#AndilesTake Podcast

"Dirt Under Our Fingernails" was produced by Andile Masuku, Siphokazi Jonas and Brendan "Spike" Ballantine. Poetry written and performed by Siphokazi Jonas. Interview conducted by Andile Masuku. Poetry performance and interview recorded by Brendan "Spike" Ballantine. Audio mixing, mastering and sound design by Brendan "Spike" Ballantine. Andile Masuku, Siphokazi Jonas & Brendan "Spike" Ballantine © 2021 All rights reserved.

In this relaxed chat - taped on Wednesday, May 2nd, 2018 - Business Report (South Africa) Content Editor, Philippa Larkin and African Tech Roundup Executive Producer, Andile Masuku, chat about topical global issues impacting Africa's tech and innovation industry. Listen in to hear how the conversation takes some unexpected twists and turns as Philippa and Andile discuss the continent's unfolding digital transformation journey.

In this instalment of #AndilesTake, I catch up with my mate, Chef Lesego Semenya, a year and a half or so after he first shared the vision for his LesDaChef fine dining brand with me. I'm fascinated by the level of focus and intentionality this Soweto-native, and Prue Leith Chefs Academy graduate in Centurion brings to his culinary hustle, and I take great pleasure in celebrating the fact that since we last spoke on mic, Les has been named one of the Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans, dubbed a rising star by House & Leisure, appointed consulting chef to a number of leading luxury gourmet food and drink brands, recruited as resident culinary expert at a handful of South Africa’s leading radio stations and tv networks, extended his reach on social media and now serves as a judge on SABC 3’s prime time tv show, Top Chef South Africa. That said, I consider his greatest achievement to be the fact that despite all the success he's enjoyed, Les remains as genuine and down-to earth as when I first met him at a killer gourmet home cook-out he hosted six odd years ago. Music Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

This is quick teaser for the upcoming episode of #AndilesTake which will feature fine dining chef, Lesego Semenya-- M&G Top 200 Young South African, TOP Chef SA judge, Resident Foodie at Power FM and all-round man of the people. Music Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

During a recent trip on a dodgy Greyhound coach to visit family in Zimbabwe, I learned some rather poignant lessons about the importance of looking past the trivial business of daily life, and peered past man-made hype to what really matters. Shout out to Africa's busiest border post. It's all love, Beitbridge! Music Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

This episode of #AndilesTake explores the importance of delusion, and it features the live wire that the Toro Orero, a Nigerian-born Managing Partner of Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm, DraperDarkFlow. One of the key things Toro and his partners at DraperDarkFlow look for in a startup founder that they might invest in is a sense of delusion. He believes that being a little nuts is often a good indicator that someone has what it takes to change the world. I'm totally with it! Music Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

As promised in Episode 7 of the #AndilesTake podcast, this is the uncut conversation I (Andile Masuku) had with Nigeria's inimitable Andre "Blaze" Henshaw. Andre is easily one of Africa’s leading broadcasting talents. While he's probably most famous for his work on Nigerian public radio, and hosting primetime extravaganza’s like Nigeria’s Got Talent on television, it’s his work on the My Africa podcast (available on iTunes) that got me sensing a sort of kinship with him. He launched the podcast at a time when his media career was soaring, and the whole podcast scene on the continent wasn’t exactly vibing. Even now, podcasts are far from being mainstream commercial platforms, so like me, he certainly didn’t get into podcasting for the money. In this conversation, Andre and I chat about a whole range of topics, like how he became a hip-hop head, and what he means when he calls himself a "creative anthropologist". I also got him to explain where his trademark vocal style comes from, and why he's so taken with podcasting as a medium.

So, I’ve decided to pick up where I left off in terms of the audio journal I started just over 18 months ago. Technically, this is Episode 1 of the 2nd Season of the #AndilesTake podcast series. Except as you’ll gather in this instalment, I’m still trying to figure out what it is I’m actually trying to say, and why. I feel like once I properly get my thumb on that, the name of the podcast will change. In the meantime, consider this a personal invitation to join me in discovering what stories are worth telling, what issues are worth talking about, and ultimately what’s worth living for. I’m extremely grateful to PJ Lebea and Andre Blaze Henshaw for sharing their stories on this episode. Perhaps you should listen in, if only to hear some of the rather special personal insights they were kind enough to share with me. Music Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Additional Music by Jeff Carter (https://www.freesound.org/people/thatjeffcarter/sounds/347368/) Music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode)

