Seven Queer Creatives
On this final issue of the year, on ONE ON ONE with SANDY, we are sharing inspiring journeys of seven Queer Individuals that are creatives from different background settings, who have pushed themselves to the top against all setbacks. They are popular on digital platforms and social media spaces and have been great role models to other youngsters in the queer community.
Mzamo “Mtaka Moh” Mngadi
Former Ukhozi FM contributor, events and club MC, church worshiper, Mzamo Mngadi who is a creative at heart sat with us over coffee to delve in his life and chat more on his very interesting personality that most have fallen in love with online.
Tell us about growing up…
A life of jumping from one school to another, from Port Natal onto Ferndale Primary in Newlands East to Spearman Primary where I did my Grade 4 then Glenmore Primary for the remainder of my primary school education grade 5-7.
High school started in Alexandra High School Grade 8 & 9, probably the BEST schooling years of my life; chaos! mischief! And total bad behaviour. I rounded off my basic education at Glenwood Boys where my life was moulded to what I am today. I became a great person with a positive impact and a beneficial participant in a functional society; there are too many valuable lessons I took with me. Raised by a single parent, my mother made it her responsibility to groom me and because of her I completed my basic schooling career with a bang! The life lessons I learnt growing up are dignity, honour, humility, consciousness, the importance of a good reputation and keeping a good respectable name.
What did you do after school?
I studied at the Durban University of Technology, disgruntled that I could not go to with the International Hotel School or Varsity College. One thing about tertiary, I didn’t know what I wanted, I just went with what I thought was right for me, so I studied Hospitality Management Sciences and attained my qualification. Deep down I knew I am a CREATIVE, but I dared not be a boy that lives with his mother forever, then I studied Interior Design and continued to amplify the repulsed and objected reality of daring! To continue be GAY! I later realised this was not the career for me, so I left the industry and studied Post Grad in Education.
How did you end up a teacher?
I volunteered before becoming a permanently employed educator, to be honest, I am a creative in my bone marrow, so my greatest desire is to do what I love, to be in the creative space, whether by design or entertainment. My thoughts of being rejected by people whom I called my fans, developed a great fear in me as a young homosexual person in the creative industry.
Why the chosen careers?
Both the hospitality industry and education were in one way or another a safety net for me. Choosing these careers was one of my ways to hide my sexuality and be protected from being subjected to homophobia, also to give myself an assurance that I have a safe and stable job. However, I Love the Lord because somehow, He has kept me in the truth of my joy!
Who is Mtaka Moh?Tell us more about your time with Ukhozi FM and what your segment was about…
I am an entertainer and well I am Mtaka Moh hunny, celebrity or not. I live in the moment, and I am a firm believer of destiny. I have been on radio Ukhozi FM where I was generously given the opportunity to share a mic with the beautiful Selby and the incomparable Siya Mhlongo, hosting a segment called “Buza uMtaka Moh”. The segment was about addressing LGBTQI+ community questions –
Are you suspecting that your partner is after 9ing?
Are you noticing things about a family member, could they be gay?
How do I reach out to my gay son, brother, friend etc.?
I still believe in that segment and hope one day it will be revived.
All my life, I’ve seen some great people, great personalities, amazing talents. In these ever-evolving technological times, I am seeing so many people who have such potential and who are really great but are clouded by inauthenticity. Trying too hard and being intimidated by the next person makes you look unoriginal, and I am always grateful to God for his anointing over my life. I am not intimidated by anyone in any room no matter the size of resume or personality because one thing; there is nobody like me hunni! I am anointed and I know I radiate the glory of the kingdom of God and that makes me an undisputed stand out, I am fully content in the truth; I am the one hunni haha the Queen Sweetie! Queen Elephant!
How do you balance all of this?
I lead a normal life really, I work an 8-3, I have bills, I have responsibilities, I know how it feels living above your means and trying to be within means. There are a few moments of sparkle, glitz, and glamour, few as they may be, they’re unforgettable. My presence and my character are unforgettable as well.
