Johannesburg - Like most businesses at this time of the year, the entertainment industry too comes to a close and entertainers take a break from their ever-busy lifestyles.
With the year coming to an end in two days’ time, several famous faces shook off the fatigue to reflect on the year that was and how it affected them professionally. They’ve also given The Sunday Independent a sneak preview of the positive things coming their way next year.
Nandi Mngoma (singer/TV presenter)
On 2013:
As a newcomer to the entertainment industry, I must say 2013 started on a high note for me. My first album has just been released and it received many positive reviews and even a Metro FM award. I also auditioned and got a job at All Access Mzansi which is one of the top entertainment shows in the country. Another highlight is also that I went to Cognac, France, as part of the Hennessy Experience where I was exposed to how the globe works.
On 2014:
After doing a song with DJ Kent and getting people excited, I’m thinking of going back into the studio next year.
TV took up all my time this year and so I want to do something musically. After travelling a bit I realised the need we have to pursue the African identity and I want to do that through fashion. We should unlock our minds and realise it is up to us to dictate how the world views us.
Kabomo Vilakazi (singer, actor)
On 2013:
I had a fantastic year mainly because I released my sophomore album.
The sophomore album for any musician is the hardest one because it shows whether or not the first one was not a fluke. I am glad that it did very well. I got several Metro Awards and Sama nominations and though I didn’t win any, and it hurt at first, I learnt that not everyone gets nominated and so that’s an achievement on its own. I also started on my first acting gig on Zabalaza which has done really well.
On 2014:
I shot a show for SABC called Smoke ’n Mirrors which is scheduled to air next year. I also shot a mocumentary called Track Coast which is also due to air next year for Vuzu. I will also be publishing my book of poetry titled Wired To Mutiny. I wrote and directed a short film which stars the talented actor Clint Brink and so I am excited about that too.
Brenda Mtambo (singer)
On 2013:
I accomplished everything that I intended to achieve this year and so I am happy. My first album came out and it was well received and that was humbling considering I didn’t know what to expect when I set out to record it.
On 2014:
I want to expand my horizons and tap into new territories. I have big plans for next year which I can’t reveal now but all I can say is I want to take my music to a higher level. I want to be happy, at peace and content. I don’t have any resolutions because I don’t subscribe to that. So I am not going to say that I am looking at losing weight or something, instead I see each year as an opportunity to get better.
RJ Benjamin (musician/producer)
On 2013:
The year started at a low note for me but it picked up a few months later. It got so good I actually called it the Year Of RJ Benjamin.
I got called in to be the music director on Mzansi Magic’s Clash Of The Choirs. One door opened another and IdolsSA called me in to be the music director there as well.
In between jobs I got a chance to write and produce the theme music for the SABC’s You Belong campaign. All this got me the luxury to afford a holiday like normal people do, so I am grateful.
On 2014:
I think next year is going to be a mirror image of how this year went for me.
I am going back to Clash Of The Choirs as music director. We will have to see if I am going back to IdolsSA though.
The offer has been made but I just have to make that final decision to commit again.
The one thing I am excited about is finishing my own album which will be the first one I will release from my independent company. It is a huge risk because radio stations rarely treat independent companies seriously so we will see how that goes for me.
Nomuzi Mabena (TV host, MC)
On 2013:
I can use two words to describe this year: “so great”. I am extremely blessed as I have been the MTV VJ for a full year.
I have had several MCing gigs that came with being a VJ and for that I am grateful.
On 2014:
I am ready for what the new year has to offer. I have never been happy to enter a new year but this time it is my time to grow and so I can’t wait.
Proverb (rapper, TV host, radio presenter)
On 2013:
2013 was a year of growth, learning and development professionally and otherwise. I had some career lows and some major career highs. On the low side of things, I found myself having to forfeit radio which I love dearly. The highs included hosting and co-producing Idols.
On 2014:
I learnt a lot about myself and my craft this year and all these lessons will be applied more in 2014. I hope to execute all I have set myself up for with precision. I intend to venture into uncharted terrain. I plan to venture aggressively into business. This is not to say entertainment is not my primary focus but I am just hoping to add business to my portfolio. Here’s to a PRO-sperous 2014.
Dineo Moeketsi (TV host, MC, singer)
On 2013:
I’ve seen two sides of the coin in 2013. The first six months had turbulence and no sense of balance. Then the next six months were introspective, happy and renewed.
On 2014:
I look forward to conquering the challenges that I set for myself. I also look forward to meeting the greatness within myself as well as reinventing myself. I look forward to being a lot more peaceful, happy and focused.
Sunday Independent