How did you feel when you got the gig?
The SAFTAs celebrate the best that the local TV and Film industry has to offer, both in front and behind the scenes, so auditioning and being selected to be amongst this group of professionals is truly an honour!
What’s it like working along Thomas Msengana?
Thomas is a consummate professional with years of experience behind him. He naturally excels at being on air and on-screen and I enjoy that he’s himself through and through. He’s also such a fun-loving and genuine human being. Somehow he brings out the fun side I’ve always had, but never really put out as often as I do now.
Also, Thomas and I get along on and off the mic on radio and chemistry’s one thing you can’t “put on”. We have that and hope it translates on-screen as well.
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Which designers are you collaborating with?
I’ve worked with quite a few SA designers over the years and have collaborated with some of them for the SAFTAs. Every look is going to give the viewers a different feeling and will also be a celebration of the beauty of our continent that the world has also embraced.
On the night, I’ll be wearing garments from Biji La Maison whose workmanship, intricate beading and attention to detail I admire. I’m working with Sandi from FabroSanz as well and I enjoy her designs because she understands a woman’s body and knows what to best accentuate. Scalo is also a favourite because he pushes the boundaries by adding an element of avant garde in his designs.
I’m also working with a young emerging designer, Rethabile, whose work I saw and fell in love with when she was one of the designers on Raw Silk Season 2, which I hosted. She’s very experimental with her designs, so I let her play! Orapeleng Modutle adds sophistication and class to every look and one of my looks on the night will also be from him.
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You’ve hosted other awards ceremonies, such as the 2018 Crown Gospel Awards and 2017 Metro FM Music Awards. How do you prepare for the night?
There’s definitely a team that assists me in this regard. Preparing for the night includes meetings with designers, countless fittings and getting my glam squad together.
Regarding delivery on stage, it is script workshops, rehearsals, more rehearsals and a lot of courage to be on the main stage for the big night.
Do you have any pre-hosting rituals?
Prayer is important to me, so I pray. It’s what keeps my feet firm on the ground.