The gift of speech is a hugely underrated blessing. I'm at the stage in my life-- personal and career-wise, where I've developed an awareness for the potential of what comes out of my mouth to either kill or heal, build or destroy. In this episode of #AndilesTake, I look back on the influences that have shaped the broadcaster I am today, share what fuels my sense of purpose as a communicator, and reflect on what inspires me not just to keep raising my game as a pro, but also cherish the responsibility of having a voice in these tough times. I am greatly indebted to three of South Africa's leading communicators for sharing their stories and trade secrets with me. A big thank you to eTV news anchor, HOT 91.9 FM radio jock and voiceover artist Marc “The Voice” Chase, the irrepressible former corporate executive turned rockstar speaker and author, Alex Granger, and executive presentation coach, founder and CEO of Business Presentation Skills Holdings, Beth-Ann Galvin— whose 30-year track record has rightfully earned her the reputation of being "The Presentation Fixer”. I have no doubt that you will benefit immensely from their wisdom as I have. Additional Music Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

This is the second and final part of my take on the transition from craftsmanship to entrepreneurship featuring Unathi Msengana and Asanda Madyibi. Unathi Msengana is a well-loved South African media personality and business woman (Musician, Metro FM DJ, Idols South Africa Judge and Television Producer) who is easily one of the most relevant and, indeed, most bankable entities in the Africa’s fickle entertainment industry. While, Asanda Madyibi is an incredibly talented fashion designer to the stars whose garments have graced catwalks around the world. Unathi, Asanda and I go way back, but not quite as far back as their friendship. They have been thick as thieves since Asanda designed Unathi’s graduation dress 14 years ago. Recently, I was lucky enough to crash a dress fitting at Asanda’s private fashion studio in Milpark, where Unathi was being outfitted for a high-profile musical performance. A lively chat ensued, and happily, I got it all on tape! Enjoy this brief exploration into the lives of two very different, yet equally brilliant women, whose life journeys have seen them begin the transition from craftsmanship to entrepreneurship. Many thanks to my mate, Global Entrepreneur, Author, and CEO of Sirdar Global Group, Carl Bates, whose ideas have inspired me to explore the difference between craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, and led me to appreciate the importance of distinguishing between the two. Additional Music Credits: All Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

Unathi Msengana is a well-loved South African media personality and business woman (Musician, Metro FM DJ, Idols South Africa Judge and Television Producer) who is easily one of the most relevant and, indeed, most bankable entities in the Africa's fickle entertainment industry. While, Asanda Madyibi is an incredibly talented fashion designer to the stars whose garments have graced catwalks around the world. Unathi, Asanda and I go way back, but not quite as far back as their friendship. They have been thick as thieves since Asanda designed Unathi's graduation dress 14 years ago. Recently, I was lucky enough to crash a dress fitting at Asanda's private fashion studio in Milpark, where Unathi was being outfitted for a high-profile musical performance. A lively chat ensued, and happily, I got it all on tape! Enjoy this brief exploration into the lives of two very different, yet equally brilliant women, whose life journeys have seen them begin the transition from craftsmanship to entrepreneurship. Many thanks to my mate, Global Entrepreneur, Author, and CEO of Sirdar Global Group, Carl Bates, whose ideas have inspired me to explore the difference between craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, and led me to appreciate the importance of distinguishing between the two. Additional Music Credits: All Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

Join me in celebrating the mango! *cue fireworks* In this feature I contrast the amazing qualities of 2015's "Fruit of the Year" with the dodgy quality of customer service in South African supermarkets. While it's been a remarkable year for the mango, public outrage at poor customer service in South Africa continues to grow (with significant amounts of frustration being aimed at the big supermarket chains). Is it possible that there are lessons the supermarket industry could learn from the mango's consistently impressive performance this past summer? I think so! For nearly a decade, I've shopped for fruit and vegetables at the same establishment-- Impala Fruit & Veg, Northcliff. Why? Well, Impala's owner Tiago and his staff fully embrace the values embodied in 2015's "Fruit of the Year". Here's to hoping more establishments look to them, and indeed the mango, for inspiration. Yes, Shoprite Checkers and Pick n' Pay, I'm speaking to you! Music Credits: All Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

The wait is over. The Muffinz have finally released their much-anticipated sophomore album, "Do What You Love"-- following the success of their critically-acclaimed, award-winning debut, "Have You Heard" in 2012. After touring widely since the release of their first album (selling out venues like New York's famous Apollo Theatre along the way), and sharing the stage with legendary artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Oliver Mtukudzi (who features on their latest album), I asked them to give an honest account of what it's really like to "be a Muffin". I also get a little personal in this episode as I reveal some interesting shared history I have with one of The Muffinz, and reflect briefly on the importance of choosing work that is both purposeful and fulfilling. Podcast features some music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

Stacey Davidson is the Executive Director of The Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (REDISA)-- an award-winning non-profit organisation which aims to develop a sustainable South African tyre recycling industry.As I was packing my stuff away after a stimulating hour-long #AndilesTake podcast interview with Stacey and Lebogang Selepe-- co-owner of Ronetta 28 Resources (one of the many small businesses contracted by REDISA to collect waste tyres across Gauteng), Stacey started to share her inspirational life story. Then, I decided to stop packing and turn the mic back on.This is The Stacey Davidson Story.