On Homosexuality
Like I said, I live a normal life; I am faced with normal SA socio-economic challenges. As an openly homosexual male, I also experience challenges where sexual exploitation is concerned.
“Heterosexual” men use gay males as their puppets to fulfil their sexual fantasies under the guise of love/ relationship. Due to our vulnerability and exposure to sexual harassment and hate crimes, we let it slide unwillingly.
The life of the LGBTQI+ person, is a cause that is close to my heart because of how difficult my life as an Openly! Explicit! Feminine gay male has been ALL ROUND! I am constantly learning about homosexuality as a homosexual person. I am trying to not box homosexuals even though this particular view of “not boxing” gays also put us under ridicule when you find a homosexual male/ female engaging in heterosexual relations.
Being consciously homosexual but engaging in relations to the point where natural conception of offspring occurs, I still struggle to understand that. Having grown up hearing words like “it’s a phase it will pass” others convincingly pushing the belief that “you just need a girlfriend”, these behaviours and exploring phase infuriate me. The rejection, the insults, the slander, judgments and ostracisation from religious and nonreligious communities, the lives that have been lost, it thus becomes null and void.
People go as far as convincing people behind the guise of having a girlfriend and for those who did or who are, I pass no judgment, but I am confused by it and I do not understand it and I guess I struggle to accept it (even though it is not mine to accept). When you go as far as engaging sexually with this ‘make believe’ girlfriend or boyfriend, who was there to pin the approval stamp that ‘hey they having sex, he/she must really be straight? I learn about sexuality every day, some lessons I understand and absorb, sometimes I am not sure about others. I have fought all my life in society, in family, and in church, I stood up for my right to be and to be seen. I have fought for acceptance and to be respected (whether I was being slandered behind my back) and given dignity because I was and am brave. I dare to be different!
Message
I wish for all Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Questioning/Queer persons, whether closeted or living out proudly, those who have gone before us openly or closeted, those who come behind us openly or closeted, DARE TO BE YOU BECAUSE IF YOU DON’T, WHO THE HELL ELSE WILL? Recently, when I was at my gran’s house, a boy in the area who used to come to me to admire me and talk about my clothing and social media presence, walked past. Actually, he strutted past, and I called for him “unjani Khona” and he was so happy to see me, he was in his glory! Jeggings, kimono, jewellery, lipgloss, acrylic long nails! And the girl was swaying and sashaying! I did that! And that made me emotional and proud to inspire that boy, to DARE TO BE HIM. Because if he doesn’t, I can’t be it for him, and what if tomorrow doesn’t come?!
Love All! Love One another because every LGBTIQI+ community member has a story to tell and that story probably has very closely comparable notes to your story.
Mduduzi Mkhize
We sat down with dancer, public relations consultant and events producer Mduduzi Mkhize to get to know more about him and his work.
Who is Mdu Mkhize?
Mduduzi Mkhize is a well-experienced Events Management and Communications Practitioner, primarily focusing on the art of designing, creating or modifying, and executing productions, campaigns and events.
Where did you grow up and what schools did you attend?
I was born and bred in Chesterville and attended primary at Ukukhanya Kwelanga from grade 1 to 4, then moved to Christopher Nxumalo Primary School to finish the rest of my primary education. I completed my high school education at Chesterville Extension High School which was also a local school.
What did you do after school?
I obtained my Sport Management & Administration Diploma at Boston City Campus, which didn’t feed my creative bug. I then graduated from UKZN Howard in BA Drama and music Performance Studies.
You are currently in different industries at once and excelling in all of them, please explain your role in each and how do you stay at the top of your game?
My No. 1 role is Choreography and Creative Production.
The reason why I say this is my first preference is because it’s my calling so to speak. It basically challenges my brain and body, to look at things from a creative perspective. It’s a competitive industry so research and always coming up with new or innovative ideas makes you stay afloat in the entertainment industry.
My No.2 is Event management and Talent Operations.
This role requires you to have a passion for it because it’s tiring and challenging, there are multiple sleepless nights in preparing for an event, and dealing with artists who are “Divas” is exhausting and requires discipline.
