Month: July 2013

One on One with Masego Maps Maponyane

He is a TV presenter, model, actor, commentator, Voice over Artist and Business Entrepreneur. The 23year old has been making girls and some boys turn heads left, right and centre with his charming and edible looks. He graduated at Wits with a Media, languages, and human rights degree. Not so long ago he was crowned Cosmopolitan Sexiest Man in 2013. He is definitely what every girl dreams of *sigh*
After a successful launch of his range titled OCD in Johannesburg he decided to come to Cape Town not for another launch but for some business, and guess what? The Brat got to meet up with him.
Yes, I’m talking about Masego Maps Maponyane. We went to his favourite hangout spot in Cape Town, The Loading Bay in Green Point where we had our little chit chat and this is how it went down:

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Tell me about Masego?
I’m from the South of Johannesburg, I grew up exceptional naughty. I got to be into myself when I got to high school. I’m very ambitious, always knew what I want and commit 100% to what I do. I’m a very simple kinder guy, people’s person, and I love life.

So how did Maps come about?
Maps came from my surname Maponyane. When I was in high school lots of the kids couldn’t pronounce my surname, they used to call me “my punani” so I got tired of being everyone’s punani LOL and Maps made more sense. Maps also separate me from my father, it makes me an individual brand and that’s what I wanted.

How did it all start?
I used to do modelling when I was younger, I stopped doing that because I was playing sports at school and didn’t have time. At the end of high school I was supposed to go to the State to study that side, so I started to work out things that I wanted to do such as TV presenting, commentating, worked for Fashion week, and worked for different agencies. As they say the rest is history.

So besides being a model, you also an actor, a commentator, Voice over Artist and Business Entrepreneur. Where do you get time to do all of these?
I just graduated so I’m no longer a student, which makes things a lot easier. It’s all about time my management, since I enjoy everything that I do.
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What will you want to be known as out of all the things you do?
Ultimately I want to be known as Philanthropist, that’s what I’m working towards, but for now I would like to be known as an Academic.

Some highlights of your career?
So far the highlight of my career is graduating. I was working and studying at the same, had little sleep. I just wanted to make sure I graduated and graduated well.

Some lowlights of your career?
Low lights are usually inexistence cause I thrive on them to better myself. I’m always expecting them so I can learn and be better at what I’m doing.

If you were to change careers, what will you be?

I would be a professional sportsmen or architect or an engineer.

Why professional sportsmen?
Because sport is my life and I love it. My dad is a professional sportsmen, and my brother is a professional snow boarder.

Who/what is your inspiration?
Meeting people every day, because I get to learn something from them and most people tend to neglect the possibilities of learning something from someone they consider to be an insignificant to them. I also live by a couple of quotes
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Not so long ago you were crowned the sexiest man by Cosmopolitan. How did that make you feel?
I was totally surprised, have never seen myself and I don’t think I will ever do. I’m still trying to get used to the idea.

*This is when I wanted to say take of your top and let me see… LOL #Hides

Let’s talk about Maps and Augustine mash-up? Where and how did it all start?
Augustine the actually brand was launched at the end of last year and I was interested in their stuff, so I decided to go see more of their staff in a market in Johannesburg. I got to talk to them to see why they started their brand, then we had another chat later on, they wanted to do something with me because they like my style. I joined their team and became their head designer and creative director with my own range.

The range is called OCD, why did you choose to name it that?
Because it is an extension of me, I’m extremely OCD. I’m the guy who always line things up, pays attention to detail. With men suits I feel they need be right, clean, simple, and minimum to detail so I thought OCD will be the appropriate name for the range.

What do you do on your spare time?
I spend time with my family, especially my mom as she pins me down when I have free time. I also like to hang out with my friends. Sometimes I go away on a quick holiday, or long drives.

What do you think of Cape Town entertainment industry?
It’s a solid foundation for supporting artist, it could be better as it gets a lot of international support.
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What can we expect from you in what is left of 2013?
With the range in particular there are few items I decided to hold back; you can accept a couple of those to come out (maybe). Otherwise I would probably wear them in events, which I probably will do. Hahaha!
You can also possibly expect working in a series or a movie at the end of the year (maybe). I’m going to Europe for a bit and then to the state for a month.

Words to your fans?
Thank you firstly for the support, and for keep me going. I always say “whatever you wanna do just put your down and do it” and the is also a quote that I live by “The is no such thing as impossible, it just takes longer than planned”.
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Flush, Mack, and Marry? Zizo Bheda, Boitumelo Thulo, and Nandi Ngoma
Flush: Zizo Beda
Mack: Nandi Ngoma
Marry: Boity Thulo

You can get hold of him on:
Twitter: @S_Maps
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MapsVII
For booking: masegomaponyane@icloud.com

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The was time in this interview when I wanted to say lift up the shirt and show me some of your guns 😀 , and a little bird told me he might be single *mhhhhhhh*

Anyway that’s all from me Brat, until the next post arios!

Moments with Naima Kay

Naima Kay still new in the industry but has a killer voice, she visited Cape Town for few days to promote her debut album titled Umsebenzi, and I got to meet her and had a little chat about her and her music. This is how it went down:
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Who is Naima Kay?
I’m a girl from Portshepstone, which is where I was born and spent most of my life.

Is Naima Kay your real name, so tell me how did Naima come about?
My real name is Lungile Khumalo; Mr Ngcobo the owner of Touch Africa gave me that name. He came to me and said I have chosen a name for you to be known as, which was Naima and it means peace, and the Kay stands for my surname Khumalo.

When did your love for music start?
It started back in school; I was in a school choir and also was part of the church choir. After finishing school, I auditioned for Ugu Jazz a festival that happens annually in June at Portshepstone, and it also where Mr Ngcobo saw me.

