Get in touch with your inner entrepreneur at the BET Experience Africa by attending three inspiring “Genius Talks” – candid, revelatory and intimate conversations between celebrated individuals and industry leaders who have impacted popular culture across the fields of music, sports, politics and business (Ticketpro Dome, 12 December).
Joining the line-up for the Genius Talks is media mogul Khanyi Dhlomo. Dhlomo has all the markings of an early achiever – she was the youngest-ever editor of True Love magazine, growing its popularity and doubling its circulation under her leadership. Dhlomo also flexed her tourism and marketing acumen as the Head of South African Tourism in Paris, France for two years. Armed with an MBA from Harvard, she returned home to found South Africa’s first 100% black-owned multi-platform media company,Ndalo Media, where she now serves as CEO. She has founded DESTINY and DESTINY MAN magazines, their online extensions, and events company Athari Concepts & Events. This is only the beginning, as Dhlomo is soon to launch new ventures in 2016.
NBA Vice President and Managing Director for Africa, Amadou Gallo Fall, aims to elevate Africa through the game of basketball. The native of Senegal oversees the NBA’s grassroots’ basketball development initiatives and its partnerships with marketing, media and consumer product companies in Africa. Keen to leverage the power of sport as a vehicle to access better opportunities, Fall founded a global non-profit organisation called SEED (Sports for Education and Economic Development) Projectin 1998, whose mission is to use sport to inspire, empower and support the holistic development of promising African youth.
Inspirational US DJ, producer, businesswoman, social innovator and female empowerment trailblazer,Beverly Bond is the Founder/CEO of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! and Creator/Executive Producer of the annual BLACK GIRLS ROCK! awards show – a media platform designed to showcase and celebrate the nexus of achievements of women of colour throughout the African Diaspora and to promote positive role models for women and girls. Bringing together black female excellence in all its hues is what propels her.
Pioneering US television executive and urban culture tastemaker Stephen Hill (President, Programming, BET Networks), is responsible for managing and directing the creation, development and production of all programming and specials for BET and sister channel Centric in the US. A music enthusiast with a keen eye for talent, Hill has built a noteworthy catalogue of programmes and specials including the BET Awards (the #1 Black television event on US television), Black Girls Rock (a celebration of the achievements of African American women), and the Hip Hop Awards (the #1 hip-hop themed show on US television). Hill and his team were also responsible for launching the #1 primetime sitcom (all adults 18-49 and total viewers), the Kevin Hart mockumentary “Real Husbands Of Hollywood” and were also behind “Zoe Ever After”, a sitcom starring singing star Brandy.
Radio futurist and “musical maestro” Greg Maloka started his career as a radio strategist at the ground-breaking urban music station Yfm and now helms the successful radio station Kaya FM, “Home of the Afropolitan”. Maloka’s love for music and branding is best expressed in his role as a global ambassador for South African music especially Kwaito, SA Hip Hop and House, which birthed the dominance of SA House at the Miami Winter Music Conference before going global.
Commented Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, VIMN Africa, ‘Designed to inspire, educate and entertain, Genius Talks are candid conversations that allow the public to interact with thought leaders and achievers. The accomplished individuals on stage at this inaugural Genius Talks will grant the audience an opportunity to gain insights into their lives and careers. The main point of Genius Talks is to create a platform where inspirational people share the real persona behind the public figure.”
Maloka, Fall and Hill will have their conversation moderated by singer, actress and radio personalityUnathi Msengana, while Bond and Dhlomo will engage in conversation with Nikiwe Bikitsha.
These speakers join previously announced Genius Talks participant Fikile Mbalula, Minister for Sport & Recreation, his unconventional leadership style coupled with his accessibility on social media makes him a people’s minister. He will share his inspirations, hopes for the young South Africans, and his legacy with Nikiwe Bikitsha.
Genius Talks will be held in the Conference Centre at the BET Experience Africa, Ticketpro Dome,12 December from 12:30 pm – 14:00 pm.
Genius Talks Programme:
12:30: The Honourable Fikile Mbalula, Minister for Sport & Recreation in conversation with Nikiwe Bikitsha
13:00: Khanyi Dhlomo & Beverly Bond in conversation with Nikiwe Bikitsha
13:30: Greg Maloka, Amadou Gallo Fall & Stephen Hill in conversation with Unathi Msengana
BET Experience Africa 2015 is supported by Joburg Tourism, e.tv, Kaya FM, Castle Milk Stout andGauteng Tourism.