MY HOMETOWN: CAROL OFORI
Radio presenter, voice-over artist and author Carol Ofori has motivated and entertained audiences across the country, whether through her children’s book series ‘The African Adventures of Sena and Katlego’ or on the airwaves during her super popular East Coast Radio show. But where does she draw her inspiration from? The province she calls home. Kyle Zeeman caught up with her to chat about living and playing in KwaZulu-Natal. I STAY IN THE MOUNT EDGECOMBE AREA.
It’s a beautiful part of the province, close to everything that is needed, and a relaxing place to raise a family.
I REALISED LATE IN LIFE THAT MY CALLING IS BEHIND THE MIC.
It wasn’t something that I considered when I was at school. I just knew that I loved talking and expressing myself. I initially found my escape through poetry, writing and debating. I knew that I was good with words, but it was only at university that I decided to try radio.
WE SHOULD BE PROUD OF THE KZN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY.
We are the home of gqom music. Everyone knows that if you want to party or throw a lavish celebration, KZN is the place to do it.
THE COVID PANDEMIC HIT THE INDUSTRY HARD.
Before the pandemic, major entertainment events and awards ceremonies would be held in the province. I am looking forward to more shows heading our way as the country unlocks.
WE NEED A DAILY MAGAZINE SHOW THAT ORIGINATES FROM KZN.
Johannesburg is still seen as the centre of the entertainment industry, and we need to continue challenging that. We need a big show, such as Expresso in Cape Town, shot and produced here for the rest of SA. We have so much to offer.
THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT KINDS OF PEOPLE IN KZN THAT MAKE IT SPECIAL.
Their diversity makes the province an incredible and colourful place. From royalty and traditionalists to businesspeople and social media superstars.
WE HAVE A WORLD-FAMOUS MONARCH.
The Zulu kingdom has fascinated the world for centuries. It is known wherever you go, and to live in a province where that kingdom is, and from where it gets its name, is mind-blowing. We shouldn’t take that for granted.
WE ARE AFRICA’S PLAYGROUND.
From the moment you climb off the plane, you feel relaxed.
You know that you are going to have a great time, you are going to unwind, your skin is going to glow, and you will be living your best life.
WE HAVE THE BEST WEATHER IN THE WHOLE COUNTRY.
Our weather is phenomenal. Our summers are gorgeous and a main attraction for people around the world, while our winters are like everyone else’s summer.
EATING OUT IN KZN IS DIVINE.
There is something for everyone.
IF ARE IN THE MOOD FOR ITALIAN, YOU HAVE TO VISIT SPIGA IN MORNINGSIDE.
There is a prawn and pesto pizza that is out of this world.
IF YOU JUST WANT A COFFEE BREAK, TAKE A FRIEND TO AFRICAN ROOTS COFFEE.
It’s in Umhlanga. They have great coffee. I always order their banana bread.
I AM A HUGE FAN OF THE OYSTER BOX.
There is nothing better than taking in the view while tucking into their delicious breakfast. It’s a bit pricey, but you can eat until you collapse.
DUKKAH RESTAURANT & BAR IS A MUST.
When I feel like getting a fancy cocktail and taking in the vibe, I visit this gem on Florida Road. They often have a live DJ who plays the hottest music. The African theme is also a nice touch.
SHISANYAMA DOESN’T GET
BETTER THAN MAX’S LIFESTYLE.
This popular spot in Umlazi serves the best chicken wings. I often order a meat platter and just tuck in. Also, try their dombolos — and not just one, many. The drinks keep coming, the smell of meat is in the air and you find your happy place.
RELAXING DOESN’T COST A CENT IN KZN.
You can just hit the beach and take a nice casual stroll. It is great to clear your mind. If you are moving too slowly, you can also hire a bicycle on the promenade or grab a Segway at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE A FEW DATE-NIGHT FAVOURITES.
One of them has to be Roma Revolving Restaurant at the Durban harbour. It’s really a great evening out and one heck of an experience.
WE ALSO LIKE PACKING A PICNIC AND VISITING THE BOTANICAL GARDENS.
It is a nice day out together, or with the kids. We also enjoy visiting Sugar Rush Park in Ballito.
WE OFTEN TAKE WALKS ON THE WORLD-FAMOUS UMHLANGA WHALEBONE PIER.
Whether it’s part of a date night or just a day outing with the kids, the pier is a great place to just relax. There are benches to watch the waves and beachgoers enjoy a great day in the sun.
THE KIDS LOVE LA PIAZZA IN BALLITO.
It has a great play area that entertains them for hours. But beware, they will ask for R5 every five minutes so they can play the games there.
IF YOU WANT A BEACH DAY, YOU HAVE TO VISIT UMDLOTI.
They have a rock pool that you can snorkel in. It is like a little piece of heaven, while the tide breaks around you. Umhlanga is also nice, as long as it’s not blue bottle season.
OUR BEACHES HAVE TAKEN QUITE THE HIT.
The recent floods, and the unrest before that, really wreaked havoc. Still, KZN remains one of the most beautiful parts of our country.
I REMEMBER CONSTANTLY THINKING WATER IS COMING INTO THE HOUSE.
We were lucky to have not been hit too hard by the KZN floods. There was a bit of mud outside our garage but that is nothing compared to what other people experienced. Some lost their lives and some lost their homes. It was devastating for all of us.
WE SAW CARS BURIED IN SAND AND WATER.
When we woke up in the morning and tried to navigate our way to work and school, we saw cars submerged, bridges collapsed, and mud everywhere. It was horrific. It was like scenes out of a movie.
ONE WOMAN I KNOW ONLY HAD ENOUGH TIME TO GRAB HER KIDS BEFORE HER SHACK WASHED AWAY.
She lost nearly everything. The only thing she could save was a soaking bed. Even in that tragedy, she was grateful. Grateful that she was alive and her children were safe.
MY ADVICE TO YOUNG TALENT IS TO GROW FROM FEEDBACK.
It’s important to take feedback and criticism as a stepping stone to greatness, and not as an attempt to pull you down or knock your hustle. Ask for advice and feedback. If it’s positive, that’s great. If it’s negative, even better, because it’s an opportunity to refine yourself and your work.