Almost two years after Hectic Nine-9, Danine Naidoo is back as a presenter – this time on DStv’s revamped [ED] channel. Debashine Thangevelo found out how she continues honing her skills in various entertainment spheres in her new playground – Jozi…
DANINE Naidoo is undoubtedly a Jane of many trades in South African entertainment circles.
And her CV is as diverse as they come. She has been comfortably wearing the hats of PR person, stylist, model, aspirant singer, radio presenter and, of course, host.
The full-of-beans presenter recalls: “With Hectic Nine-9, I started out as a PR, moved to insert presenter in 2009 and, in 2010, auditioned for the anchor presenter slot. It was November 2012 when I left the show. Then I started doing out-of-studio insert content for Expresso (SABC3’s flagship breakfast show).
“I continued to do more freelance work in PR, corporate work for Artscape Theatre. In between, I continued with styling and started my own PR company.”
But, the longer she was away from the camera, that hunger for TV intensified. And so, several months ago, she bid farewell to Cape Town and landed in Jozi.
Naidoo shares: “My entertainment stuff was so at the core of what I wanted to do. In keeping that spark going, it made me realise where I needed to be. I’m 50/50 on doing the whole businesswoman thing, while the bug of entertainment stays there.”
Interestingly, her adaptation to this new city gave an online idea legs.
She shares: “I started documenting my moves. And I identified the coolest camera guys who jumped on board and the concept of Jozi Girl was born. We started collecting footage and it goes live online in January. Look, it’s not a novel concept, but people get to see the real side of life from my journey. Like dealing with a burst tyre, going to social events alone… those real moments that happened while I was finding my feet here.”
While that effervescent personality saw her friend list quickly expand, she also impressed influential people along the way. And that is how her latest gig came about.
She notes: “Edge happened about four weeks ago. Urban Brew were sourcing presenters and someone I knew – we worked together before – suggested me. She then sent me a message on FB. The rest is history!”
Feeling very blessed, she adds: “It is such an awesome feeling to have people remember and believe in you enough to put your name forward.”
She expands on the content of the show: “We explore it from the tech side. I’m also allowed to contribute to the content.”
And the show covers different angles from looking at tech from a boffin perspective to then, flipping the script, and tackling its usefulness in a social setting. There is also another segment where the latest arrivals in the tech world fall under the critical spotlight.
With the first episode going out on Wednesday, Naidoo notes: “We’re just relieved that the first tone has been set. The feedback has been incredibly positive.”
On what she, in her role, brings to the table, she offers: “My energy – it is something people have always commented on. It’s authentic and spontaneous. And the show has an authentic energy because I love what I do.”
Aside from Edge, Naidoo has big plans for other ventures next year.
As mentioned earlier, this go-getter 27-year-old is determined to leave her mark in many ways!
Edge airs on the [ED] channel (DStv channel 190) on Wednesdays at 7pm.