What do you do besides being an artist?
Nothing, this is the only thing I live for.

Which is your most memorable performance by far?
a performance at the Durban Jazz Festival, it was overwhelming how the crowd accepted and I was the youngest performer there and also the Ugu Jazz Festival, I always enjoy and love performing there since its at home.

Which is your bad performance by far?
None at all, the thing is I love to perform.

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Tell me about your album, titled umsebenzi?
This is my work, that’s why I called it that, and this is also a song that I dedicate to my father since I grew up without him as he had to go and work for his family.

What inspired you to write your debut single Lelilanga?
I got my inspiration in church when the pastor opened a bible verse about Solomon asking Jesus to give him wisdom out of all things that he could wished for. So I also asked god for wisdom and respect, and that made me write this song.

Who/what is your daily inspiration?
Listening to Zonke Dikana’s music.

One thing that we don’t know about Naima Kay?
I’m a very shy person

What is your bad habit?
I love sleeping. LOL! If I’m at home that’s all I wanna do

Dating anyone at the moment?
No, I’m dating my music.

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What do you do on your spare time?
Spending time with my family and friends

What is your take on Cape Town?
This is a beautiful place, and I wish I can move here.

What can we expect from you in 2013?
Just good music all the way.

Last words to your supporters?
Thanks for the support; I’m really blessed to have your support. To everyone else who wish to be here, don’t ever give up on your dreams.

Flush, Mack, Marry? Maps Maponyane, Lunga Shabalala, Sizwe Dhlomo.
Maps Maponyane: Flush
Lunga Shabalala: Marry
Sizwe Dhlomo: Mack

If you wanna keep up with this lady:
twitter: @NaimaKaySA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Naimakay-SA/249171351890704

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That’s all from me your Brat, until the next post Arios.

McDonald’s Street Rhythm Winners Crowned

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Johannesburg, 28 June 2013: Zone 6 in Diepkloof, Soweto was pumping this evening when the winners of the McDonald’s Street Rhythm competition were announced. DJ Jonathan B and Primitive dance crew both from Cape Town battled it out in an exciting finale against three other candidates in each genre to finally be crowned McDonald’s Street Rhythm champions on the night.

McDonald’s Street Rhythm has travelled the country over the past three months to seek out, discover and showcase local talent in the areas of music (DJ mixing) and dance. After several grueling rounds, eight finalists (four DJ’s and four dance crews) were selected to compete at the finale.

According to the winners the McDonald’s Street Rhythm competition has already opened up doors for them by offering them additional exposure and the opportunity to perform at more gigs. They have also had the chance to meet and mingle with other DJ’s and artists, and spend time with their idols getting firsthand knowledge of what it really takes to succeed.

DJ Jonathan B

DJ Jonathan B – “People experience music in different ways I use DJ’ing to bring the finer details of the music to the people.”

Jonathan has been DJ’ing for six years, which offers him the opportunity to really enjoy his passion for music, allows him to showcase new songs and experiment with mixing. He aspires to names like Leo Large, Ryan the DJ and international talent such as Shift and is looking forward to getting more exposure and recognition so that he can take his love for music to an even wider audience.

To see why he made it to the finals – click on the attached link to see him in action http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SKFseLhu1c

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Primitive (dance crew) – “Dancing provides us with a way to tell a story about our experiences and feelings so that other people can feel what we feel. The passion we have as a team is indescribable as we live to dance it also helps us to build confidence and face our fears”

Primitive consists of five female members who chose dancing as a means of expression as they feel there is a freedom in dancing; they aren’t guided by rules but rather by the discipline of Hip-hop. Dance allows them to show others who they really are, as their individuality is shown in every piece. Going forward the crew would like to become more established and gain recognition across SA as a dance crew and build a bigger name for themselves via exposure to a wider market . They want to create and inspire by becoming ambassadors for the country, of the hip hop culture and the youth. They would also like to work towards giving back to the community by teaching workshops, especially in under privileged areas.

To see why they made it to the finals – click on the attached link to see them in action – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw4antqO5bg

McDonald’s Street Rhythm, a national competition that encourages individuals and groups to showcase their talent for DJ mixing or dance, is an evolution of the previous McDonald’s ‘Top Jock’ campaign and continues to recognize, build-on and harness South African’s talent in the genre of music and dance.

The McDonald’s Street Rhythm concept was born out of the understanding that music and dance are the universal languages of South Africa’s youth as it gives them a voice and an opportunity for expression. Creatively expressing themselves allows the youth to move beyond limitations and dream big. It offers them the platform to make a difference in their lives and harnesses the power of a generation, encouraging a move for growth and change in their own lives and that of society.

The ‘Street Rhythm’ campaign brought together established, well known local DJ’s such as; Euphonik, DJ Shimza, Major League, DJ Sphectacula, DJ Naves, DJ Warras and DJ Franky. McDonald’s partnered with these ambassadors, who had given of their own time to work with finalists, giving entrants an opportunity to showcase their talent with the help of high profile personalities.

Prizes for the winners, which will help them further their careers, included R50 000 (inclusive of DJ equipment and management contract or cash divided evenly between dance crew members), Shure SHR550DJ Headset valued at R2 000 (for DJ Jonathan B), professional portfolio photo shoot by Christiaan Hattingh, Butan Street Wear and Nike clothing hampers, Nokia Lumia valued at R8 500 and a exclusive full page interview with ISpeakHipHop Magazine.

The McDonald’s Street Rhythm 2014 competition will build on the success of the 2013 campaign and offer even more opportunities and entertainment. Until those details are revealed keep an eye on the current winners who are destined to make waves in the industry.

For more information visit http://www.streetrhythm.co.za or follow McDonald’s Street Rhythm on Facebook or Twitter.