Creative Allies

In each of the previous episodes, we have asked the guests to write a letter to their younger selves and read it for our listeners. In this special bonus episode, we hear what the hosts of Creative Allies, Lerato Sokhulu and Carol Williams, would say to the past versions of themselves. In heartfelt and encouraging messages, Lerato and Carol give advice on how to weather challenges, celebrate the journey, and value rest in order to keep creating. Join the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaf9cENAojYofiLOcP2b Discover more about the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance programme and subscribe to our mailer: https://www.waterfront.co.za/artist-alliance-live-art-be-heard/ Find Carol Williams on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroljoywilliams/ Find Lerato Sokhulu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lerato-sokhulu-46347418/ · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

What can improve your mental health, boost your creativity, and connect you to work opportunities? Songwriter-producer Josh Prinsloo says it's all about finding community. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

In each episode, we ask the guests to write a letter to their younger selves. What would you say to the past version of you. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

How do you find your tribe? You need to be yourself to make sure they can find you, says Nyambo MasaMara, the multi-disciplinary artist, fabric and fashion designer. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒💞 Belonging is a human need. Throughout our history, community has been the glue that holds people together. And nowhere is that more true than in creative spaces, where we can feel free to express who we really are. But where can we find like-minded folks? And why do connections matter so much? To help us explore the value of community, we’ve invited multidisciplinary artist and fashion designer Nyambo MasaMara, and songwriter-producer Joshua Prinsloo, also known as Fruit Vendor, to share their stories. 🖇️ Join the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaf9cENAojYofiLOcP2b Discover more about the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance programme and subscribe to our mailer: https://www.waterfront.co.za/artist-alliance-live-art-be-heard/ Find Joshua Prinsloo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaprinsloo/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=za Listen to Joshua Prinsloo on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/fruitfarm Follow Fruit Vendor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fruit_vendor/?hl=en Visit the MASA MARA website: https://www.masamara.co.za/masa-mara Follow Nyambo MasaMara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masamara.art/?hl=en Read more about Nyambo MasaMara on Latitudes: https://latitudes.online/artists/nyambo_masamara?srsltid=AfmBOopTQUsKs6vstWiTqJmf-tSCKD3KI3xJ3BcTyr8qojgQ5CCBARLF · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

How do you hold onto money, when you start earning? And how do you find community and and keep creative when you're not earning? Learn from the experience of award-winning performer Brendan Murray. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

In each episode, we ask the guests to write a letter to their younger selves. What would you say to the past version of you? Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

To get funding, it's not only about the strength of your idea – there's a code you need to crack. Film producer and director Fezeka Mkhabela shares more. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

❤️‍🔥🤑 Creativity vs commercial appeal. Uniqueness vs popularity. Passion vs paying bills. These are the contradictions all creatives must face pretty much on the daily. If you’re serious about a career in this industry, you’ll have to ask yourself a variation of the following questions: How do you keep your creative spark alive when you’re working for the man? What skills do you need to develop and manage multiple income streams? What does it look like to foster an entrepreneurial mindset? Film director and producer Fezeka Mkhabela and voice artist and actor Brendan Murray, both award-winning creatives, generously share their histories and advice in this must-listen episode. Join the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaf9cENAojYofiLOcP2b Discover more about the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance programme and subscribe to our mailer: https://www.waterfront.co.za/artist-alliance-live-art-be-heard/ Read more about Brendan Murray on his agent’s website: https://www.apm.co.za/artiste/brendan-sean-murray-392/ See Brendan Murray’s TV credits: https://watch.plex.tv/en-GB/person/brendan-sean-murray Follow Fezeka Mkhabela on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamfezeka/?hl=en See Fezeka Mkhabela on M&G’s list of 200 Young South Africans: https://mg.co.za/200youngsouthafricans/2024/fezeka-mkhabela/ Read more about Fezeka Mkhabela on Tint Journal: https://tintjournal.com/about/writers/fezeka-mkhabela Follow Ingwe Studios on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingwe-studios/ · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

