Adelani Ogunrinade talks to Phumudzo Munonde, an up and coming TV personality on Planet Radio TV’s Twitter Sphere about her Journey in the industry so far and what she plans to do in 2015. The 24 year-old proves that anything is possible and the world is your canvas with a positive mind-set, a great support structure and a heavy work ethic.
Did you always want to be a TV personality?
From a very young age I knew that I wanted to be something spectacular. I always wanted to be on screen to entertain and educate. I am from a fairly media orientated family where my mom was a model, my dad works for a well- known Venda radio station, an uncle who is an actor and businessman, an aunt who competed in choir competions and is also an actress in a local drama soapie in South Africa. My journey within this path may not have always been clear but I always knew what I wanted.
How did you get into TV presenting?
I came to Johannesburg (city of gold, city of lights) after passing my matric to not only further my education but to also further pursue my dreams of being a presenter.
A friend of mine told me about a presenting course at a place where top presenters such as Bonang Matheba, Lee Ann Manias, Sade Giliberti and so many more attended. Funds where my biggest obstacle but I knew if I wanted to be the best in the business. I had to train like the best and what better way to do so than to join On Cue Communications TV & Presenting course. I was so blessed to embark on that course; It that polished my skills and increased my knowledge, then late last year, I auditioned and got hired onto Planet Radio TV.
What have been the highs and lows of your career so far?
Although I’m no stranger to this industry, I am fairly one of the newcomers. My career thus far has been a pretty fun, scary, thought provoking and daring adventure.
Some of the highs include doing music videos for the likes of musical legends such as Magesh of TKzee fame and house legend Professor. I also channelled my inner avant garde artist through a video I did for an upcoming hip hop duo called Legion in 2013. These videos helped me to not only boost my confidence but also to give me a closer telescopic view into the entertainment industry.
In 2013, I was also cast on a Venda short film called Vha Dho Wa and my most recent high is my latest gig on Planet Radio TV, as a presenter on Twitter sphere.
It has not been an easy journey as far back as I can remember; it has been auditions after auditions. The definite lows I can think of is mainly being rejected at some of these auditions and things not going my way. I had tasted the bitterness of being rejected. These lows have instilled lessons of patience and perseverance and that I need to always push myself to be better. I have been blessed truly and I still have so many things to accomplish.
What are the key principles that guide your life?
What I want, I go get it. That’s an attitude and motto I’ve engraved on my soul and spirit. I believe one can never stop learning. I also believe what you put in is what you will get out.
What inspires you to be successful in the industry?
The pure fact that we live in a free world where I can be whatever I want to be makes me want to strive and push myself to the limit.
My parents worked extremely hard to give my siblings and I the education and life that they were never fortunate to have. This within itself inspires me.
Did your parents always support your dream to be on TV?
Both of my parents are very protective. I would beg them to take me to YoTv castings or auditions, I couldn’t go because my dad always warned me that this industry can be very cut throat and dirty. So back then I didn’t understand but it’s true what they say “patience is a virtue.”
Who is your role model?
I am very observant and I understand that people are unique. I understand that people have different traits and ways of doing things. That is why I don’t have a specific person I look up to because I absorb various strengths from various people.
Leading the pack would be my mother because as cliché as people may think it is, I admire and long to be the strong, loving, beautiful and a phenomenal woman like she is. I can go on forever about the positive attributes I see in my mother. I admire strong, independent and successful women whom against all odds have risen to be powerful and dominating. I admire the likes of Kimora Lee Simmons, Oprah Winfrey, La La Anthony, Ellen Johnson, Folorunsho Alakija and Oluchi to name a few.
Tell me about your show, Twitter sphere and what it is all about:
Twitter sphere is one of the shows on Planet Radio TV which I present every Monday evening at 21h00 CAT.
It is such a cool and fun interactive show where I deliver the latest global celeb gist, trending topics, play the hottest and freshest music videos. The best part of it all is that the show is live, meaning I get to read the audiences tweets as well as speak to them via calls and hear their views on different topics. I feel so blessed and honoured to host the show. It is a date I look forward to having with my audience every Monday evening.
When you not on TV, what do you do in your spare time?
I am passionate about art; I enjoy drawing so much. One of my high school teachers entered me into the local mall (Savanah Mall) art completion where I won a shopping voucher for winning 1st place within my division.
What are your plans for 2015?
I always aim at the start of every New Year to be 100% better than the previous year; 2015 is no different.
This year I want to grow as a person and as a presenter/entertainer. I want to seal my mark as an asset to the company I work for as well as to do more shows and media work.
I don’t want to reveal my entire blueprint but one thing is for sure, I am paving my own lane and have huge dreams waiting to be lived.
To watch Phumudzo Munonde, check her on www.planetradiotv.tv every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9p.m CAT or follow the channel on twitter at @planetradiotv and @Phumpie