Interview with Lerato Malatji

- Nubian Samurai - 

Interview with Lerato Malatji

In a world where beauty meets brains, this girl sure knows how to stay gracious while flaunting her wits. Lerato Malatji is an I AM WOMAN ambassador, ReBasadi event’s manager, she was a Miss Earth regional finalist in 2016, a model for various local brands and now model and face of local crochet and knitwear brand RVL. Originally from Orange Farm in Drieziek One, she came to the big city after matriculating in 2012 to further her studies in a 3 year course that she says took her 5 years to complete. She studied Information Management at the University of Johannesburg in Auckland Park, while also managing her career in modelling. She was raised by a single mother who didn’t quote understand Lerato’s passion for modelling until much later in their relationship. “I couldnt explain it to her properly as to what I wanted to do because I didnt fully understand it myself and I believe that had a lot to do with the lack of knowledge about what I wanted to get myself into.” We met up with the chocolate browny to find out more about her and her inspiring career.

    1. Who is Lerato Malatji. What does she do and where is she from?

Simply, a catalyst for positive change continuously involved in projects that transform individuals’ lives, be it a simple change of perspective about a certain issue or introducing a certain light on a topic that affects communities. I do all of that through beauty pageants, mentoring and being involved in youth led organisations, and with all of that I still squeeze my modelling career and my student life as an Information Management (also known as Competitive Intelligence) final year student. I rep my neighbourhood 24/7 I am from the dusty streets of Orange farm.                   

2. When did you know that you wanted to become a model?

In high school, although initially I wanted to be a tv presenter because I loved reading ( and liked the sound of my voice when doing so), but the defining moment for me was in 9th grade. Going through insecurities of my dark skintone I wanted to be on magazines just to get back at all the bullying I got for my skintone. Funny enough the bullying I got was not from school but home.

3. What are some of the challenges you face being in the modelling industry and also being on the come-up?

Being authentic in an industry that has turned simple lives into performances and unfortunately that is what gets recognition from well known brands, and sometimes being genuine and real about who you are does not get praises. “Models” today ACCORDING TO ME are social media influencers and very few professional models are getting the jobs that they truly deserve. So in the midst of all of that I find it to be difficult being only known for your work as a professional model and not being put in a box of social media likes and that being used as a rank. 

4. You were a finalist for Miss Earth S.A. - tell us about that.

I will forever be grateful to the Miss Earth SA organisers for the life long lessons they have given me, I now have my earth sisters that I can call anytime for a quick chat or invite to  cleanups in my neighbourhood. Miss Earth SA is not by any chance a beauty pageant but its an empowering plartform that equips young women with leadership skills that they can use to make better decisions on living a sustainable life and also leading a sustainable country. I was given a cleanup task in my community and it was a success, I was blown away by the fact that I could have discussions with leaders in my community and that they actually listened to what I had to say.

5. What did it mean for you to be a part of that sort of initiative?

It meant I had the power to influence and also plant a seed of a sustainable life and also taking care of the environment. 

   6. Does it get competitive when you’re in that sort of space or are the finalists genuinely supportive   of one another?

Personally, there is freedom in authenticity so every finalist brings something different to the table, meaning there could never be any sense of competition, although it is a competition by nature - but by the time of the finale we are just a team trying to get through the glamourous night without anyone of us tripping on stage. (Hahaha) 

7. How many pageants have you entered and how do you feel you have grown from those experiences?

Four, and it’s such a small number because I enter pageants that have substance and I know will give me the platform to advocate issues that affect humanity. As much as I enter these pageants to inflict change in my surroundings it is again for personal growth as a young woman. I am more open minded, I now do things that are worth doing and do them right.

8. Do you feel that pageants often promote more beauty than brains or do you feel that there is a balance of both?

Definitely a strong NO, beauty is a healthy body and mind so yes there is a balance between the two. A beautiful mind is of an intellect and and an indivual that can reason. A beautiful body is a healthy body meaning taking care of yourself will be evident in the way you look.                     

9. What does it take to be in the forefront of modelling? 

A thick skin, never taking the criticism and constant rejection personally.        

10. You’re the event’s manager for Re Basadi which is a women empowerment organisation that aims to get women involved in business. Tell us about how you get involved with them.

