EP 05: Onitias Mphela - Family Business: The Art of Managing Your Own
From the youth radio waves of YFM to building one of South Africa's most successful amapiano careers, Onitias Mphela's journey exemplifies the delicate balance between family and business in entertainment management. In this revealing conversation, we sit down with the media professional and strategic father who transformed his daughter Kamo Mphela from a passionate dancer into one of South Africa's leading amapiano artists and global cultural ambassadors.Beginning his career as a copywriter at Publicis before joining YFM as a production manager, Onitias developed the industry insights and forecasting abilities that would later prove invaluable in navigating his daughter's entertainment career. His unique approach to family talent management demonstrates how industry expertise, combined with unconditional parental support, can create sustainable success while preserving authentic artistic vision.From registering the business ("We went to CIPC, we registered the business. You are the boss") to serving as booking agent, tour manager, and strategic advisor, Onitias reveals the complex dynamics of managing family talent while maintaining healthy father-daughter relationships.Key Conversation Points:- From Publicis copywriter to YFM production manager: Building industry foundations- Recognizing raw talent: How he identified Kamo's potential as a dancer- The art of forecasting: Why managers must anticipate industry trends- Navigating dual roles: Father, manager, and business strategist- Problem-solving under pressure: Managing family dynamics in high-stakes situations- Understanding booking fees vs. landing fees: The business of live performances- Building authentic industry relationships while protecting family interests- Creating sustainable business structures for family talent- The evolution from passion project to professional empirePerfect For:- Parents managing talented children in entertainment- Family business owners navigating professional relationships- Entertainment managers seeking authentic talent development strategies- Industry professionals interested in amapiano business models- Aspiring managers learning forecasting and problem-solving skills- Students of South African music industry evolutionThis episode provides unprecedented insights into family business management, talent development, and the intersection of personal relationships with professional success in South Africa's dynamic entertainment landscape.Guest: Onitias MphelaFormer Publicis Copywriter & YFM Production ManagerFather and Strategic Manager to Kamo MphelaFollow Us:Guest: @onitias_mphelaHost: @ntando_zikalala_Show: @morethanmanagement_Agency: @tothemaxmanagement#MoreThanManagement #FamilyBusiness #OnitiasMphela #KamoMphela #Amapiano #YFM #TalentManagement #FamilyFirst
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EP 04: Becky Motumo-Molete - Managing Women in Sports & Building Legacy Projects
"When you believe in someone, you must be able to turn down deals that will put money in your pocket because you're doing what's best." These words from Becky Motumo-Molete capture the essence of principled management that defines our fourth episode. As the visionary manager behind Olympic gold medalist Caster Semenya and former manager to media powerhouse Carol Tshabalala, Becky has mastered the delicate balance of talent advocacy and business success across both sports and media.From her beginnings in classical music and performing as a majorette to becoming one of South Africa's most influential talent managers while now anchoring news on SABC 3, Becky's multidimensional journey offers unprecedented insights into the evolution of management in Africa.In this compelling conversation, Becky breaks down:- Navigating high-stakes moments in an athlete's global career- Building authentic management relationships based on trust- Transitioning between entertainment, sports, and media worlds- Creating strategic partnerships that serve the talent first- The principles of ethical representation in a competitive industry- Her role in helping develop Caster Semenya's biography and legacy projectsKey Insights:- Recognizing genuine talent before the world does- Strategic decision-making during career-defining moments- Building sustainable talent brands for long-term success- Maintaining integrity in high-pressure negotiations- The unique challenges of managing women in male-dominated industriesTIMESTAMPS:18:52 - When Caster gave me a call22:37 - So Caster signs on the dotted line24:57 to 26:20 - Who's the kindest person, gives you that helping hand36:20 - 37:00 The reason why you need management39:00 - 39:31 - Learning on the job39:59 - Mentored by Trevor Noah's agent44:28 - Legacy ProjectWhether you're managing talent, building your own career across multiple industries, or fascinated by the business of sports and media, this episode delivers a masterclass in what it truly means to be more than a manager.Guest: Becky Motumo-MoleteManager to Olympic Gold Medalist Caster SemenyaFormer Manager to Media Personality Carol TshabalalaSABC 3 News AnchorFollow Us:Guest: @beckym001Host: @ntando_zikalala_Show: @morethanmanagement_Agency: @tothemaxmanagementVisit: www.tothemaxmanagement.com
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EP 03: Vusi Leeuw - Music Management Mastery: From Kwaito Pioneers to Global Entertainment