My No.3 is Public Relations and Marketing.
This field literally found me. I also majored in Media and Communications as my third major in my BA, so I also fell in love with this field, one should say. It’s not far from any fields I mentioned above because any production or event requires PR or Marketing in order to sell either tickets or packages. This field is very demanding and requires you to understand all markets and trends. You need to research and be on your laptop all the time.
Finally, is Event Styling or Décor.
I enjoy dressing up a room or an empty space with furniture or features. This field allows you to be creative and set trends, you must be able to create a mood board and present it to the client, so they know the look and feel for their event prior. You must also know which style or trend is the latest in terms of color palettes to furniture style. I work with a decor company that has a national footprint and I am learning so much about this field.
Please tell us about your dance career
Tjo! Where do I start? Lol. I was born a dancer and I never acknowledged it as a career because no one from my hood was a successful choreographer or dancer. I was reminded how much I love dance as I was studying Drama. I felt like I belonged on stage, and I was able to show my naked truth through movement. I trained at the Flatfoot Training Company based at UKZN, then moved to the Breakthrough Dance Company based here in Durban. I then moved to Joburg where I joined as a dancer and arts practitioner at Sibikwa Arts Centre for 2 years. I then joined Somizi’s company Buying Dance Company, and from then I became a full-time freelancer and worked with Clive Gumede at C-live Event Producers and Syanda Mwandla. The rest is history!
Tell us about your Events Management career?
I started my event career as a production assistant or runner, where you don’t have a specific role. So, you are basically an extra hand wherever you are needed, whether it’s putting branding, loading furniture or bars, helping backstage, anything. This helped me so much because I got the chance to understand all the elements that are required to put an event or production together. I then started to become a stage manager and then an artist liaison. At some events I worked within the communications department from marketing to social media manager. Through training on the field and being a versatile person, I was able to create a foundation for myself in the events management space whether it’s corporate or concerts. I am currently an event producer and I’m super proud of myself; looking back from being just a dancer to where I am now.
Which are some of the biggest stages you’ve performed on?
My biggest stage would have to be MTV Africa Music Awards, 2010 FIFA World Cup Opening & Closing Ceremony, AFCON Opening & Closing Ceremony, SAMA’s, SAFTA’s, SA Sports Awards, and Gospel Crown Awards to name a few.
Big names you’ve shared a stage with?
Brandy, Busiswa, Khuli Chana, Jhene Aiko, Sjava, Future, Mafikizolo, Somizi, The Soul, Dumi Mkokstad, AKA, Burnt Boy, KO, DJ Tira and many more.
Big events you have produced?
Durban Business Fair, Travel Indaba, Gagasi FM Beach Fest, Durban Jazz, Hollywoodbets Durban July, Simon Sabela Mabhunu Awards, South African Music Awards, Metro FM Music Awards, Woz’e Durban Picnic, Joyous Celebration 19-26.
Big brands you have worked with?
Gagasi FM, Icebolethu, SAB, Darling Hair Extension, Comprel, Spar, Vodacom, Distell, SAB.
A message to a young queer that looks up to you
My motto in life is “Love what you do & do what you love first”. I would also like to say stay unique and fabulous as you are and don’t change who you are in whatever field you are pursuing. Respect yourself and others who have paved the way for us young black queers to be able to knock on certain doors and be accepted.
Love x Respect!
.
Siyabonga “Brooklyn” Masuku
Tell us about your childhood, schools you attended and growing up
I was born in Addington Hospital, I grew up in Phoenix, Durban and I come from a family of four beautiful human beings, which include my parents and siblings. Primary year, I went to Natest Academy, then we moved to Umlazi, I attended Ocean View Primary and proceeded to Protea Secondary school. I did my Media Studies at Boston Media House where I successfully studied Media Practices. I really had a good upbringing, I come from an average household. My family is so rooted in hard work, prayer and respect. So, personally, I am guided by their teachings.
What’s in the name ‘Brooklyn’?