Don't be afraid to walk away from a potential client who doesn't value you, says game director Richard Bolland. But also don't close the door – here's advice on how to walk the fine line. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

In each episode, we ask the guests to write a letter to their younger selves. What would you say to the past version of you? Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

What are the first crucial steps to take when you start your own business? PR Entrepreneur Msuseni shares her advice. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

💸💰 It’s fair to say that many creative folks would choose to make art or perform – maybe even sit in a dentist’s chair! – rather than do admin, taxes or invoicing. But knowing what to look out for when it comes to contracts, your rights, and your finances is essential if you’re going to make this a career. To find out more from those with professional experience to offer, we’ve invited animation and game director Richard Bolland and PR entrepreneur Siki Msuseni to share their strategies and advice. They answer the burning question: How can you make sure you get paid, and paid fairly, at the end of the day? Tune in to this episode of Creative Allies to find out. Join the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaf9cENAojYofiLOcP2b Discover more about the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance programme and subscribe to our mailer: https://www.waterfront.co.za/artist-alliance-live-art-be-heard/ Follow Siki Msuseni on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sikimsuseni/ Follow Siki Msuseni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siki-msuseni-9a855312/ Follow Amplified PR on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amplified_PR Follow Richard Bolland on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardbolland/ Visit the Studio Bo website: https://www.studiobo.io/ Find out more about New Hope SA: https://www.newhopesa.org/ · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

Working with limitations can have a silver lining, says Erin-Lee Peterson. The creative director of sustainable luxury clothing brand Research Unit gives her advice on smart ways of using tech and available resources. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

In each episode, we ask the guests to write a letter to their younger selves. What would you say to the past version of you? Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

What's the key to thriving in this uncertain world? Writer, director and producer Karen Jeynes gives her checklist of what qualities we need to nurture in ourselves to prepare for the future. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

🤖👩🏾‍💻 When you think about the future, do you feel excited or scared? Is AI really going to steal our jobs? What skills are we going to need for the future, and what does it mean to truly thrive and not just survive? Not only do we ask the tough questions of our guests in this episode, but we also find ways to get inspired and energised to help shape our own destinies. Tune in to hear the stories of writer and producer Karen Jeynes and creative director Erin-Lee Petersen in this unmissable episode of Creative Allies. Join the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaf9cENAojYofiLOcP2b Discover more about the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance programme and subscribe to our mailer: https://www.waterfront.co.za/artist-alliance-live-art-be-heard/ Visit Research Unit’s website: https://researchunit.co.za/pages/about Learn more about Research Unit’s early days: https://smesouthafrica.co.za/want-industry-leaders-chad-erin-lee-petersen/ Karen Jeynes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenjeynes/ Visit the Both Worlds website: https://www.both-worlds.com/ · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

How can a brand deal change your life – for better or for worse? Illustrator, muralist and artist Chad Hanning (aka Bushy Wopp) shares his stumbles and his wins. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

In each episode, we ask the guests to write a letter to their younger selves. What would you say to the past version of you? Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

A fear of missing out on her life is what drove award-winning film director and producer Godisamang Khunou to start her own company. But what mistakes did she make in the early days? Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

🤑 It’s the age-old question: “So, you want to be an artist. How are you going to make money?” South African illustrator and muralist Bushy Wopp (aka Chad Hanning) and filmmaker Godisamang Khunou join us for this episode to share their career journeys as creatives, and answer some honest answers to tricky questions, such as: What financial decisions have they made in the past that they would change now, if they could? Freelancer cash flow, brand deals, sponsorships, business plans, we tackle it all. 💸💰 Join the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaf9cENAojYofiLOcP2b Discover more about the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance programme: https://www.waterfront.co.za/artist-alliance-live-art-be-heard/ Godisamang Khunou in M&G 200 Young South Africans: https://mg.co.za/200youngsouthafricans/2024/godisamang-khunou/ Mogale Pictures on the EuroQuity website: https://www.euroquity.com/en/company/mogale-pictures Bushy Wopp’s website: www.bushywopp.com Bushy Wopp on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bushywopp/ Chad Hanning on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-hanning/?originalSubdomain=za · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

