Interview with New Age Gangster, Mlunghisi Manganyi

Mlunghisi Manganyi, originally from Pretoria, moved to Rustenburg at the age of 10 and spent the remainder of his school career there. Growing up, he was into sports; mainly rugby, but as he grew much older, he developed a keen interest in the arts which he says: "was a bit of a contrast from 'who I was suppose to be'". He not only appreciates all forms of art but does a bit of it himself. He loves reading, and this inspires him to write the many beautiful, romantic and narrative pieces we like seeing on his Twitter time line. Yes, we love it!
 
He's currently studying Strategic Corporate Communication at the University of Johannesburg and also does modeling in his spare time, which is what we at RVL are much more interested in *chuckle* and in so doing, have taken the time to meet up with the lad to find out more about his career and aspirations.
 
The handsome Lungi is represented by G3 Models, a highly rated modeling agency in South Africa and the world at large... So the man is doing great things! 

I like to refer to him as our very own Kanye West, haha! [For reasons you will soon discover] and funny enough, he looks up to the unorthodox artist. Go figure!
 
Among his few talents, Lungi, along with his business partner Katlego Mosiwa, are founders of an online magazine called, New Age Gangster of NAG, which serves as a portal to tell people's stories. They profile unique individuals from different backgrounds who do extraordinary things. NAG is a self-aware movement aimed at showcasing the modern man; one who is true to himself but also allows himself to be influenced by the world in order to grow. One who is cultured and educated, both formally and informally. One who goes for what he wants.

"A New Age Gangster is one who shares the traits of a gangster but uses them to the betterment of mankind."
 
Lungi has done a few modeling gigs, one being a shoot for Black Nation Magazine [an online magazine]. The series was called 'Beyond Aesthetics', which deals with clothing being more than just appearance, but a deeper meaning as to why we wear the type of clothes we wear. He was at the Wine and Dine fashion show last month, modelling for a clothing line called, Rafiki. And of course, we get to see what the brother gets up to when he's shooting for G3 - such latent and poise and sex appeal!!!

Photography: Lethabo Afrika

RVL: How did you get into modeling, when did you start?

Lungi:I did a style diary for SA live magazine back in 2013 and the pictures came out alright so I decided to go with it.

RVL: Have you always seen yourself becoming a model?

Lungi: No, not at all, maybe a professional rugby player. I guess we don't always choose our path do we?

RVL: This industry is very cutthroat and highly competitive; and you seem like the perfect model. Do you experience any kind of pressure to maintain perfection and how do you deal with it?

Lungi: To be honest with you, I don't experience much pressures, I get called in for castings, I work and that's it, although I do go to gym to maintain a good physique and I generally take care of myself, things I would be doing anyway, even if I was not in the industry.

RVL: What other aspirations do you have besides this career?

Lungi: Well, I only do modelling part-time, I'm studying towards a bachelors degree in strategic corporate communication and I'm also a writer and an overall creative, so yes, I want to create, influence culture then die.

RVL: Is it easy to get sucked in all the superficiality? How do you maintain balance between remaining true to you (especially being an African in a westernised industry) and being a poser?

Lungi: Yeah, I mean people do get sucked in the hype, the parties etc... For me personally, I distract myself with things outside the industry, such as music, literature and the arts, just to keep my spirit and my intellect in tact. we all know where we come from, we just need not forget it.

Photography: Ezra Mokgope

RVL: You've mentioned before that you love clothing and the finer things - do you feel that this was more of a blessing than by default?

  

Lungi: A bit of both really, I'm an expressionist so clothing is one form of expression that I use, you know, to send out my desired messages to the rest of the world. Aesthetics are very important to me, I'm very specific on the tones and colours that I wear. I guess its blessing because I'm able to choose the right clothing and it is by default because I'm very expressive and well, clothing seemed a perfect outlet.

RVL: How important is spirituality to you?

 

Lungi: I am still trying to find my identity as a spiritual person, I am still learning, growing and experiencing, I hope to be at the height of my spirituality someday, but isn't that very idealistic? to answer your question though, yes, my spirituality is very important to me.

 

RVL: Who inspires your style?

 

Lungi: I always try to find and create my own unique style, but truly, we are all a result of our surroundings, so yes, there are influences. Kanye west, Mariano Di Vaio and the gents from street etiquette, in that order.

RVL: Do you design clothes too?

Lungi: No, I do not.

RVL: How far do you see yourself going with this- do you see yourself doing runways...?

Lungi: As far as I can go, and yes, runway is definitely in the pipelines.

RVL: Who are your favourite designers and models - local and international?

Lungi: My favourite designer internationally would have to be Ricardo Tisci and locally Denis. Favourite model? uhm... none, unless of course you're talking female, but I can't mention her, else she'll think I have a crush on her.

RVL: You're a young, smart lad, does one need only looks to score a modelling gig?

Lungi: I guess it's all about what the client is looking for, but it is important to market yourself properly.

RVL: Describe yourself in one word.

Lungi: god

RVL: What's on your music playlist currently?

Lungi: Beatenberg, Disclosure, Bon iver, Erykah Badu and kanye west.

RVL: What sort of lifestyle do you lead?

Lungi: Lifestyle? truly, I do what I want.

RVL: Does it get tiring having females gasp at you?

Lungi: Well, I gasp back, haha.

RVL: And where can people find you and your amazing pictures and/shows?

Lungi: New Age Gangster on Facebook, IG: Beautifulisthestrangefruit, and Blacknation magazine. I showcased for Rafiki designs last month in Braamfontein, at the wine and blankets events and I also hope to do SA fashion week in April.

  
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