It’s international, it’s global and it screams authentic! It has that flair and boldness. Brooklyn is a borough of New York City, and that’s where I see myself in the next ten years. To make it clear, the name Brooklyn fits my dream destination, and I love it.
Tell us more about what you do and your occupation?
I am an award-winning Blogger, Digital Content Creator, Digital marketer and sometimes PR practitioner. First comes blogging, I am the founder of B-featured-online, which is a micro publication that blogs about everything Media Entertainment and Lifestyle. I work at Gagasi FM as a Digital Marketer, and I collaborate with brands for Digital Content Creation. I also do freelance PR for multiple personalities and influencers.
What’s a day like in the life of Brooklyn?
I begin my day with a prayer, then check my phone firstly social media to see the trends and breaking news then I go straight to my emails. I then take a bath, get ready and head off to work. I usually work throughout the day, just being great and I know weekends I’m off to different locations for work purposes. My work is demanding and it’s actually 24/7 so, I am a workaholic.
Where does your confidence come from?
Confidence? My mother honeys! That lady is me and I am her. We have the same taste; her energy is definitely what I carry every day of my life. She’s confident and I love it for myself.
What difficulties do you face on a daily and how do you overcome them?
“Society”, literally people are still trying to adjust regarding my sexuality. So, I always have to be careful with how I express myself, especially in my community. That’s the most difficult experience. Let’s not talk about the “Taxi Ranks”, those drivers are my everyday nightmare.
I don’t entertain their energy, I don’t mind them being themselves, I am here to be myself too. So, I move on and block whatever is there to ruin my inner peace.
Where can we see Brooklyn in 5 years?
I am in the works of starting my ” Influencer Agency” for influencers. I love influencers and I’m so privileged to know the best influencers across all provinces.
TV Production House, I love writing, so I want to sell my concepts to big television channels like BET, MTV, Channel O, E! Entertainment and more giant channels.
A YouTube channel”, my people want a YouTube channel. I want to vlog and maybe one day, have a reality show like “Fashion Police Mzansi”, “Content Creators of Durban”, amongst many other reality shows.
A Public Relations Firm”, I’ve worked with so many big PR houses and practitioners, I feel that I am fully equipped to start my own, especially for Durban personalities, musicians, and influencers.
An author, I really want to embark on writing books about pioneers who inspire me. So, definitely a best-selling author.
A message to a young Queer person reading UniQ Magazine
You are the main purpose and character of your life. Never entertain anything that doesn’t grow you. The moment you wake up, take advantage of the breath you still breathe and find many reasons to be happy. Also, love yourself and make sure, you do it with pride! Love you.
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Mfanafuthi Brian Mvubu
Tell us about your childhood and upbringing
I was born on the 29th of March 1989. I am the third and last born at home but I am definitely not the spoiled brat! I was fortunate to be born and raised in a very small family that is full of love in a two roomed house at uMlazi Township. Although I was not born with a golden spoon in my mouth but I honesty could never say we grew up poor because we had never gone to bed hungry and both our parents made sure that we were like other kids, if not better.
Let’s talk about Mfanafuthi starting school
I started schooling at Incophelelo Junior Primary School, then proceeded to IsiKhwelo Senior Primary and matriculated in Zwelibanzi High School. Although my mother was illiterate, but it was always her desire to take me to boarding school or a model c school, to get a good quality education but unfortunately, she could not afford such luxuries therefore me and my other siblings went to local schools in the township. To our surprise, the quality education that my mother desperately wanted for us was right at our doorstep, because the under resourced township schools we had to walk to, did justice to me. I am a proud product of township schools.
Choosing a career, how did you decide to become a teacher?
As a child I had always known I wanted to become a teacher when I grew up. I would always teach my cousins and at times teach trees, mimicking what I had been taught each day at school. An elderly granny in our neighbourhood, allowed me to use a chalk board in her bedroom. I also drew inspiration from my teachers, I knew for sure that teaching was my passion and vocation. I still recall that all my 6 options in my CAO application, were teaching qualifications in different institutions.