In each episode, we ask the guests to write a letter to their younger selves. What would you say to the past version of you? Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

Creative Allies hosts Lerato Sokhulu and Carol Williams sit down with multi-award-winning South African actor, comedian, and producer Siv Ngesi live at FAME Week Africa. In this inspiring episode, Siv shares the drive, mindset, and creative lessons behind his success in film, comedy, and production. 🎧 Listen to Creative Allies on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more conversations with trailblazing creatives. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

Creative Allies hosts Lerato Sokhulu and Carol Williams sit down with South African actress Shamilla Miller live at FAME Week Africa. In this must-listen episode, Shamilla opens up about her acting career, breaking into the South African film and TV industry, and the key lessons she’s learned on set and off. Aspiring actors and film lovers will gain valuable insights into building a successful career in entertainment. 🎧 Listen to Creative Allies on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more conversations with leading African creatives. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

Creative Allies hosts Lerato Sokhulu and Carol Williams catch up with talented South African actor, writer, and dancer Oarabile Ditsele at FAME Week Africa. In this inspiring episode, he shares his journey in acting and dance, the challenges he’s faced, and advice for aspiring performers on honing their craft and seizing every opportunity. 🎧 Listen to Creative Allies on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more interviews with South Africa’s leading creatives. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

Making art without having to chase money – what a dream for any creative person. Music producer and performer Digital Sangoma shares how he achieved this freedom for himself. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

How do you position your brand as a creative? Hear how heritage and spirituality played a part for award-winning designer Rucita Vassen. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

📢📌 Most creatives, in the course of their careers, will have to formulate and market some form of personal brand. But how do you position yourself to find the right path, and find the right people to walk it with you? How do you make sure what you’re contributing feels fresh and original? Join us for this thought-provoking episode as musical artist Mandisi Mafu (Digital Sangoma) and designer Rucita Vassen (Ananta Design Studio) share their unique – and quite different – approaches and journeys as creatives. Our guests discuss their process, their challenges, and their advice for emerging artists and entrepreneurs in the creative space, showing there is no “right” way to do it. Only the way that is right for you. Join the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaf9cENAojYofiLOcP2b Discover more about the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance programme and subscribe to our mailer: https://www.waterfront.co.za/artist-alliance-live-art-be-heard/ Follow Ananta Design Studio on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studioananta_/?hl=en Read more about the Vassen sisters on House & Garden https://www.houseandgarden.co.za/design/art/viveka-and-rucita-vassen-redefining-design-with-ananta-fc628feb-e7be-400c-bf30-2ab07bf33b57 and Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/business/these-cape-town-sisters-are-taking-africas-stories-to-the-world/ Follow Digital Sangoma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalsangoma/ Visit Mandisi Mafu’s website: https://digitalsangoma.com/ Read more about Digital Sangoma’s journey on Musicist: https://musicist.co.za/2023/01/22/in-conversation-with-digital-sangoma/ · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

What's the secret to managing boundaries? Publishing entrepreneur Alison Harris shares her advice on how to prioritise yourself and avoid burnout. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

In each episode, we ask the guests to write a letter to their younger selves. What would you say to the past version of you? Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

Brand guru Sylvester Chauke explains how he keeps his tank filled to give him energy for both work and play. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

🧠⚖️ The mind of a creative person is their greatest asset. Everything stems from there. How can we build up our brains and make them strong, with good boundaries, time management and self-care? How can we turn our creative sensibilities and sensitivities into superpowers? To find out how the big guns manage work-life balance and keep their minds and moods healthy, we’ve invited brand guru Sylvester Chauke and publishing entrepreneur Alison Harris to share their strategies and honest advice. Tune in for radical honesty and excellent life advice from these two gems. 💪 Join the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaf9cENAojYofiLOcP2b Discover more about the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance programme and subscribe to our mailer: https://www.waterfront.co.za/artist-alliance-live-art-be-heard/ Follow Alison Harris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonharriswork/ Visit Imagnary House: https://imagnaryhouse.com/ Follow Sylvester Chauke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvester-chauke-385a3216/ Watch Sylvester Chauke’s TED talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/sylvester_chauke_what_if_advertising_was_honest Visit DNA Brand Architects: http://dnabrand.co.za · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

