Sipho Hlongwane and Nkululeko Nhlapho from Estcourt are testament that hard work and dedication can lead to great things. Mr Hlongwane and business partner Bongani Ngcobo owned a small promotional company called Bongisipho in 2009.
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The company offered training in acting, music and dance. The pair often had gigs in Estcourt and Weenen.
“Our first talent search gig was held at Tisand Technical High School,” Mr Hlongwane recalled.
Then business began slowing down and that’s when he decided to start a new life and jet off to America.
“In America I did a few gigs around New York; performing on stage under the leadership of Thandi Bhengu,” Mr Hlongwane explained.
Many gigs after and Mr Hlongwane was discovered by the owner of a cast called Juxtapower – Sduduzo KaMbili.
Mr Hlongwane began performing songs and dances for this cast and toured the United States performing Zulu, pantsula and gumboot dances, accompanied by traditional African songs.
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Unfortunately, this too started to die down but Mr Hlongwane did not sit back and mope, he continued to work hard for his dream. He decided to go to Connecticut to find a job to sustain himself, while working on his art.
“I started an entertainment company called Ekhaya Entertainment with Siyabonga Hadede. I was a YouTube DJ at the time,” he recalled fondly.
After nearly a six-year long break from the show business, he was prompted into action.
“I’d been doing gigs in my apartment until people suggested I branch out into broadcasting. My dream was huge, so I needed people to join me. No one was available until I met up with Kuli Nhlapo, who always wanted to start a radio station,” Mr Hlongwane tells.
2016 was an exciting time, it was when Mr Hlongwane found someone who shares the same dream. In 2017, the men named the company Umbani Productions.
“Because of the dream we have across the ocean, Umbani Radio, Umbani Lens (photo and video studio/movies etc.) and Umbani Creation were born,” Mr Hlongwane shares.
The two former Estcourt residents are actively promoting their radio station and locals can expect a movie production soon.
Both men are based in Danbury, United States and are still working hard to make a name in the industry.
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