Now, having been a teacher for thirteen years and I have taught in deep rural areas in Phongola then uMLazi for ten years, I needed change and growth, I then ventured into lecturing at a TVET College for two years and now I am back in secondary teaching at a former model-c school.
As an openly gay person I have had a very interesting and fruitful career. My career highlights include having produced excellent results in English teaching as a result I have received numerous excellence and recognition awards. In 2020 I was chosen to be part of a delegation team from all over South Africa to be capacitated on strengthening teacher associations and restorative justice, at the University of Massachusetts, in the United States of America.
What I personally consider as an honour and priviledge in my career, has been the ability to influence and liberate young queer people to find themselves and be themselves just by seeing me living my truth and being the best version of myself.
What makes Mfanafuthi unique as a person?
It has to be being born in Umlazi and growing up in a loving family and raised by deaf parents. It has not only been a blessing, but it has shaped me to be the unique person that I am now. As much as having deaf parents had its own challenges, such as marginalization and discrimination, we were always “that” family, so I was immune to OTHERNESS and therefore learned early to appreciate diversity. This then was a blessing in disguise because when I later realized I was gay I never struggled with the “what will people say” syndrome because I was used to otherness, so I navigated my sexuality from a point of reference. And that gave me a voice to speak up for my parents, myself as well as against any form of injustice.
I basically learned activism from home and I have travelled all over South Africa including Swaziland, Lesotho and Kenya advocating for gay rights within the religious communities because it took me a long time to reconcile my spirituality and sexuality as a born-again Anglican Christian but through it all, as a child navigating life and my complex sexuality, I have never had to question the love of my parents and my immediate family. I embody myself, my truth, my story, and my journey and that is what makes me unique.
Words of encouragement to young Queer members
My message to young LGBTQI+ persons is as Oprah Winfrey once said: it is best that we must just exist, but we must fulfil the highest, truest expression of ourselves as human beings. The younger LGBTQI+ community does have an advantage and privilege to grow up in a dispensation where being gay is not a crime and they are able to be free to be themselves. However, the struggle is not over, and is far from over. Young gay people must understand that they will still have to work three times harder than a heterosexual person just to get the same amount of respect in families, society, and the workplace. Lastly, I want every young person, gay or straight, to go through each day of their life with pride knowing that “Being yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment” – Ronald W. Emerson.
Muvo Hlongwana
Who is Muvo?
Muvo Hlongwana is a 32-year-old Zulu queer man from Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, which is both my place of birth and the place in which I was raised. My education journey began at Umthombo Wolwazi Crèche in 1995. It was there that I discovered my passion for Performing Arts, as I was always involved in singing and ukusina (Zulu dance), and it brought me immense joy at the tender age of 5.
I continued my education by starting Grade 1 at Khalawemuke Junior Primary School in 1997. However, I had to repeat the class the following year due to emotional and attachment issues. I was quite attached to my mother and found it challenging to be independent. In 1998, I overcame this and began thriving in school, while still actively participating in cultural activities like isicathamiya, gospel, and indlamu. In 2002, I changed schools to Halala Higher Primary, which was still in my neighborhood. It was here that I developed a strong love for academics and excelled in my subjects until Grade 7 in 2004. I then moved on to Chief Luthayi High School from Grade 8 in 2005 to my matric year in 2009.
In 2010, I took a gap year; not by choice, but because I failed my matric in 2009. I had to write supplementary exams for Physical sciences and Mathematics in March 2010, which was my first experience with failure as a teenager and young adult. This was a challenging time for me, but I persevered. I passed the supplementary exams with a Bachelor’s pass, enabling me to enroll into university in the second semester of 2010. However, I had to wait until the following year (2011) to study Drama, as it was an annual course.
During the course of the year 2010, I empowered myself by learning how to drive and obtaining my learner’s driving license. I also met a man named Rene Reinecke online, and we fell deeply in love. He gave me a job at his workplace, which allowed me to save money for university registration fees and my relocation to Durban for residence the following year. It was in 2011 that I was able to register for my dream course: a National Diploma in Drama at the Durban University of Technology. It was such a joyful experience, that it felt more like fun and new experiences than studies.
