Up-and-comer with big ambitions
Recently, they shot and directed the video of the smash single ‘Imali eningi’ by Big Zulu.
Kwa-Thema – Banele Msimango (22) is a trailblazer in his own right.
The self-taught videographer, best known as Bannz Version, is a self-taught videographer working alongside legendary cinematographer and director Ofentse Mwase.
The duo has won multiple awards for their work.
Recently, they shot and directed the video of the smash single Imali eningi by Big Zulu.
The video reached two million views in just two weeks after it premiered on YouTube and has over five million views.
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“I would watch tutorials on YouTube and that’s how I learnt to edit and the different kind of software to use.
“I just loved music, I was always watching music channels and wanted to do promotional videos.
“I started collecting footage of music videos then combining them and adding a song.
“The outcome was nothing short of amazing. That’s when my grandfather bought me a laptop,” he said.
He joined OM Films when he was 19 years old.
“After matriculating I started sending messages to people I wanted to work with on social media, until Ofentse Mwase responded.
“That was the beginning of a marvellous journey,” he said.
Msimango grew up in Kwa-Thema and attended Fred Habedi Primary School and Tlakula High School.
He used to also take footage for the Kwa-Thema Fashion Week.
He explained how working with big names in the music industry changed his life.
“Having survived for the past three years has made me feel more confident, it says what I am doing is approved on a professional level.
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“I am able to contribute ideas as well.
“What is important is to treat every project with respect regardless of whether you are dealing with an up-and-coming artist or a well-established individual.
“I am so excited about how big the song has become. It’s crazy because this is the first song in South African hip-hop to achieve this milestone,” he stated.
He said his aspirations include making videos for international artists.
“I want to change the mindset artists have about music videos; footage is something that will be there for years to come.
“I want to grow in the industry to the point where I get booked by international filmmakers and to work with the likes of Dave Meyers, who happens to be my idol,” he said.
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