The whole concept behind Re Basadi is collaboration amongst young women in business. My role therefore is organising events that will facilitate the promotion and collaborations of different businesses through talks, seminars and market days. 

11. Which other projects are you involved in?

I’m currently part of Lonwabo Lesizwe which is a youth ran NPO that has now launched I AM A WOMEN programme. The aim of this movement is to create an open social movement by restoring dignity of women in our societies by creating movements platforms for women to express themselves regarding social issues they face in their everyday lives and deal with them in a collective way

12. Who are your favourite models, male & female, local & international?

I am inspired by Ntsiki Mkhize and Jade Hubner’s work on and off camera. They were both part of Miss South Africa and have since used the platform to create respected personal brands and I just love that about them.

13. Who are some of the brands you’ve worked with?

I’d love to mention a long list but I am still climbing that ladder. I am the new face of RVL which I’m extremely excited about.

14. If you had to win Miss South Africa, Miss Earth or Miss World, what are some of the issues you’d tackle in our society?

Psychological services needs to be accessible to all. A lot of issues we come across on the news and social media have a lot to do with a scarred society.

15. Besides looking good in front of the camera, what do you like doing during your free time?

I love working on the garden :). I wish I had a bigger garden at home and even have dreams about it hahaha. I would love to study toward an agriculture course and I’m still contemplating about it. Nature is so beautiful and owning a farm would be a dream come true.

16. What’s your take on the current state of fashion in South Africa?

We are definitely owning our own fashion in a sense that we’re no longer inspired by international trends and are very supportive of local designers especially from well known individuals.

17. Does your love for nature fall into how yo choose to make yourself look and feel. Do you use make up even when you’re off camera?

Im trying so hard not to fit in this weave, long nails, makeup on fleek vibe via models especially in pageants. I was Miss SA top30 last year but pulled out because I saw how fake and not authentic I was gonna be. I also put on make up but I didnt want that one side narrow situation at Miss SA. There needs to be diff representation of women, and I feel like I need to introduce that. 

18. What are your must-have items?

Skincare products! I love my skin and any product that makes my skin glow I need to have. I love handbags and coats and still gathering a good fortune to have a good collection of those :).

19. Who inspires your fashion sense?

I dont have a specific person that inspires my fashion sense, I dress what I feel so my mood have a lot to do with how I dress daily, although I do draw inspiration from latest trends when I do shopping sometimes.

20. What does revolution mean to you? 

Revolution to me is constant change and willingness to take risks.

Revolution Validates Life #RVLMedia

Interview with founder of ReBasadi - Tebatso Molapo

- Nubian Samurai - 

Interview with founder of ReBasadi, Tebatso Molapo

It was in October 2015 when 21 year old Tebatso Molapo felt slightly uninspired during her stay in Grahamstown. Growing up in a small town in Limpopo and abruptly moving to Eastern Cape had no positive change in her desire for success. “I started developing social anxiety and so I thought to break from this anxiety by persuing photography where I asked a few girls on campus to be my muse. Exciting times. I the  called up a good friend of mine and asked him to give me some tips on how to start a photography business.” Due of the lack of exposure to a wider social view, Tebatso realised that most young men her age were involve in business and found that most young women her age and older had no experience or exposure in business and had to push their way through to make something of themselves. One day she went onto Facebook and posted an invitation to young women who would be interested in engaging in an open dialogue about their lives as a means to inspire and motivate one another. The response was immediate. Over 60 younge ladies RSVP’d their attendance. Shortly after that, offers started pouring in. “The owner of Capello in my hometown offered to let me use his venue to host my first event.” Although, as the day drew closer, less people declined the event and only 25 out of 60 who responded attended. Nevertheless, they made the most of it through discussions about social realities affecting young women in business and how they could further improve these ills. “Two days later I created a Facebook page because I realised that okay…this thing is bigger than me. A lot of women became interested and I had no plan for it. It was just a call for togetherness among women.”

We met up with the lovely ReBasadi ambassador and found out a bit more about her journey, her aspirations and her future projects.

1. Tell us about Tebatso Molapo. Where is she from and what brings her to Johannesburg? 

Tebatso Molapo is a 21 year old social entrepreneur with a strong passion for young women in business. I moved to Joburg from Grahamstown in 2015 after feeling the need to be closer to home and closer to my business. My moving to Joburg was more of a business decision then an academic decision.