Let’s talk about your HIV status, how did you find out?
It was one year and seven months into my relationship with Rene that I tested positive for HIV. This initially had an unwanted and heavy impact on our relationship, but we decided to remain together regardless of our HIV statuses and fight the virus together. This discovery was not without its personal challenges either. I struggled with acceptance at first but had a support system in the form of a local counsellor that transformed my outlook on HIV. I made the conscious decision to go through the process of learning about my condition and changing my lifestyle and taking medication hence I have been able to live a healthy life for 11 years with HIV.
My dream was not crushed but this helped me to achieve more and get what I wanted: I graduated with a National Diploma in Drama in 2014 and began teaching African contemporary dance at Creative Arts College. I continued doing theatre and commercial gigs on the side, but I fell in love with teaching. In 2015, my contract ended, and I met Siyanda Mwandla, a renowned Durban choreographer who introduced me to commercial dancing. I even performed at the 2015 Durban Business Fair and the SABC Crown Gospel Awards. I became a principal dancer for five consecutive years on the show (2015-2019).
Let’s speak about other experiences you have had working in the arts
I also worked with the established Durban-based theatre company Kickstarts Productions as a principal dancer in their annual pantomime “Sinbad the Sailor” from 2017 to 2018. In May 2018, I worked with Duma Ndlovu and Somizi Mhlongo on Gibson Kente’s “How Long? The Musical,” which showcased at the Durban Playhouse. While working as a performing artist, I also furthered my education through UNISA, earning a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and becoming a qualified Dramatic Art Educator.
Growing as an artist and working with Mbongeni Ngema
I didn’t immediately utilize that newly acquired qualification because I continued working as an artist and enjoyed the world of showbiz. In May 2019, I auditioned for Mbongeni Ngema’s Broadway hit musical, “Sarafina!” and landed a role as a principal dancer. I performed in the show at the Joburg Theatre from August to October 2019. During this time, I fell in love with the energy, fashion, and fast-paced life in Johannesburg. I applied for an Honours degree at Wits University and was accepted with a bursary from the National Arts Council. This marked a significant change in my life as I moved to Johannesburg in January 2020 to pursue my Honours Degree in Applied Drama at Wits.
How did Covid-19 affect your career?
In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing me to move back home and continue my studies remotely. Financial struggles, like those faced by many artists, became a reality due to the lockdown, which prevented us from working. In response, I decided to explore the possibilities presented by my teaching qualification.
For the love of arts, studying the industry more: In 2021, I pursued a Master of Arts degree, focusing my research on gay sex clubs and the hookup culture. I created a dance piece titled “Esinyameni” (Revisiting a Place of Darkness and the Hidden) and performed it at the Wits Theatre as part of my research. Following the performance, I wrote a paper based on my research data and findings, which I submitted in September 2022. My thesis, titled “ESINYAMENI: Revisiting a Place of Darkness and the Hidden”, a performative auto-ethnographic theatre dance interrogating a Zulu queer man’s sexual discourse and practices in the gay bathhouse and sex club culture of Johannesburg.
I completed my Master’s degree in Theatre and Performance Studies in November 2022. Which has opened doors for me to be an external moderator for Theatre Dance at my Alma mater Durban University of Technology’s Drama department. Currently, I work as an IsiZulu and Dramatic Arts specialist educator at an independent school in Pretoria East. After the challenges brought about by COVID-19, I felt it essential to seek a stable job to support myself financially. I find fulfilment in my role as an educator and enjoy both the personal and professional space I am currently in. There is much joy and gratitude brought about by the things I have managed to achieve and conquer. Being true to my nature, I still hope and strive to achieve more, moving forward as my authentic, artistic and unique self: the Shumi noMuvo Hlongwana that is moving and living despite, because of and in celebration of it all.
Mzwanele “Bongani Drama” Nomcweya
Who is Bongani Drama?
