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BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Kwandokuhle Siwela, a.k.a “Ozxy Said It” is a Cape Town-based rapper, songwriter, host, activist, poet and fashion designer. He started making music at the age of 11 when his rapper uncle inspired him to write his first verse – something he would continue throughout his schooling years.

Ozxy’s passion for music grew even while studying towards his BA Corporate Communications Degree, so he decided to take a break from academics to pursue his music career instead. His love for poetry opened his eyes to new possibilities, which is when he decided not to limit himself to one genre – he ventured into rock music, dancehall, boombap, amapiano, jazz, latin and afropop.

To date, Ozxy has worked with the likes of B Note, Debra-nist, Simulationrxps and award-winning Jojo Gabon.

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Earlier this year, Ozxy released a brand new single titled “BUST IT”. “This project features R&B and Soul singer from Johannesburg, South Africa, D.O.XRSA, and is produced by Award Winning Producer B.Note,” he tells The Fuse.

“The song takes an explorative approach towards Hip-hop in its creative process incorporating bespoke recordings of elements of various African sounds, layered with elements of Jazz, Lo-Fi and D.O.XRSA’s soulful vocals. The music video shows visuals of me taking a walk on the streets in a soliloquy to my girl and later on addressing topics about my life and family,” he continues explaining.

BUST IT is available on all music streaming platforms

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Financial literacy is a necessary skill for all, especially in these tough times. With this in mind, FinSavvy founder and director, Viwe Loyiso Potelwa started his business to help improve socio-economic standards and financial literacy levels in South Africa.

“We strive to be a prominent contributor to the effort of improving socio-economic standards and financial literacy levels of citizens using simple yet innovative strategies. The ultimate vision is to empower all citizens to be self-sufficient and financially literate to have an equal opportunity at living an autonomous life,” the website reads.

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“I am leading and managing my organisation, FinSavvy (Pty) Ltd, in the mandate of implementing simple and sustainable solutions in the realm of financial literacy as well as innovating youth support opportunities. I am focused on supporting the effort to raise awareness of the importance of being financially literate regardless of the socio-economic status and work industry an individual belongs to, as well being a champion for members in society to be more self-sufficient,” Viwe writes on his social media.

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Music brings people together, and jazz music is one of South Africa’s greatest prides – we boast some of the best jazz musicians in the world. Cool new kids on the block, IBHUNGA (the Council) is a contemporary ethno-afro jazz band, based in Johannesburg. Founded in October 2021, the members of this outfit are no strangers to the music industry, having been professionally trained in jazz studies and experienced as composers, arrangers, educators, and co collaborators across several projects over the years.

As a sonic project, IBHUNGA explores the convergence of tradition, cultural preservation, identity and related concepts from the perspective of young musicians navigating the intersection between heritage, tradition, city life and modernism.

All of this, with a desire to facilitate both deeper exploration and understanding of ‘culture’ and its nuances whilst pushing the boundaries of what it means, what it constitutes, and what is understood as its valid expression(s). The Council draws its language from the influences of African folk music, contemporary jazz, soul, lo-fi, and Afro-beat to name a few.

After a successful rodeo in Capetown last year showcasing the project, uManyano lwe jazz is excited to welcome Ibhunga on stage this year with Athi Ngcaba on trombone; Solethu Madasa on keys; Obakeng Mabitsela on drums and cymbals, and Dalu Mqwathi on bass. Together with their larger Jhb ensemble featuring Godfrey Mntambo on saxophone; Nic Bjorkman on drums; and Bokang Ramatlapeng on vocals.

uManyano lwe Jazz is bringing the ultimate boutique festival experience celebrating music, community and connectedness on the 1st of April, 2023.

“Manyano”, which means ‘Coming Together” aims to bring South Africa’s most loved musicians, and well-rounded selectors and deejays closer to audiences, to experience the generosity, collaborative ethos, and community offered by this exceptional art form.

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Entrepreneurship, although challenging, can be a very rewarding journey when done right – which is what Kinina Africa founder, Toronto Malawu, is always seeking for. Kinina is a premium plant-based hair growth & clear skin solution – made in Africa and inspired by African beauty rituals. Their products are 100% locally formulated & manufactured.

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Toronto is a young, black South African woman with a passion for achieving every goal she sets for herself, simply because she believes she is worthy of each one. She believes that everyone has the right to feel beautiful because they are, and the responsibility to exude that beauty in every aspect of their lives.

“Our core objective as Kinina is to help deliver our customer’s dream of confidence and influence through beauty. Beauty is power, beauty is influence, beauty is transformative and ours is to help our customers to realise and harshness that power and use it to transform their lives, careers and lifestyles.”

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Toronto has been open about the challenges of owning a business on her social media, and encouraged everyone, not just entrepreneurs, to never give up on their dreams.