2. What was your first encounter with money and business? 

I worked at a restaurant for a day when I was 15 and at the end of my shift, I had earned R7, for me, I felt very exploited because the long hours did not correspond with the money I took home. It was then that I decided to host a nail party in which I made R300. I realised that working for yourself was way better than being employed. As the years progressed, I was engaged in a few projects that were run by me and my friends.

3. How did that or those experiences influence you to become an entrepreneur? 

Working long hours with a very small pay pushed me into entrepreneurship.  For me, I feel what I put in is what I should get out. Although business is a whole other strain, I know that the short term effort will reap long term benefits 

4. You are the founder of Re Basadi, which is a networking platform for women in business. How did this idea come to exist? 

The Re Basadi idea was birthed after I noticed a gap in female entrepreneurship in my hometown. I wholeheartedly believe in the financial freedom of young women and my starting of this initiative was to create a platform for us to come up with innovative ways to start our own businesses and support each other where we can.

5. What is the most frightening thing about starting a business?

The most frightening thing about starting a business is that you never really know how people will respond to your idea so your feel your way to success and the fear of failing is one that always cripples you as an entrepreneur because it’s not easy waking up every day and reminding yourself that you have to make this work or you’ll be miserable for quite a while. 

6. Can anyone become an entrepreneur or do you think it’s something you are called to do? 

Anyone can become an entrepreneur, it’s an acquired skill and with the right mentors, you can learn so much. 

7. What are the importance of being a brand ambassador? 

Being a brand ambassador, especially a brand ambassador for you brand means that you’re constantly selling yourself even in your personal space and conducting yourself in ways that will benefit your business. Always. 

8. What sets you apart from all the other platforms for young women that are out there? 

Re Basadi not only focuses on the business side of empowering women, we want to creature platforms for women to get together and talk about real issues that affect them

9. How far do you see this initiative going?

International. Watch the space.

10. You seem to have a strong support system and a dedicated team behind this project. How important is it to have both when starting a business? 

I think one thing we’re never told when starting businesses is that it becomes emotionally draining and sometimes you want to give it all up but with the right support structure and team, you’re able to get your act together and keep moving. 

11. What was the response like since launching the brand in Johannesburg? 

Hosting in Joburg has been absolutely amazing. Since our event, I’ve seen quite a number of the ladies who came through to event connect. Personally, I still have a lot to achieve in terms of growing the platform and perfecting it and I’m looking forward to doing that. 

12. Any success stories that have stuck with you? 

My mother’s success story is one that will always stick with me. It resonates strength and hard work. 

13. You also seem to have a knack for art. What inspires your general style? 

Simplicity and my constant desire for individuality. 

14. When you’re not busy running your brand what is it that you do during your downtime?

I’m stressing about the brand, school or reading. 

15. What do you like about being a young woman? 

I still have a platform to make mistakes and there’s nothing more magical than being a woman. Women are golden, I wish we could all embrace our shine. 

16. What’s your message for all young aspiring creativs out there? 

Always be yourself. 

17. Who inspires you and why? 

I’m inspired by every Black women doing there thing. I’m here for that. All of it.

18. How important are collaborations among creatives? 

When we collaborate, we learn from each other and when we do that, we discover new things and new possibilities 

19. Any events people should be looking out for? 

Re Basadi will be releasing an event’s calendar on all our social media platforms soon. For June, people can look out for our Re Basadi Market which is a market with Female exhibitors 

20. What does revolution mean to you? 

Constantly changing to yourself and everyone around you be be better versions of themselves. 

Revolution Validates Life #RVLMedia

Interview with Mojeaux The Anti - Friday Feature

Who is the man behind Sunsets and where is he from?

Mojeaux: My name is Ngwato Mamiane, but for the purpose of this journey you can call me Mojeaux. I'm from a small town in Bushbickridge Mpumalanga called Green Valley.

How long have you been doing music for and what is your relationship with it?

Mojeaux: I'd say my whole life but I've been consciously making it for 8 years. It is my solace, peace and refuge.

You've mentioned that you don't fancy being referred to as a rapper, why is that and how would you "define" yourself?

