Talent manager offers advice on building your brand
The cousin and former manager of the late singer Bulelwa “Zahara” Mkutukana wants to keep her legacy alive by helping other young and upcoming entertainers.
Oyama Dyosiba, 39, who moved to Kuils River from Johannesburg, is also an actor and starred in local productions including Isidingo, Scandal and Tempy Pushas.
He told Northern News that he and Zahara had plans to move together to Cape Town before she passed away at the age of 36 in December last year.
He has since moved to the Mother City alone and started working for a local radio station earlier this month.
Dyosiba founded a company which focuses on public relations, events, talent and artist management in 2010.
“With my experience I am hoping to pick up young people who want to venture into the entertainment industry.
“We are looking to do something to celebrate the life and journey of Zahara because one of her major joys was working with young people.
“Even though she has passed away I want to continue to carry her legacy in community projects. In these projects we will be looking for young kids who want to venture into music and arts, even in sports,” he said.
In 2014, Dyosiba was named among the top 10 best dressed men in South African by GQ Magazine, and was nominated as Best Dressed African in 2022 by African Entertainment Awards in the United States of America (AEAUSA).
“Image is very important if you want to venture into the entertainment space. It is important to align yourself with great stylists and photographers. Always be clean and look presentable if you want to attract a lot of people to your brand or for companies to have you as a brand ambassador,” he said.
Being a brand requires being a disciplined thinker, he said, adding that if upcoming creatives do not have access to established entertainers they can find role models on social media and follow credible news sources to learn more about the industry.
When it comes to making a breakthrough in their respective industries, Dyosiba said it was important for creatives to post their work on social media platforms, be consistent in their work and to seek advice where possible.
“My sister Zahara was discovered by being persistent in her own dream. She was busking and singing in the streets and playing her guitar. She knew for her to have an opportunity she needed to put herself out there. There are many platforms now for young creatives to have an opportunity to be discovered like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. It’s important to stay consistent,” he said.
Dyosiba also gave advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.
He said to remain in business in the long term, you must be able to make the right decisions and stick to your values.
“Don't try to be a desperate person when you run a business because people will see the desperation. And don't rush things. Sometimes we come to the business space with little capital or no capital at all.
“Always stay grounded and know your values as an entrepreneur. Don't get easily persuaded on things that compromise your own values and which might hinder your own progress,” he said.