“Last year, I sacrificed everything my apartment, my freedom and packed up my business because I realised I wasn’t living true to my promise. I promised myself that Kinina would not be just another hustle to fund my life.

I promised myself to build a global cosmetics brand that would employ thousands of people and revolutionalise the beauty industry. Yet a year in business I was focused on meeting monthly target sales , I had become extremely busy and discovered I no longer was working on the business but working in the business.

I decided to go back home to my village and spent 4/5 months working on my business, my brand, I applied for funding, for business development programmes, identified systems that were needed. And all of that sacrifice and time spent preparing and molding this brand is about to pay off. What an honour and a privilege.”

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

It’s not every day that you get to meet one your favourite musicians, but sharing a stage with them is even further than many people’s imaginations. Msaki is a South African composer, singer, and songwriter. Her career in music began in 2008, at the age of 20, when she was a member of alternative rock band. Msaki’s debut Extended Play Nal’ithemba (2013) and debut solo studio album Zaneliza: How The Water Moves (2016), was nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album.

Since then, it’s safe to boldly say Msaki is one of South Africa’s most loved and celebrated artists to date – however earlier this year, she announced her departure from the music industry, and a final tour.

In first leg of her final tour, Msaki performed in East London, in the Eastern Cape, and delivered a powerful performance as usual. Something that was even more moving was a moment between Msaki and her violinist, Stella Mtshali.

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BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Having natural hair or dreadlocks as a black person can be quite tricky when it comes to finding salons that will maintain the health of your hair and scalp (and be gentle to those sensitive edges!). Often, you find yourself having to fight with hairstylists that just pull your hair and damage your scalp.

This is why friends, Gugu Nonjinge and Nomahlubi Hewu decided to start Asana Beauty in 2019. “We are a high-end dreadlocks and natural hair salon that is based in Cape Town, South Africa, founded to suit the lifestyle of a contemporary woman,” they write on the business website.

ASANA assists clients with starting and maintaining their dreadlocks and natural hair by offering end to end holistic services that include expert hair care tips from highly qualified hairstylists. 

Their main goal is to offer more than just hair care and styling. One of their core objectives is to create a community and sisterhood that is a safe space and also a conducive platform for knowledge sharing.

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Moreover, they believe that beyond every curl, loc, and strand is a sacred story for women of color—and even though it’s just hair, there’s so much more than what meets the eye. Therefore, they also aim to create a platform for all natural hair and dreadlocks stories, as they believe that all these journeys are rooted in lessons of identity, confidence and self-expression.

READ MORE: Mia’s inspirational back yard salon

In November 2022, Asana won the Youth-Led SMME of the Year Award! Out of +4000 nominations, ASANA Beauty was chosen to win in this category! This award is part the Inaugural National Presidential Awards that are set to recognise and celebrate the best performing SMMEs.

Asana also understands that businesses need to play an impactful role in their communities, so, they started an initiative to help those in need. “HEY SANAS! As ASANA we recognise the role that businesses need to play in the communities they operate in. So, as we promised, we’re officially kickstarting our SANAS CARE initiative. Once a quarter, toiletries will be delivered to a home that provides shelter, care and empowerment to abused, destitute and pregnant mothers with young children in Cape Town,” they wrote on social media.

HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE?
🌻 ALL our SANAS are encouraged to donate / drop off toiletries at the ASANA salon in Woodstock anytime! Even when they come for their appointments.

— ASANA (@asanabeautycpt) February 21, 2023

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Popular franchise KFC has announced the appointment of its very first black female General Manager for Africa – Akhona Qengqe – who will step into this role on 01 April 2023. She will replace outgoing GM – Dhruv Kaul, who is moving into a GM role for KFC Pan Europe.

Akhona’s experience, spans across multiple industries including petroleum, property, marketing, operations and convenience retail. She has also served as the Chairperson of the Board of the Franchise Association of South Africa.

Akhona is no stranger to KFC in Africa having started with the business in 2015 as Development Director, after which she was promoted to lead the brand’s Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (EI&B) agenda, before being promoted to Chief People Officer (CPO) for KFC Africa in 2020 and more recently, appointed to Chief Development Officer.

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Not only has she moved up the KFC ranks with grace and rigour but, in partnership with the Leadership team, she has helped the KFC business navigate a disruptive pandemic which impacted not only business but also staff from a wellness and workplace perspective – a job she managed with humility, empathy and efficiency. More than this, Akhona has been central to the business’s development programmes – enabling a heart-led, high-performing people culture. Further to this, Akhona has been a spearhead for the KFC Add Hope programme and an advocate for creating access to nutritious meals, for those less fortunate – assisting the team in mobilising and driving this critical pillar of purpose for the business.

As a fierce advocate for gender parity and female empowerment, Akhona conceptualised and launched KFC Africa’s Women on the Move programme, which was created in 2021 as a transformative 12-month programme to equip women with tools and resources that will help them leverage their innate leadership qualities and fuel results within the KFC business locally.