Mojeaux: Rap is my medium so I suppose I am a "rapper". The relationship I have with my work and what I do feels like so much more than what being a rapper entails. Not quite sure what to call myself but I'm a problem, the good kind.

And do you feel that artists should put more emphasis on "defining" themselves or rather let their art and their work speak for them and therefor defying them, (considering the many stereotypes that come with being an unorthodox creative)?

Mojeaux: I believe artists should define themselves. Some terms are restrictive or misleading.

With the many transitions that music is going through and the revolutionary complexity of genres, how would you describe your music?

Mojeaux: Hmmm there's a lot of "Me" in what I make, with slight flashes of "Society". It's like my favourite sauce mixed with society's favourite sauce in the form of sound.

Do you feel that there is recognistion for alternative and independent music in S.A.?

Mojeaux: Yeah, actually not that much. It's very hard because most don't even call my music alternative, they call me "underground", which is far off. But yeah, we could do with a little more love.

What inspired the mixtape and what motivated you to drop it now, how long had you been working on it?
Is this the first of many more?

Mojeaux: Losing my Granddad got to me, surprisingly in a good way. I found a creative way to grieve. So yeah, my Granddad inspired it, especially because he was a priest and my role model, so I found myself conflicted knowing that I could never come close to his level of divinity due to the way I live. Grappling with that helped me turn my flaws into gold. The songs on the tape were all recorded between last year and a week ago.

Talk to us more about the music video for Sunset Gospel. The amount of chill in that video is exciting. Who's behind the camera etc.?

Mojeaux: Right?!! mad chill for days. ArkahKing and I were just ourselves and we didn't want to emulate an idea which is not us. It all happened naturally; even the shots were made up at that moment. It was shot by Uria Simango. Good man.

The song Holy Water is one of our favourites from the tape. It features the lovely Ms Phiwe. Who is behind that particular beat and who's on ALL the beats?

Mojeaux: Funny thing about that song is it almost didn't make the tape because I couldn't write a verse for it until a day before the tape dropped. The beat is by a guy named Derrick Thomas. The other beats are from various producers I found online.

Your work ethic is one to be reckoned with, there wasn't much hype around your mixtape, one just had to be on the lookout for it. Are you genuinely aloof?

Mojeaux: Hype is good, it means your product will reach more people, but the product needs to be worth the hype. I had no hype; did I deliver something that deserves hype? You decide

Hahahaha yeah, I rate I am. I'm working on it though.

And as far as work ethic is concerned how important is it for creatives to focus on the product rather than the hype? Is it a matter of preference or character to pull rabbits out the hat; to keep people in suspense?

Mojeaux: I think it's just my character. I've been spontaneous from the jump, but now the spontaneity is bringing positive outcomes.

The Bohemians is an event's management company that you're currently a part of, should we expect more from that?

Mojeaux: Yes!!! Expect so much more from it. This movement is by artists for artists and we're building a network of people who own the future.

Mojeaux Releases First Mixtape for 2016 - Music Feature

Mojeaux The Anti who is part of events and music management company, The Bohemians, which make up himself and long term friend, Mpumi aka Arkah King. Last night he set the sound cloud scene ablaze with his first and official mixtape for 2016. We had the opportunity of witnessing his performance at Bannister Hotel (The Basement Sessions Vol 1), in late April this year along side the amazing and soulful vocalist, Phiwe, and what a mind blowing performance it was. Ya'll should have been there!

Sunset serves as his first offering with an awesome music video to go with it, Sunset Gospel, featuring his partner in crime Arkah King! The amount of chill on this video is impeccable, the artistry and everything in between is 10/10 faming emojis! Be sure to stick around for Friday's feature update interview!

Mojeaux: Sunset Mixtape

Mzeezolyt Releases New Song - Friday Feature

More music coming your way today! So much heat. If you can still remember, two years ago we featured Mzeezolyt on our blog about her music and how she worked hard and smart to get to where she is today. The Queen of African Dance Music is set to premier her new song on Club808 at 18:30, so be sure to catcht it! Follow the Queen on Twitter @TheeMzeezolyt

Mfana Pitori TTGO releases single - Friday Feature

It's Friday! and what better way to start the weekend with a music feature. Pretorian rapper, @TTGO17 drops his first single of ther year today! The track, #MfanaPitori feartures Remmix ke lebitso who is also from Cap City. The song is about being the dopest YOU you can be, staying true to oneself and being the best slayer there is.

