Exemplary: Melvyn wishes to continue quest to inspire the boy child

By  Victor Mecoamere

Having earned a spot among the top ten finalists of the 2023 Mr South Africa competition has affirmed Nkowankowa, Limpopo native Melvin Ndhlovu’s belief that possessing unwavering determination ensures that even the impossible becomes possible.

The competition’s organisers encourages the contestants to strive for excellence in their different careers to serve as shining beacons of positivity for the youth, while also helping the finalists to grow as capable networkers and leaders in their different ventures.

After adding that “My journey now stands as a guiding light for all the other dreamers in the country far and wide in the country,” the 38 year old digital marketing entrepreneur, model, actor and fitness coach said that he was now eagerly anticipating the contest’s grand finale taking place at Vodaworld in Midrand, Gauteng on Saturday November 11.

If he wins, Ndhlovu will succeed 2022 winner Fuad Williams, Ntando Lurwengu (2021), Hannes van der Walt (2020) and Heinrich Gabler (2019).

“My path to the finals of the Mr SA competition was paved with the need to meticulously craft a strategic campaign and actually delving deep into the ‘why’ behind my participation and an unshakeable commitment towards being a role model in empowering the boy child,” Ndhlovu said, adding that “I’ve ardently advocated for my mission to empower young boys, not only by showcasing my eloquence, but also by showcasing my unwavering belief in such a noble cause.”

To make so far in the competition, Ndhlovu had to impress the public as ordinary people who were following the competition on online social media platforms were participating in monthly voting.

The other Mr South Africa finalists are optometrist Tiaan Massyn, entrepreneur Frik van Heerden, art academy director Julius Tsebe, Airforce pilot Clayton Mnise, corporate lawyer Roman Reddy, software engineer Thashil Maharash, and entrepreneurs Itumeleng Mohanoe, Lefa Teleni and Ndumiso Shezi.

Ndhlovu, together with the nine other contestants, had to create mini adverts for several brands that are among the competition’s several sponsors. The contestants also had to seek their own sponsors. “Creating the mini adverts tested my ability to adapt to various scenarios, while also inspiring others, and also showcasing my versatility and innate charisma,” Ndhlovu said. “And my pursuit of sponsors evolved into a masterclass in corporate diplomacy, and this helped to reveal my resilience and the ease I had to muster in pursuing opportunities behind the imposing doors of some of the major corporations in our country.

Ndhlovu said, “Being in Mr. South Africa 2023 means I have a platform to make a positive impact, empower the boy child, and inspire others while competing for a prestigious title. Success is about making a difference, not just winning a title. If I’m fortunate enough to win Mr. South Africa 2023, my vision is clear; and it is to empower the youth and uplift communities. I’ll work tirelessly to create opportunities for young people, focusing on education, mentorship, and personal development. For me, winning the title isn’t the end, but it’s a platform for meaningful change.”

SINGING PASTOR MAKES BOLD RETURN WITH RESURGENCE  ALBUM

Resurgence: Keke says he’s ready to roll now that he has stabilised his Shekinah Ministry 

By Victor Mecoamere

Multitalented artist Kekeletso Phoofolo is making a return to the mainstream with the live recording of his ninth solo album called Resurgence, which he has said is signalling the emergence of a more mature performer and Minister of the Word of God through music.

Speaking to Weekly SA Mirror in a telephonic interview this week, the energetic  Keke singer, arranger, composer, producer and pastor said he would be pressing the Resurgence CD and DVD at the Soweto Theatre in Soweto, Gauteng on November 17 and 18. In reply to the question as to what he had been up to all along, Keke said, “I have been rebuilding myself,  while also stabilising my church, the Shekina (Christian) Ministry, and five years ago I also launched GraceKeke Media (the name combines the first names of both Keke and his wife, Grace), a special projects company through which the soon to be launched African Spirit Musical has been conceived.”

As one has obviously grown in the many years one has lived on earth, and with the valuable life lessons one has learnt, I am returning with a more mature and family oriented offering in terms of the entertainment and ministering package,” said Keke, adding that “While it was fulfilling to be out of the limelight, I have had the time to work on a whole catalogue of songs over more than ten years. This is a musical collection targeting discerning music fans aged between 20 and 65 – while not necessarily alienating the younger fans – but it is merely a situation where the lyrics, general musicianship and overriding messages seek to enlighten, edify and heal the listener and spectator alike.”

Between 2005 and 2018, Keke recorded eight solo CD albums, two duos (Ha le bokwe and Best of) together with the gruff voiced Tshepiso Mpotle, three Spirit of Praise project albums and one Praise the Lord project album, while he has seven special DVDs. Keke’s other albums are Throne Room, which was released in 2018, Keke Presents  Shekina Choir (2017), Keke Reloaded (2016), Devine Victory(2013), Spirit Unlimited (2011), Holy of Hollies (2008), which achieved Gold Status in CD and DVD sales; Living Testimony (2007), which attained Double Platinum Status in CD and DVD sales,  Revival (2006), and the debut album, Restoration, which was launched in 2005.

Looking at Keke’s myriad of achievements over the years, it is amazing that this is the same man who had initially wished to be in the military. The soft spoken Pimville, Soweto born entertainer started as a backing vocalist for Zoë Gospel Singers in 1994. He then featured as a soloist in the Shell Road to Fame Talent Search Campaign in 1997.

Keke then worked with the Kom-Kom kwaito music group in 1999. Between 2000 and 2001, Keke was a part of the highly successful Joyous Celebration gospel music concept as the lead singer of the evergreen hymn, Jo Ke Mohlolohlolo. Inbetween, Keke worked with the late Bheki Mseleku and Winston Mankunku Ngozi as a backing vocalist.

Between 2001 and 2004, he worked with the Redemption Choir in Swaziland as a director. Keke solo career started when he launched his debut gospel music album, Restoration, in 2005. He has not looked back since then.