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

When you hear the name, “Melanie Bala” you think success in media, grace, style and superwoman! Legendary media personality, Melanie “Melzin” Bala has been in the media industry, both radio and TV for over twenty years and is still going strong.

Whether it’s her successful career, motherhood, fashion sense or banging body you admire, Melanie simply oozes perfection in everything she touches – talk about being a boss lady!

READ MORE: Lesedi Matsunyane set to speak at Omuhle Gela’s Moms’ Day Off event

It only makes sense then, that local actress and businesswoman, Omuhle Gela decided to invite the veteran broadcaster as one of the guest speakers at the upcoming Moms’ Day Off – because who better to advise women on juggling career, personal well-being and motherhood than Melanie herself!

“Gorgeous Melanie Bala joins us for this edition of MDO. She’s a Metro FM DJ and yummy mommy who will share tips on being so successful and managing hectic mom life and taking care of ourselves mentally and physically. We can’t wait!” Omuhle says.

The reason why Omuhle started this initiative was to encourage mothers to take care of themselves, and make sure they take the necessary time outs, so that they are able to be fully present for their children, and that’s exactly in line with Melanie’s beliefs, as she has shared on her social media.

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“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt as a mother is that I need to show up for myself. It makes me a better mother to them. And hopefully sets an example, to both of them, that to go after the things you desire, requires discipline, commitment & sacrifice. That even when you hold one really important role, you must make & hold space for the totality of you. The things that bring you joy and feed your spirit are important, because when you’re happy and fulfilled, that joy cannot help but spill over into your home and family.”

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Starting a business of any kind can be a difficult mountain to climb, especially when you don’t know enough about marketing it to your desired target audience in an efficient way. That’s why businesses such as African Ambition Consulting, that provide a variety of services to ensure success for entrepreneurs and their business are important.

The founder and CEO, Lerato Kadiaka is a marketing guru with a strong passion for upskilling African entrepreneurs to provide the best possible skills for their businesses.

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“When we started the business, it was set out on a journey to empower the Bold Ambitious thinkers, dreamers, risk-takers and doers who have, despite all odds, committed to starting and growing their businesses.

The idea to provide top-notch quality services to entrepreneurs and businesses at large. We did just that and we are still doing it excellently well for businesses of all types and sizes. As we grew our firm’s trajectory, it has expanded to include a larger set of eco-system clients. We now work closely with not just entrepreneurs but also the private sector, national and local governments,” African Ambition writes on its website.

READ MORE: Palesa Madumo to speak at the Bold Ambitious Women in Marketing

“Since that time, the firm has built its team, client base, service and product offerings driven by a conviction that the world must be better. We are driven by impact and powered by knowledge. We bring the right balance of head-heart-hand to our work. We believe that age-old problems need new age thinking and rigorous implementing, with empathy at the core. In addition, that is what we deliver for our ambitious clients and partners.

Today we describe African Ambition Consulting Agency as a firm that delivers real value, elevator of brands, impact and results through innovative solutions,” it continues.

Lerato is especially determined to make an impact in the professional lives of young people and women, “Skilling Young people and Women is very important to me and when done right, skills development can reduce un- and underemployment, increase productivity, and improve standards of living.

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Helping people develop and update their skills makes economic sense. Part of our service offerings is training, personal development and talent, we offer entrepreneurship training, to help young people and women to start and scale their businesses,” she says.

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

In 2022, South Africa’s favourite little girl, Lethukthula Bhengu was only 2 years old when she made the news for being able to read and write. A year later and she has now won the 2023 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award for Favourite African Kidfluencer at the tender age of 3.

The little girl’s mother, Ntombikayise Bhengu, took to social media to thank everyone who voted and has been supporting her daughter, “Thank you guys. Saving this for Lethu to see how good God is, how supportive you guys are and how capable kids are. Kids can be kids and still learn mathematics, learn how to read and a lot more. If they can dance to a Mapiano Song, they can certainly do more than we credit them for!” she wrote.

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The annual award ceremony celebrates children’s top choices in entertainment media, and the kids vote on the winners in each category. Hosted live from the Microsoft Theatre by Nate Burleson and Charli D’Amelio, while Lerai Rakoditsoe hosted the KCA Africa Special, the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2023 was filled with extreme logic-defying stunts, illusions and tricks.

The 2023 KCA Kidfluencer nominees were: YouTuber Alakhe Mdoda, young prodigy Lethukuthula Bhengu, dancer, singer, and social media influencer Rethabile Mokgatla, social media sensation Siba Bogopa, multiple-award-winning and officially The World’s Youngest DJ, DJ Arch JNR, and Nigeria’s favourite Unidentical Duo twin models Olianna and Olivia, who were being recognized for having gained a considerable online following by creating child-centric content on social media.