you the book today and the closure that I needed. I used my own resources to write and fund the book. I can’t say that it was easy, but it certainly required some sacrifice”. Please share with us what the book is about? "Kinky Roots is very much a
memoir on growth, healing, and the ruminations of growing up in Southern Africa and moving to the UK. It is an uplifting, poignant and reflective journey alongside the author. From a tumultuous upbringing in Zimbabwe, where violence and sexual assault was rife – to Ingrid meeting her husband in South Africa before starting an arduous new life in the UK. It’s a story that explores how identity, excuses, religion, relationships, selfworth, and family heritage all ultimately lay life’s crazy pathway. When not pushing and talking KINKY ROOTS, what else do you do? “I am a
Cybersecurity Consultant by day. I work with businesses to improve their Cybersecurity posture and ensure that their IT infrastructure is as secure as possible. If I am not working, I am writing or looking after my two little dogs”. You can always follow me and my work by clicking on the social icons on the right.
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The Invader
DJ Sour
We had a chat with Thabiso Mohale, known as DJ Sour. The upcoming DJ resides in Soweto Orlando West (Mzimhlope), and that’s where he grew up. Before we engaged about his music journey we were keen to hear if he was’nt in the music busness what field would he have been interested in, and this is what he said, “If I wasn't in the music business I would have became an IT Technician because I believe that I am very good when it comes to repairing electronics and solving problems”. Inspired by the late DJ Zuluboy who used to rent a room by his grandparents’ house at Dube village Soweto in the late 90’s. As a young township boy who loved music, he spent most of his days with the late DJ Zulu boy accompanied him to gigs, events, radio stations and festivals. Having to carry heavy equipment such as speakers, turntables, vinyl’s etc. The friendship between the two did not last due to the passing of DJ Zulu Boy. Against all that did not stop DJ Sour from following his passion for music. In the year 2000 he met another famous township DJ known as DJ Hloks who also lived at Dube village. They both teamed up where by DJ Sour was also helping with carrying speakers, turntables and vinyl’s but this time around things became way different because DJ Sour was introduced to playing at gigs such as weddings, stokvel’s and kids parties. They both parted ways because DJ Hloks relocated, and DJ Sour moved to stay with his father at Orlando West Mzimhlophe. 33
Tell us about the music released you have released, and who have you worked with? “So far I released 2 hit
singles, which I worked with YurimcmillionDj and that is Ngaphakathi and Phelil'imali, both these singles are available on all digital platforms. We’re soon going to release another hit single that we featured Leehleza on a song named “Passion”, most people will remember Leehleza on that hit track he did with Kabza De Small “Umshove”. Also YuriMcmilionDJ and I will be releasing 1st debut album named Alfa Vol 1 later this year”.
Click on the songs and listen:
1. Ngaphakathi 2. Phelil'iMali
Your highlights thus far? "My biggest highlight this far is having to release
music that I have produced and also having an opportunity to show case my DJ talent live on radio on stations such as Ligwalagwala FM, Lesedi Fm, TruFM, Jozi FM, 5FM. Another highlight thus far is having these 2 of my hit singles getting radio airplay”. How has the pandemic impacted your journey as a DJ?“The pandemic really
closed off many doors since I had a Europe tour planned for this year, and also most of the bookings I had got postponed”. Lastly, where do you see yourself and your music career in 5 years time?
“In 5 years time I see myself being one of the biggest Dj's both nationally and globally. also as a music and entertainment lover I would love to own a whole radio station. And that will help me to give other upcomings like I am now a platform to have their music played”. To listen to my music and more info about me click on the social icon on the right. 34
WHATSAPP MAG TOP 10 1. Lush By The Way Ft C Bryan - Waya Waya
2. Bravo Le Roux Ft Yanga - Amandla
3. DJ Sour - Ngaphakathi
4. Siya Manyathi- 6205
5. Stone Sisters - Unbreakable
6. Roger Soulstar - I.ove is
7. Ndlovu Youth Choir - We Will Rise
8. DJ T.S.U - Ndilungise
9. Zama Afrika - Saph'uThando
10. Elliker Buzani - King Of Gwij
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CLICK ON THE SONG AND LISTEN
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CLASSIFIEDS
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