The rapper recently got signed to Rad Music, so you can only guess how flaming emoji the song must be. We had a listen and we dig it very much! Check it out here: Mfana Pitori

Official Cover Art

Emitting Energies with Emamkay - Friday Feature

We linked up with Soweto based, Hip Hop music sensation, Emamkay, to talk a bit more about his music and what he thinks about experimental music in SA. He recently dropped his third EP following Thetha and Deltha, which are currently popping on Sound Cloud - we'd like to think of him as our own young MusiqSoul Child with a jazz of Emamkay!

He's so mellow and cool with his words that you just... never mind. The boy is dope, you just have to listen for yourself! he brings in some Hip Hop, R&B and electronic waves.

RVL: Emamkay Ankhmind. That's quite an interesting name to go by. How did it originate   and what does it mean?

It evolved from King to Mastermind, to Mmk, and Emamk, then eventually EMAMKAY.

Ankhmind is just a social network handle. The name came about when I was around ten on a song called “King” - One of my first few recordings.

RVL: Who is Emamkay and what does he do?

A frequency manipulator freak that makes space jams.

RVL: When we first heard your music we had no idea that you were a local artist. You have a rare and authentic feel to your sound. Who inspires your creative buzz?

A lot of other music, really - relationships and sometimes colour.

Say for instance I notice a funky coloured shirt, I’ll have a beat playing in my head which sounds like the colour. It gets pretty weird.

RVL: Speaking of local, you're from Soweto, which is really awesome. Have you performed in Soweto and if so, how did the community receive you?

Funny enough I haven’t performed in Soweto yet. I attended many Hip Hop sessions around 2009 but I wasn’t ready to do shows.

RVL: How does it feel knowing that artists like you are scattered all over the township and are hidden gems waiting to be discovered? - do you think there's much recognition for alternative music within the black market or is it a case of putting oneself out there?

It’s so cool to meet other people who are pushing for the same vision. And no, there isn’t much recognition for experimental music in our country. I’ve learnt to be at peace with that. Good marketing helps, but it’s mostly effective in Europe

RVL: In your previous interview with Shimmy Records, we see how well versed you generally are with your music and it is amplified in your work ethic. Is music your birth right or was it something you fell into and happened to be good at lol?

Birthright…? I don’t think so. Neither of my parents are musicians. I just really like music, and after all those years of fiddling with keyboards, I sort of got the hang of it.

RVL: How long have you been creating music for?

I recorded my first record in studio, at 9. I’m currently 21, although I have quit music for about a week, and then got back on it.

RVL: Talk to us about your second EP that you recently released - ALPHA - What was the approach and intention behind the project and message?

ALPHA is part of a lifelong creative project. It’s the mind state you’re in during a day dream

RVL: Who designed the cover because it looks too dope?

Shinzo -  @lord_Shininzo. The album art is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism.

It represents the universe and tells a story – I’m not too sure what this one is specifically. I thought it was cool and asked him to hook it up.

RVL: How different is the current project to the former - THETA?

It has a lot more production value. I put more depth in these songs. I did this by adding more skits and making the songs shorter but more impactful.

RVL: What inspires the title of the projects - we see that there's a third one on the way titled DELTA and BETA.

It’s a human sleep process.

RVL: When does your producer hat come on? Where does that role come into play?

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Normally when I feel sad and stuff. I make pretty cool tracks when I’m moody.

RVL: Who's on your playlist right now?

KAYTRANADA! FLYING LOTUS! – As well as some of my songs.

RVL: Tell us a bit more about, the project you’re working on, Indoors. When is it coming out haha?

Unfortunately I can’t give the exact information on the Indoors project, as we’re still trying to get things together at moment. But we'll let you guys know in time.

RVL: And where can people see you perform?

We host NOKTVRNAL Sundaes every now and again. We switch locations around Jozi, but we’ll be sure to let you guys know what’s up.

Sound Cloud
Emamkay - Alpha Download
Emamkay - Thetha EP

© Revolution Validates Life 2016