Disapointments are an inevitable part of life. Faatimah Mohamed-Luke shares some great tips on navigating these moments. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

In each episode, we ask the guests to write a letter to their younger selves. What would you say to your younger self? Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

Chief Creative Officer Neo Mashigo tells us how to find inspiration, especially when it feels out of reach. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

🎨 How do you stay creative when you’ve got to think about money? How do you handle the pressure to come up with something original? And how do you deal with the fear of not being good enough? Award-winning South African creatives Neo Mashigo and Faatimah Mohamed-Luke join us for this candid episode of Creative Allies, generously sharing their rituals, stories and wisdom in search of the answers. ⭐ Join the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaf9cENAojYofiLOcP2b Discover more about the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance programme and subscribe to our mailer: https://www.waterfront.co.za/artist-alliance-live-art-be-heard/ Faatimah Mohamed-Luke on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucky_lady_luke/ Mrs and Mr Luke’s website: https://www.mrsandmrluke.com/ Neo Mashigo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mashigomashego/?hl=en Neo Mashigo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neo-mashigo-a83105254/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=za Research on the relationship between creativity and mood disorders that informed some of the interview questions in this episode: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3181877/ · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

How do you get consistent work as a freelancer? Illustrator Jade Klara knows the hustle, and shares some excellent advice on how to make it happen. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

In each episode, we ask the guests to write a letter to their younger selves. What would you say to the past version of you? Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

Comedian and director Lazola Gola reflects on the value of building strong networks and paying your dues as ways to build a successful career. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

🚀 How can a bad mentor actually help you? How do you charge for your work when you’re still up and coming? What is a simple thing to do that can guarantee you more work? How do you know it’s time to get a day job – or leave your day job? We asked comedian Lazola Gola and illustrator Jade Klara, both experienced creatives with rich and varied histories, to join us to share their advice and wisdom on freelancing vs full-time employment – plus enjoy a few laughs along the way. Give this episode a listen if you want to feel inspired, validated, and excited to continue your journey in the creative world, no matter which stage you’re at in your career. 💌🖌️ Join the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaf9cENAojYofiLOcP2b Discover more about the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance programme and subscribe to our mailer: https://www.waterfront.co.za/artist-alliance-live-art-be-heard/ Find Lazola Gola on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lazgola?igsh=dmFobGl2eWg5enZj Follow Lazola Gola on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lazola-gola-88947792/details/experience/ Find Jade Klara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadeklara?igsh=MW9zN24yYzRndzU2Mw== Visit Jade Klara’s website: https://jadeklara.co.za/about · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

A glimpse into the journey of how writer, poet and performer, Siphokazi Jonas discovered her voice as a creative. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

In each episode, we ask the guests to write a letter to their younger selves. What would you say to your younger self? Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

📢✒️ How do you find your voice as a creative? How do you figure out what you want to say – and how to say it? Yes, self-expression is vital, but creatives with bills to pay also need to master essential business communication skills. In a world where authenticity matters, we look at what professionalism looks like in 2025 and beyond. To explore all aspects of making yourself heard, we’ve invited comedian, actor and entertainer Donovan Goliath, and poet and director Siphokazi Jonas, both award-winning creatives, to offer their perspectives. Join the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaf9cENAojYofiLOcP2b Discover more about the V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance programme and subscribe to our mailer: https://www.waterfront.co.za/artist-alliance-live-art-be-heard/ Visit Siphokazi Jonas’s website: https://siphokazijonas.com/about-me/ Follow Siphokazi Jonas on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siphokazi_j/?hl=en Read more about Donovan Goliath: https://www.osmtalent.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Donovan-Goliath-CV.pdf Follow Donovan Goliath on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donovangoliath/?hl=en · · V&A Waterfront Instagram

Donovan Goliath shares honest, powerful insights on how to find your 'why' and the purpose that drives your passion and work. Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.