Bongani_Drama Nomcweya is a master’s degree holder in Performing Arts (From the Tshwane University of Technology), a South African Opera singer, TV/Radio Host and Entertaining MC. I was born in Potchefstroom bred in Soweto. I developed love for the entertainment at a very tender age, when I would imitate young and aspiring TV presenters on my mirror. When I was given an opportunity, by my primary school English Teacher to emcee a school event and be part of a school play where I played the leading role, my career path was cemented.
Where did Bongani go to school?
I did my primary education at Lukholweni Primary School and my High School at Johannesburg Polytech Institute and my tertiary at The Tshwane University of Technology’s Arts Campus. After school I worked at an Opera Company called Gauteng Opera as an Assistant Administrator. A few years later I worked at GauTV as a Television Presenter and Producer of my show titled ‘Dramatainment’. I was juggling online radio and TV Cameos as well at that time.
Tell us about you choosing to be in the entertainment industry.
The entertainment industry is my world, I knew from a young age that I belong on a stage, behind the mic and behind the camera. I knew my role and my purpose in this world is to bring joy to people’s lives.
Let’s talk about your lifestyle, what makes it unique?
I don’t go out a lot, if I am not working, I am usually at home with my family. I keep fit by exercising, my diet varies weekdays and weekends. My lifestyle choices are those of an entertainment industry employee and doing what I love doesn’t feel like work but my lifestyle. My lifestyle is unique because it compliments my personality, nothing beats being your authentic self.
What challenges do you face every day and how do you overcome them?
Apart from adulting, there aren’t many challenges I am facing at the moment. I suspect I’ve had my fair share of challenges, it’s time to harvest. Overcoming challenges is putting your faith in a higher power, which ever one you believe in.
Your message to young members of the LGBTQI community
Get that degree if you can, work hard until your bank balance is healthy, have fun, go on dates, be safe, some parts of the world are cruel.
DJ Besim
DJ Besim, born Faith Mzobe, is a South African electronic dance music Disk Jockey, hailing from the tropical city of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. The 27-year-old star in the making pursued music during the early years of her varsity life, after having matriculated from Amanzimtoti High school and enrolled at the University of KwaZulu Natal. DJ Besim completed her Honors at UKZN and proceeded to enrol in a postgraduate Diploma at the University of Witswaterstrand.
Lifestyle
I would describe my lifestyle as colourful! I’m into so many different and almost conflicting things and I am always working towards finding the balance between all my interests while growing and transforming. To mention a few components of my day-to-day lifestyle, I have a 9-5 job in Pietermaritzburg. This job is the corporate part of my lifestyle that is completely different from the lifestyle of a DJ. Then there’s the side of being a DJ which is more casual, fun and laid back. I’m an academic so in between the corporate and the fun, there’s school which requires a fair amount of isolation and focus. As some would know, I am also spiritually gifted, meaning there are seasons where I draw back from every other sector of my functioning to get some spiritual work done. Perhaps the word “multisectoral” would best describe my all-round lifestyle and I couldn’t be happier. The unique effect comes from not being constrained to one avenue of my being but being able to explore and juggle all my hearts desires tirelessly.
Challenges
One of the prevalent challenges at the moment is BALANCE. In everything we do we need to consider the long term plans we have and give sufficient time and attention to progress. With many interests and commitments, I have, it becomes difficult to stay passionate all the time. I’ve found much relief from meditation and rest. I don’t shy away from responding to the urge to take a break, it may be impulsive at times as I can completely “switch off” but it truly helps me overcome any doubt, exhaustion or conflict in my daily life.
Message to young members of the LGBTQI+ community
Spend time discovering yourself in a safe space, nurture your feelings and protect your journey. In my journey as a queer body, one thing I look back and wish to have done differently is speaking from a place of “unknowing”. I have experienced so many changes in my sexuality and preferences as I’ve only ever been socialised into heteronormativity and if I could, I would sit with my feelings a little longer and experience the changes without criticism. Your sexuality can really blur out your full potential if you find yourself constantly engaging it and putting it on a platform for discussion prematurely. Being who you are does not depend on how you’re perceived, take a deep breath and just EXIST. This community is home, you have our love and support always.
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