EDITOR’S CORNER!

(//« Hello there! It’s been longer than a minute indeed, I last wrote my editor’s note eight years ago. How time flies. Here I am again, how I missed you!

It has been an interesting week to say the least, in the entertainment space. We have been changing the narrative and giving the key players in the industry a chance and the paltform, to voice their concerns on how best to improve and grow the industry.

I began the week with my Monday piece by engaging three DJs at length, about their craft, the pay, the gap between them and their fellow South African counterparts. I learnt that we also let them down by paying them peanuts, yet they actually add color and taste to any event.

I then ran into another DJ, I asked him if he saw my piece, he agreed with one of the DJs I interviewed, that they need to take themselves seriously, so we can treat and pay them as brands. No more last minute booking and negotiating under the tables just because his so and so ‘cousin’.

Our desk also looked into brand influences, a recent growing trend. We are living in the digital era, everything we do is online. It shone the light as well about the pros and cons of being too vocal on social media.

We need to teach our children and the youth to be more careful of what they put out there, especially as big brands will not touch or work with a problematic child.

We have seen how endorsement have a huge turnover, your Castel Lager,Sibebe and Jager Master, these well established companies have a huge budget, to put in reaching their target audiance, hence why it’s more important to be careful on what you post and say.

Don’t put your heart on the sleeve on social media, as it can make or break your career as a brand influencer.

My highlight of the week was our exclusive with Mr. Cash time himself, South African rapper KO. It was interesting to learn that he’s practically one of our own, and how much he loves our kingdom. Another highlight was our coverage with our first Grammy winner in the country, Manana.

He was in the country at the Theatre Club and gave a splendid performance from his latest album RnB and Sweats album. The sky is only the limit for our local artists, I would love to see more and more Emaswati collect Grammys and come back home to show us, how they did it. If he can do it, so can other artists.

Babes Wodumo is another addition to what was initially supposed to be a locals only festival, it’s interesting to say the least.

It’s quite clear that we still have a long way to go, if we still outsourcing headliners for our local shows.

Now back to today’s pullout, I spoke to Nondumiso Nhleko, such a lovely soul. When I ran into her at Banale Dlamini’s live recording two months ago, she was impressed that I never forgot her; she made one of my best covers back then.

I caught up with her and she filled me in on what she’s been up to, since our last shoot a few years ago. She now wears different hats, read all about it as our main profile this week.

I also caught up with Qhawe Matsebula, who we call Q in the newsroom. He came over to my desk early in the week to brag about how he was cosigned by South African DJ Fresh, off course we love news so we asked about the surreal experience, and asked him to show us the work that he was praised for.

I hope you love my new feature of five favorite things with our local celebrities.

This week we featured the ever friendly Eswatini TV personality Lunga Macwele. Find out what he loves most on page three.

Also enjoy our collage of what’s trending as we approach my favourite season of sunshine. I must say I’m not a fan of winter, I’m a summer baby.

Have a blessed productive week! Remember, for every storm that passes, a stronger you is born!

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Shas graced stages locally and outside the country, as a backup singer for Gospel giants. She has come of age and has ventured on her own, she’s no other than Nondumiso Siphesihle Nhleko. We caught up with her for a sit down about what she’s been up to.

HE Where did you grow up?

I grew up at Mpolonjeni, Mbabane.

Tell us about yourself, as a little girl?

A dreamer, as a little girl I really used to get lost in my own thoughts of creating the life that I am currently living. The little girl in me still lives and continues to create a lot in my mind and each and every year one or two things manifest. I used to think that I was the weird boring kind, because I was misunderstood a lot and each time I spoke, someone would speak over me, so I always said less, which is something I am working on correcting now as I have grown to learn the importance of communication and learning how to express yourself. I am from a Christian family with two loving parents and three amazing siblings.

When did you fall in love with music?

It all started back at home, my dad is a pastor and each day, we were all made to sing before bible study and prayer, whether we wanted to or not, hehe…

The passion grew and God took me from one level to another.

When was the first time you were on stage? Do you remember that experience? Tell us more about it, and were you scared?

Honestly I have been on stage (pulpit) my whole life. In the praise team at church, from a very young age. This upgraded to wedding stages or other events where I was invited. My first big stage leading in a song if I recall correctly, was with a choir called Bembuli Mass Choir. I met one kind gentlemen (Wisey Gift Mkhulwane) in one of our wedding invitations, who God placed in my path, he introduced me to an amazing group of singers and the rest is history. I honestly was a bit anxious and re