Here’s the thing...

Being an artist is not just about having the skill or talent... lack of that.

This “they should’ve signed this other person” debate misses one point.

If your team is not pushing you, you can’t expect opportunities to just fall on your lap bcs you’re good

Ideally, yeah, you talent should be enough. But entertainment is a game of bankability. You are an investment for a company.

If you manager or team is not out there making you attractive for opportunities you won’t get them.

Stop hiring boy/girlfriends, friends or family.

You need to have a team that will fight for you. People who commit to making you win so they win.

People don’t even do regular promo shoots. Don’t have a brand identity. Don’t pitch for oppportunities. Now you have “fans” crying fowl when your peers bag deals.

Nah fam.

This applies to all creatives as well. It’s ok if you just wanna be actor, designer, DJ, etc and only make money off that.

But if you wanna be a star, you and your team gotta play the game. That requires putting in the work outside the set or studio.

It’s not rocket science!

Apparently this is not Hollywood, as I’m told when I bring these things up.

But, the basics of the game are universal. Hollywood managers, publicists, etc go the extra mile to make sure their clients are winning.

Here, y’all are competing with your clients for the spotlight.

If you are a fan of an artist, don’t come here and bitch about why the other person is winning even though they are less talented than you fave. Ask your fave why his or her team are not pushing to elevate him/her.

The industry is about competition. If your team is sleeping

Here’s a little secret, people who are getting international deals have representation outside South Africa

Pearl Thusi has representation in LA. 2 that I know of.

Thuso Mbedu has 4 reps in the US.

Nomzamo is signed to Pantheon in LA.

Etc etc

Bringing it back home...

The people who are killing it in the brand Dept have teams or are signed to companies that dedicate resources to ensure they are bagging coins.

And they also invest in their brands. They pay retainers, pay photographers, cultivate relationships w media

People send flowers or gifts just to say; thank you for supporting that project I did.

They freaken play the game.

Can’t just sit in your corner and think the industry will just come to you because you are “talented”

No ma’am! Or Sir

So, stop asking “Why Boity?” And congratulate her and her team for doing a great job to build her career and brand.

Remember that thread I did when I revealed Boity is having a reality show. Remember how I mentioned that her building a relationship with Viacom is a good move?

Ok America an aspiring actress has publicity photos, showreel, etc before they even go look for representation.

In SA, lots of wannabe actors don’t even have a Bio prepared and expect to be stars just because they went to Afda or have a drama degree.

Honestly

Fcuk this phone keeps changing my YOUR to YOU but you get the gist of my message

So here a free advice.

1. If you are an artist or actor and wanna be a star, ask your manager (you should have one cos your agent is not there to build you brand) to give you a 2020 plan to get you to the next step by Friday.

If they can’t. Fire them.

2. Have a wish list of people, brands or companies you wanna work with. Make a plan to introduce yourself to them.

3. Prepare a portfolio of your work & brand. That might require capital so make a plan.

4. Follow relevant people so you’re abreast of new developments in the biz

Ain’t gonna be easy but guess what? This is a business and like any other, the journey is hard.

Think like a business person not just an artist.

Thank me later.