Latest news with #Isithembiso
IOL News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
From studio to screen: Sean Trimz's role in shaping SA's soapie soundtracks
Sean Trimz is a multifaceted artist, songwriter, record producer and record executive who has quietly shaped the soundscape of some of South Africa's most popular television shows. As a multifaceted artist, songwriter, record producer and record executive, he has quietly shaped the soundscape of some of South Africa's most popular television shows. Sean Trimz, born Dumisani Mlaudza, hails from Katlehong and was raised in Vosloorus. His music has been featured in hit shows such as 'Isidingo', 'Gomora', 'Uzalo', 'Isibaya', 'Isithembiso' and 'The Queen'. Despite his pervasive presence in millions of households, Trimz has deliberately stayed out of the limelight, focusing instead on building a sustainable career and growing his record label, Certified Clique Music. Trimz's passion for music started early, singing in school choirs during primary school, where he discovered his love for songwriting. He began recording in 2011 and, by 2013, launched his own record label. His professional breakthrough came with the 2015 single 'MyTurn', which brought him initial recognition. Over the years, he released several significant projects, including 'Thang For Ya', 'Eastside', 'Eastside 2.0', 'Freedom', and the 'No Validation' EP, which impressively hit number one on iTunes within an hour of its release. Reflecting on his music being a staple in popular TV dramas, Trimz shared, 'It feels really good because that's where music sells itself. Having my music play on TV changed a lot for me. These shows are licensed and marketed internationally, so they gave me global reach." "I even get direct messages on Instagram from people around the world who discovered my music through those shows.' His music, embedded in the fabric of South African storytelling, resonates far beyond local borders. Though his sound is widely recognised, Trimz has intentionally kept a low profile. He explained, 'I don't want to be famous - but broke. That's never been the goal. I've always been focused on building a solid, sustainable music career that generates real income - not just hype.' This practical mindset has guided his career choices, valuing longevity and financial stability over fleeting fame.
TimesLIVE
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
‘Respect independent artists' — Smaki 08 breaks silence on removal from DJ Jaivane's album
Amapiano vocalist and songwriter Smaki 08 has publicly addressed his unexpected removal from DJ Jaivane's recently released album Onkgopotse, calling for justice and transparency in the treatment of independent artists in the music industry. Taking to Facebook, the Isithembiso hitmaker expressed disappointment about his exclusion from the project, claiming he contributed vocals, lyrics, and composition to tracks originally recorded for the album. 'Let's not pretend I didn't put in the work,' Smaki 08 wrote. 'Respect our space as independent artists. Give credit where it's due.' Smaki 08 alleged he played a significant role in shaping parts of Onkgopotse, which dropped in July under DJ Jaivane's Simnandi Records. The vocalist insisted he was involved in writing and recording sessions, but was later removed from the track list without warning or explanation. While he refrained from naming specific tracks in his post, fans quickly connected the dots. Smaki 08 was prominently featured in DJ Jaivane's previous projects, including the 2024 collaborative EP Isithembiso. 'This is deeper than one song. It's about artists being used and dropped when it's convenient,' he said. Fans were surprised to find Smaki 08 missing from the final Onkgopotse lineup, specially given DJ Jaivane's earlier teasers suggesting their continued collaboration. In his Facebook post, Smaki 08 stressed the importance of fair treatment for independent musicians, particularly when it comes to recognition, royalties and creative ownership. 'This system is exhausting,' he wrote. 'We work hard behind the scenes, but when it's time to give credit we're erased.' The artist's comments have sparked broader conversations among fans and fellow musicians, with many calling for increased accountability within amapiano labels and collectives. 'It's not only about hurt feelings,' said a source close to the amapiano scene. 'It's about livelihoods. The contributions have value legally, financially and creatively.'
SowetanLIVE
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- SowetanLIVE
Zamani Mbatha: The warrior
It's a quiet Wednesday afternoon in the Joburg suburb of Killarney, except for the hadedas and cooing doves up in the trees that punctuate my tête-à-tête with actor Zamani Mbatha. Our catch-up session happens exactly nine years since the last time I interviewed him, when he made his TV acting debut on Mzansi Magic telenovela Isithembiso aged 19. He portrayed a 'Jim Comes to Jo'burg' matriculant at a Joburg college. On Sunday, TV viewers will see the now 27-year-old heartthrob in the highlands of Zululand in the second season of the blockbuster, award-winning production Shaka iLembe, where he takes on the character of Nomahlanjana, the son of Zwide (Wiseman Mncube). Mbatha looks the part with his ripped physique, chiselled face, and heaps of charisma. Looking back on his nine years in the industry, a period marked by consistency and professionalism, Mbatha says he has rolled with the punches. 'Just like any other life, you know you make it and then it's trials and tribulations, it's learning and unlearning,' he reflects. 'My journey has been beautiful because I have managed to find myself. I always choose the positive side of everything and that has worked in my favour.' Mbatha's rise to fame has been impressive, paved with career-defining roles and legions of adoring fans. He has also transformed from an actor into a dependable brand. During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, he had to pivot into monetising his star power. 'I had to make a plan. I had the numbers, as TikTok had gone viral. I already had some partnerships going but it wasn't solid. I learnt to do things from TikTok that I thought were really cool.' What followed was an offer from a cell-phone giant. Eventually, thanks to his content-creation skills, innovation, and engagement, more brands came knocking.
