Q&A: Motivational speaker Arshad Suliman

by | Apr 20, 2018 | Lifestyle

ARSHAD Suliman is a keen young minded individual who hopes to change the lives of people through his own struggles. At the age of 21 and whilst still a student, he recently started up his own life coaching company, Guided Success, which aims to help people get on track with their lives through motivational speaking, individual life coaching sessions and digital product releases. He is currently in the second year of his BA degree majoring in Psychology and Philosophy.

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Q&A: Radio Host Keletso Modiba

by | Apr 4, 2018 | Lifestyle

Keletso Modiba appears to be following in her father’s footsteps, the late radio host Eddie Zondi. She recently joined the VOWFM team, co-hosting the lunch show with Ferrah Mante. She is currently in the final year of her BA degree and plans to major in media studies and anthropology.

  1. Have you always wanted to be on radio?

 

I only realised that I wanted to become a radio personality when I was in Grade 11. We were assigned for career shadowing and I chose to go to 5FM at the SABC. I shadowed DJ Fresh and through his guidance and seeing the passion he has for his job, I knew that this is what I wanted to do. I didn’t shadow my father because I wanted to make him proud by taking the initiative to educate myself without him.

 

  1. Was following in your father’s footsteps part of the reason you chose to join VOW?

 

My father was instrumental in my decision to become a radio presenter. He once told me that I should not be afraid to start from the bottom because it’s was the honorable way to succeed. Naturally, starting off at a campus radio station like VOWFM is the best example of ‘starting from the bottom’, it will help sharpen my craft and reach for my goals.

 

  1. How has your father’s legacy influenced your experience on radio?

 

I do not really express or engage in a lot of conversation about my father’s legacy. Many people loved him and remind from time to time that he was a legend. He had the ability to make people fall in love. Generally, people who are close to me and have witnessed my growth in radio remind me that he would be exceptionally proud of me. Most times, I avoid speaking about him because I fear that it would put me in his shadow. We’re two completely different brands with different target markets. It may put a lot of pressure on me in terms of expectations and so forth. I am Lula Odiba first before I am Eddie Zondi’s daughter.

 

  1. How has joining VOW affected your performance academically?

 

It hasn’t really affected my performance academically. My mom made it clear that studies come first. In my first and second years at Wits I did a show called ‘The Ultimate Hookup’ which aired from 9pm to midnight. It was the only time I had to be on air because I had to focus on my academics. Now that I’m in final year, I can work with my time a lot better. I only have my majors now so fortunately it allows me to host ‘That Lunch Show’ from 12pm to 3pm on weekdays.

 

  1. What can we expect from you in the future?

 

I believe in pacing myself and being honest with myself. Once I am ready, which is very soon, I wish to be on commercial radio stations and television doing what I love the most and actually getting paid for it.

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Q&A: Radio DJ Gaopalelwe Phalaetsile

by | Mar 16, 2018 | Lifestyle

A journalist at one of Johannesburg’s biggest radio stations Jacaranda FM, this former Witsie from Moruleng in the North West is making a name for herself in South African journalism. Phalaetsile graduated with a BA majoring in Political Studies in 2013.

She is also the founder of a group called The Black Wxman Healing Garden which she describes as “a safe space for black women to share their struggles and empower one another.” She is also a columnist for the Daily Vox, known for her bold and honest opinion pieces on social injustice.

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Q&A with Thato Mahapa

by | Mar 11, 2018 | Lifestyle

Thato “TeeKay” Mahapa is a menswear and lifestyle blogger and a fourth-year Wits LLB student. The 23-year-old started his blog, The Bearded Muse, in 2016, which focuses on menswear, grooming, and covers lifestyle content such as events, food and design. Mahapa was selected as the 2017 GQ (magazine) Best Dressed Reader, has collaborated with brands such as Spier and Kurt Geiger, and has a long-term relationship with Topman.

Who is Thato “TeeKay” Mahapa?
I am a Polokwane born and Pretoria bred creative and sartorial menswear enthusiast who is studying towards an LLB degree at Wits University.

When and how did your passion for fashion and blogging begin?
My mother started dressing me in formal wear when I was around five years old. In my early primary school years, she would dress me in two-piece ensembles, shirts and formal pants, ties etc. for civvies day. I used to hate it because I wanted to wear what all my other peers were wearing, but for a long time my mother didn’t budge. She only allowed me to choose my own clothes a bit later in primary school.

What is The Bearded Muse?
The Bearded Muse is a platform to learn the do’s, don’ts, the “don’t forgets”, and the “take notes” of menswear and lifestyle through my personal experiences and perspective.

Why did you decide to start The Bearded Muse?
I saw a gap in the market. I wanted to take the lifestyle I was living already and share it with other gents in the hopes of it being the most trusted guidebook in African men’s fashion.

You were chosen as GQ’s Best Dressed Reader last year. How has that influenced your career?
More than anything it gave me exposure to a lot of brands and I got a lot of work as a result.

How do you find a balance between being a full-time LLB student and a lifestyle blogger?
I won’t lie, it’s quite hectic. I just sacrifice my social life to make sure I get school right.

What inspires your own style and your social media aesthetic?
My style is largely inspired by uptown metropolitan professionals and Afrodandyism.

Describe a typical day in your life
I wake up, run a few kilometres on the treadmill, have green tea, get ready for school (picking out an utfit always takes me ages), go to school. I usually have events in the evening so I do that or if my day ends early, then I create content.

What can we expect from you in 2018?
This year expect more content on the blog (in various forms of media), and perhaps a big feature in a high-end in store poster.

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