After letting the hype around the recent launch of eTV's new drama series, "Ashes to Ashes" die down, I finally decided to watch the first episode of the show online to see what all the fuss was about, and give you my candid first impressions. Believe it or not, watching the show got me thinking deeply about some important things-- like how it seems we black folks struggle to master the dynamics of generational wealth-creation and issues of legacy. Many thanks to the awesome contributors to this podcast: my gorgeous wife-- Sithabiso "The Boo" Masuku, Founder and MD of Senate (Isle of Man)-- Selu Mdlalose, and Founder & CEO of Carlisle Tax & Financial Services (SA)-- Peter Carlisle Podcast features some music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

Ofentse "Scrooch" Mwase is a South African film and media-maker on the rise. He's gone from being a video game-obsessed teen from a little town in the Northwest Province, to a Johannesburg-based, Loerie award-winning cinematographer who was recently named one of 18 international photographers to follow on Instagram (@unclescrooch) by the Business Insider.Scrooch also happens to be one of the most in-demand mainstream music video directors and DOP's (director of photography) on the continent; as well as creative collaborator of choice for many of Africa's leading film and commercials directors.I caught up with him to find out how he's managed to convert his undeniable talents and passion for visual art into a thriving business.

Claire Reid is the ultimate over-achiever. She is a qualified architect who founded Reel Gardening at the age of 16, aiming to solve the problems she encountered when she tried to start her own vegetable garden in order to grow produce to sell to her parents for pocket-money.Today, Reel Gardening is multi-award-winning brand, and a thriving social enterprise that has recently raised several million rands in a recent funding drive (backed by Unilever and USAID)-- that will see the company scale up and go international. Claire is firmly at the helm of this incredible company, serving as its "Chief Impact Officer".Reel Gardening is a patented biodegradable colour-coded paper tape that encases organic fertiliser and seeds at the correct depth and distance apart. It only takes 5 minutes to plant, uses 80% less water and provides hours of joy and months of food.

Booster Energy is Africa's first brand to produce and market ingenious smartphone covers that not only protect your device, but can charge it as well. 26-year-old Njabulo Makhathini is COO and Co-founder of this clever tech-business, and is notably an alumnus of both the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship and Seed Engine. (Picture by Katego Bodibe)Njabulo and his Booster Energy co-founder Njabulo Mtshali have made significant progress following the hard slog to build a "minimum viable product"-- a process that began nearly three years ago. Some of their achievements since their company's official launch just last year include landing much-needed funding from a reputable South African venture capitalist, securing an imminent product listing on takealot.com, and scoring an invaluable co-sign from Richard Branson-- who personally bought Booster smartphone covers for his team from Njabulo during his last trip to South Africa.I got Njabulo to tell me about his entrepreneurial journey-- beginning with selling t-shirts in the humble township of Vosloorus (east of Johannesburg), to now being hailed as one of South Africa's most promising techpreneurs.

Lesego Semenya is not only a talented, classically-trained chef, he is a focussed entrepreneur who knows what's up. This Soweto native quit a lucrative corporate process-engineering job several years ago to train as a professional chef at the well-respected Prue Leith Chefs Academy.Lesego has spent the last five years "studying the business of food", and honing his culinary skills by working for five-star establishments like the Westcliff Hotel, and playing private chef to celebrity clients like Richard Branson and Simphiwe Dana. Now, his star is truly on the rise following the official launch of his premium catering and food consulting business.

Following Quirk Agency MD, Justin Spratt’s recent talk and fireside chat with aspiring entrepreneurs at iAfrikan.com’s Start-up Manifesto at Jozihub last week, I was lucky enough to land a slot in Justin’s diary to find out how he went from being a curious, ten-year-old “hacker” in Australia, to rocking a suit at Morgan Stanley in London-- then later becoming a tech-loving digital agency exec and start-up investor, right here in Africa.I asked Justin what it's like running what many believe to be the fastest-growing digital agency in Africa, and got him to share his impressions of some big-name tech entrepreneurs he’s been lucky enough to work with and be mentored by over the last decade-- name-drop alert: people like Internet Solutions Founder, Ronnie Apteker, Quirk Founder and CEO, Rob Stokes and Dimension Data Chairman, Jeremy Ord, to name some.