WeeklySA_AdminSPOTLIGHT: First-in-kind ceremony to celebrate extraordinary talent that drives South Africa’s entertainment scene from the backroom…
By Robert Tlapu
The first annual “Behind The Scenes Awards” ceremony will be held at Gold Reef City Casino and Entertainment in Johannesburg tomorrow.
The awards seek to recognise all the efforts put by those who are working behind the scenes, like television, radio, podcasts and movie producers and other crew members.
#BTSA was founded by seasoned PR Specialists Ngcebo Mdima and Karabo Motlogelwa, who are dedicated to honouring extraordinary talent that drives South Africa’s vibrant entertainment scenes from the celebrity stylists, who craft iconic looks for the content creators who captivate audiences.
“BTSAs aim to redefine what it means to celebrate excellence in entertainment. It’s time to put the spotlight on those who make stars shine”, said Ngcebo Mdima.
The BTSA is challenging the status quo by celebrating the underdogs – the unsung heroes whose relentless dedication elevates the entire industry.
The nominees who make up the 20 categories were voted by media influencers and a panel of judges.
One of the stylists who has been in the entertainment industry for quite a long time, Simphiwe Majola, will be an Honorary Award recipient for his role in the industry.
“We will be honouring Mr Simphiwe Majola with an Honorary Award for his contribution to the industry,” said Mdima.
A celebrity agent and PR extraordinaire, Majola has been in the industry for decades, having worked in various fields such as fashion, beauty, design.
Majola, who hails from eMbulwane on the outskirts of Steadville, Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal, has worked with South Africa’s well-known personalities such as Uyanda Mbuli, Winnie Ntshaba, Pearl Thusi, Basetsana Kumalo, Bonang Matheba, Lebo M, Felicia Mabuza-Suttle, and the late Reeva Steenkamp.
In his portfolio of work in the fashion world, Majola boasts prestigious events such as SA Style Awards, GQ Men of the Year and SA Fashion Week.
Majola says he is incredibly grateful for being honoured by BTSA: “It is truly humbling and I want to extend my deepest gratitude for recognizing my hard work and dedication with this award. It means a great deal to me, and I am truly honoured”.
With over two decades in the industry, Majola says being humble and never abandoning humility can go a long way in shining a positive light on an individual.
“You can’t be arrogant towards the public, in one instance; then turn around and ask them to patronise the brand you are promoting. The biggest way to have a lasting impact in the industry is being authentic, humble and hardworking. One has to understand that your work and aura will always speak for themselves, so be kind and treat everyone with respected”.
One of the biggest challenges Majola highlighted in the entertainment industry is achieving longevity and relevance.
“Do clients perceive you as a medium that can give them the exposure they desire? In the publicity game, one needs to remain alert to tackling issues and be willing to let go if you don’t have the stomach for it”.
Prospective clients who want to see a prestigious portfolio or prominent testimonials before considering him for business have been the biggest challenge Majola faced over the years while setting up his PR company.
He advises fellow PR practitioners to be cognisant of the fact that procrastination is the thief of time, and to be reliable and not keep clients waiting as this was the best way to go in the PR sphere.
Majola loves fashion designing and television production, and is planning to host strategic PR workshops around the country.* To view the nominees check out the #BTSAs social pages: FB – Behind The Scenes Awards; IG & X @TheBtsas; TikTok
