Five Black Men to Look Up to

I have decided to compile a list of influential people whose career path is worth following and supporting.

If you have taken time and read my blog you would know that I love the entertainment industry. I strongly believe in giving people the recognition they deserve, yeah man we ought to celebrate our fellow black men who are making a difference out there. We can't over look their efforts to change our society.

The first one has to be Zibanani Madumo also known as Oneal, though I came to know of him through Big Brother Africa the Chase. Nje ngesiqhelo I snooped around, did a background check on him. Oneal is rapper, a club and radio DJ currently based in Botswana but plans on moving to eMzantsi to broaden his horizons.

 He was raised in an impoverished and notorious township called Phikwe. His road to stardom wasn’t served to him on a silver platter as he had to beg radio stations to give him a chance. On Big Brother he narrated his story on how he used to sleep on a studio awaiting any opportunity that would come along for him to seize the moment. He also explained how reading books helped improve his communication skills. He’s often quoted by his BBA supporters as saying “he is a rose that grew in concrete.”

He is currently raising funds for project he is working on to get young people to read. And I’m crossing fingers that results into him penning an autobiography.

I don't know what cave have you been living in if you don't know who Sbusiso Leope  is. At

36 he has achieved so much, born and bred in Tembisa. Sbu, the number one knocks man as he is affectionately known, is not only a partner to South Africa's most successful record company, TS Records. Which is home to the internationally-recognised star, Zahara who took the entertainment industry by storm when her debut album Loliwe sold out. Dj Sbu is also a radio and TV presenter as well as the president of SLEF foundation in his many titles. As part of his philanthropic work, he has funded a number of tertiary students. He is set to release his first book on December 02 of which he claims it will focus more on business rather than his personal life.

Khaya Dlanga who hails from Dutyini in Mount Ayliff’ story is like a fairy tale. If you are a believer you'd agree with the Word of God when it says everything works for the good for those who believe.

Khaya left Mdantsane for Mother City, armed with only a R500 and a little bag (in case things didn't work out) but today has several awards under his belt; for best blogger and for his work at Coca Cola. He was part of the initiative, facilitated by Pan MacMillan, called the ‘Youngster’s’ and authored a book titled ‘In My Arrogant Opinion’. His life story proves nothing can stop a determined soul because he started from the bottom now he’s eating the fruit of his sweat.

City Press Pic

Shaka Sisulu, the son of our parliament speaker Max Sisulu and yes, the grandchild of our struggle icons, Walter and Nontsikelelo Sisulu.

Shaka is radio presenter and now is part of the new team deployed to stabilize the ANCYL after the havoc that was caused by EFF founder Julius Juju Malema during his presidency.

He is also part of the ‘Youngster’s’ series and has released a book called 'Becoming'. His aim is to stimulate the youth’s interest in reading.

  It’s not everyday that you find a 30 year old having a booming business, but Sizwe Dhlomo’s made giant footsteps not only in the entertainment industry but his restaurant has made a name for itself.

The former live presenter is also doing well as the dj on Y Fm. Sizwe is not only a CUTIE but a smarty too and Tweeps nicknamed him Dhloogle lol. A search engine of some sort due to his vast knowledge about EVERYTHING.
 

These melanin advantaged brothers as Khaya would say have proven beyond doubt that life in the entertainment industry is not all about glitz and glamour but you have to go an extra mile to get the result and be a blessing along the way.

"Ubuntu mabande bakithi!!!"

Big Brother Africa's Feza Kessy an Underdog?

I wrestled with my thoughts regarding this post. I had to sit myself down and try to understand what is really going on  because I don't  want to get my curious, caring self into something that is bigger than me. But the good outweighed the bad and here I am defending Feza Kessy.

Its crystal clear that as 'adults' we are weary of the decisions we make and their consequences.

Feza Kessy to me represented not only Tanzania on Big Brother Africa8 dubbed the Chase but women at large.

She gave us herself. Though Hakeem Mandaza claimed the diary sessions were edited, I still hold on to that belief that BBA was raw and unscripted.

She didn't go in the house and marketed herself as expected or created a front of what she wanted people to see her as.

One time she admitted that she did not want Africa to see the submissive and vulnerable woman that she is.

In a way she is a mirror of ordinary African women. Not perfect but trying her level best to change herself. She once confessed that if it wasn't for the Word(bible) she wouldn't be as grounded.
I admire and respect women that aren't afraid to be seen at their worst.

To me she epitomized beauty. She didn't bother with pimping herself up because she knew she is naturally beautiful. She is that kind that makes clothes look dashing not the other way around.

The negative comments from people who have never been confined in a room with a bunch of strangers from different countries is a bit too much. Even from former housemates who never let their guards down and admitted that they too pulled strings here and there to up their game.

Its okay not to agree with the way a person conducts herself on international tv but the personal attacks maan, ain't cool. Like the former beauty queen likes saying; its never that serious!!!


On the other hand I liked O’Neal Zibanani Madumo.  Fairly because I saw a part of me in him lol not him being a wordsmith or emotionless.

He is realistic, analytical(which is often confused as gossip) and he doesn't force himself on people. He lives by his motto: “Walk in the room assuming everyone hates you”

And the bro is arrogantly-humble if there is such a word.  I wish he makes a woman out of Feza. Does that mean I condone... I don't know but I sincerely wish them all the best.

And cut the poor guy some slack, he said he is a struggling Christian (before you say, aren't we all? Consider the fact he is actually working on his salvation).

Like Feza, he spoke his mind while fully aware that Africa may not like his utterances. He despised the fear that is instilled in most housemates about West Africa and their reps.

Truthfully if you don't stand for anything, you will fall for everything.

Ngaphakoko BBA is not a reality show, where we should be looking for morals. Having said that I don't want to contradict myself because I support the Christians that boycotted the 'shower hour' that is viewed by VIP holders who paid R70 to see housemates naked.

Oh I must add I liked Bimp and Nando's bromance. And I pray that Nando who was disqaualified last night sorts himself up and he is way too cute (I just had to say that nothing more or less).

I am not vouching for my favourites to win the $300,000 They should go and work for their own. Their mission is accomplished. Africa knows who Feza Kessy is. I liked that priceless moment when the Dj played her song and Oneal asked him to play it back. It was epic. Everyone could attest to when you humble yourself, God will lift you up.

One blood, One love and One Africa *in Bimp's voice* Lungelwa says so!!!