From the vibrant streets of Soweto to the boardrooms of Warner Music, Vusi Leeuw's management philosophy has shaped the careers of South Africa's most iconic artists. In this landmark conversation, we sit down with the visionary executive who guided Mandoza to legendary status, helped build TKZee into cultural icons, and pioneered management strategies that defined the kwaito era.From pioneering kwaito to managing some of Africa's biggest crossover talents, Vusi has mastered the art of entertainment management across multiple industries. His journey spans beyond music, extending his talent management vision to guide the careers of actress Nomzamo Mbatha and multimedia star Boity Thulo.With roots in Soweto, a legal education from Wits University, and a journey spanning from campus radio to executive roles at Sony Music, EMI, and 999 Records alongside Arthur Mafokate, Vusi reveals the universal management principles that built South African entertainment.Key Conversation Points:The birth of kwaito: Management decisions that created a genreThe Mandoza blueprint: Strategic career building that created a legendCross-industry management: Translating music success to film and televisionTalent identification: The science behind discovering tomorrow's starsContract negotiations: How his legal background transformed artist dealsCrisis management and brand protectionThe Moshito legacy: Creating platforms for talent developmentHis Warner Music vision: The future of African music managementMusic as advocacy: Using entertainment as a vehicle for social changeMusic managers and entertainment executivesArtists seeking career development insightsIndustry professionals across music, film, and televisionStudents of South African entertainment historyAspiring talent managers and A&R professionalsAdvocates interested in cultural change through artThis episode provides practical insights into music management, artist development, and legacy building in South Africa's evolving entertainment industry.Guest: Vusi Leeuw Pioneer of Kwaito Management Former Executive at Sony Music, EMI, & 999 Records Current A&R Manager at Warner MusicFollow Us: Host: @ntando_zikalala_ Show: @morethanmanagement_ Agency: @tothemaxmanagement
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EP 02: Tshiamo Letshwene - Label Management: Building Artists & Preserving Legacies After Loss
Following our powerful premiere, episode two takes us into the world of Tshiamo Letshwene, a visionary who's journey embodies both the triumphs and profound responsibilities of African music management.Starting as a digital strategist at Vth Season, Tshiamo quickly rose through the ranks to become a pivotal force in label management. His strategic approach to artist development and market penetration has helped create some of the most significant moments in South African hip-hop and R&B. Beginning his journey as a social media manager, Tshiamo mastered the intricate dance between digital brand building and on-ground execution, reshaping how African entertainment brands connect with their audience.As founder of T Effect, Tshiamo has faced the industry's ultimate challenges: navigating the untimely passing of both AKA and Costa Titch. His experience spans managing some of Africa's biggest talents including AKA, Costa Titch, Shekhinah, and working with artists like Musa Keys. In this candid discussion, he opens up about these profound experiences and the responsibility of protecting legacies while moving the industry forward.In this revealing conversation, Tshiamo shares: Evolution from digital strategist to label founder Building sustainable artist careers across genres Managing through unprecedented loss Protecting and preserving artistic legacies The future of African music managementKey Industry Insights: Digital brand building in modern music Cross-genre artist development strategies Crisis management in real-time Legacy protection frameworks Leadership through adversityExperience how Tshiamo: Transformed from social media manager to industry leader Built T Effect into a powerhouse agency Developed diverse artist careers Handled the industry's most challenging moments Protected artist legacies while supporting families Continues to shape African music's futureGuest: Tshiamo Letshwene Founder, T Effect Pioneer in African Music ManagementFollow Us: Guest: @teffectglobal Host: @ntando_zikalala_ Show: @morethanmanagement_ Agency: @tothemaxmanagement#MoreThanManagement #LabelManagement #MusicIndustry #Legacy
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EP 01: Sibu Mabena - The Art of Crisis Management & Empire Building
"A manager is a hunter, and talent is human." With these words, Sibu Mabena opens up a masterclass in navigating the high-stakes world of talent management that sets the tone for our premiere episode.
At 32, Sibu has mastered the art of crisis management and turning challenges into opportunities. From choreographing major productions to founding Duma Collective and launching Golden Thread Africa, she's built her reputation on handling the industry's most complex situations with strategic precision.
In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Sibu breaks down:
The art of high-stakes talent management
Crisis management strategies that actually work
Building Golden Thread Africa from the ground up
Navigating industry challenges with grace
The delicate balance of protecting both talent and business
Transforming setbacks into comebacks
Key Insights:
Real-world crisis management techniques
The psychology of effective talent management
Building trust in high-pressure situations
Strategic communication during challenges
Creating sustainable management frameworks
Whether you're a current manager, aspiring to be one, or just fascinated by the inner workings of the entertainment industry, this episode offers unprecedented insights into the real world of talent management.
Guest: Sibu Mabena Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Duma Collective Founder, Dance Nation South Africa Board Member: The Effie Awards, The Creative Circle Winner: Inverroche Future Is Female Award
Follow Us: Guest: @sibumabena Host: @ntando_zikalala_ Show: @morethanmanagement_ Agency: @tothemaxmanagement
Visit:Â www.tothemaxmanagement.com
Step into the rooms where careers are shaped and legends are born. "More Than Management" pulls back the curtain on the masterminds behind sports, music, and talent management's biggest success stories. Join host Ntando Zikalala for intimate conversations that reveal the strategies, decisions, and pivotal moments that transform potential into greatness.
South Africa