MINDSET ON HOLD, HELLO AVENUE 26!

Please refer to http://avenu26.tumblr.com/ for my latest updates as I hardly have time to maintain this blog anymore. However this is not the end of Mindset, but it is rather placed on hold until further notice.

Kanye Reveals North West

The much anticipated wait for images of Kimye's bundle of joy is finally over. Daddy West revealed the first picture of his daughter, North West, during Granny Kardashian's show, Kris. 

Above: Kris Jenner with North West during her talk show

Right: North West



I'm not the biggest fan of Kimye, not that I have anything against the couple, kudos to them for staying together for this long. We all know romances have a short life span in hollywood. I have to admit though that Little Miss North West is adorable as can be. Maybe even cuter than the off-spring of Mr and Mrs Carter, Blue-Ivy Carter? *hides from Queen B stans* 

But for all you die hard Kimye stans here's a picture of the newest edition to the Kardashian-West clan, North West. Who knows maybe Blue-Ivy and North will grow up to be besties like Daddy West and Daddy Carter.

                        North West                                                                           Blue-Ivy Carter

SUICIDE: Lee Thompson Young, 29, Found Dead

News and entertainment websites are a buzz after the death of former Disney's The Famous Jett Jackson actor Lee Thompson,29, yesterday, 19 August 2013. His body was found yesterday morning, by his landlord, lying on the floor of the actors LA apartment with a gunshot wound. Gossip and entertainment website reported that the actor had committed suicide. This was confirmed in a statement released by Young's manager. “It is with great sadness that I announce that Lee Thompson Young tragically took his own life," longtime manager Jonathan Baruch said in a statement. “Lee was more than just a brilliant young actor, he was a wonderful and gentle soul who will be truly missed. We ask that you please respect the privacy of his family and friends as this very difficult time."

When the actor failed to report to work, at the set of Rizzoli & Isles where he played the role of Detective Barry Frost, fellow stars are said to have been concerned and therefore called his landlord to check whether he was home.
"Everyone at Rizzoli & Isles is devastated by the news of the passing of Lee Thompson Young," a rep for the show said in statement. "We are beyond heartbroken at the loss of this sweet, gentle, good-hearted, intelligent man. He was truly a member of our family. Lee will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved him, both on- and off screen, for his positive energy, infectious smile and soulful grace. We send our deepest condolences and thoughts to his family, to his friends and, most especially, to his beloved mother."

Police officials said they could not yet comment on Young's death. The actor also starred in shows such as Smallville and Scrubs.

Celebrities expressed their condolences on twitter.
"My heart is broken today. RIP to my dear friend and brother Lee Thompson Young. Writing partner/Friend/Brother #HeartAche," tweeted Stomp The Yard actor Columbus Short. 

Solange Knowels also tweeted, "Very very sad to hear about Lee Thompson Young. He was always very kind, and such a light."

Meagan Good took the time to write this note on Instargram, "My Lee .. My friend .. My dear Friend .. I love you man .. My heart Is so broken .. You are remarkable :) ..you are incredible .. Light and beauty .. So humble and gentle .. Loving and sweet .. Serious and thoughtful lol ..it's like you were always in touch with something so transcending -that others couldn't even begin to touch it or identify it .. you lived in that space .. You were such a Special and beautifully different kind of being .. a original .. Im thinking about all the silly times lol ...the random adventures of you, me and @mrtyhodges.. Teenagers then young adults on a constant mission ... a brilliant mind .. a gorgeous spirit .. I'll miss you .. Alot .. You loved me enough to fearlessly remind me of my worth .. Thank you .. I pray you Peace ... And everlasting Love wrapped up in Our Fathers Arms ..I love you always and always my Brother."

Losing a loved one is never easy, especially at a young age. Deepest condolences go out to Young's family and friends, RIP.

Thandy Matlaila: Actress & Business Woman

Thandy Matlaila, better known as Lindiwe in Tshisa, is no doubt one of SA’s growing talents having graced our screens in productions like Tshisa, Jerusalema, Street of Manganung, Gugu noAndile and most recently Mzansi Magic’s IsiPantsula. When the opportunity presented itself to interview I was more than eager to do so. I certainly had fun doing the interview, hope you enjoy reading it.

Sneh:      Hi Thandy, thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview; I know you’re a busy lady. Let’s get to it.      Who is Thandy Matlaila today?

Thandy:           Thandy to this day is still her parent’s lil girl. They are my pride and joy. Outside of home, Thandy is an aspiring entrepreneur who runs her own PR Firm and one of the growing talents on Mzansi’s screens. I am a dancer/choreographer who is passionate about youth related issues hence I take up the roles that I do.

Today Thandy got a call from one of her former directors offering her to be a trainee director because he saw the potential in me that I didn’t so I’m rather excited about that.

Sneh:               Tell us a bit about your upbringing, were you a naughty child?

Thandy:           I grew up in a tight-knit household where I was the only child for 11 years. So you can imagine that my parents held on to me like gum, ha haha, and you can imagine my trauma when my brother was born. I became rebellious cause I figured he was there to take my place (yes we do go through that as first-borns, people think it’s a fairytale). I wouldn’t say I was naughty but I gave my parents the usual headache because I was very cheeky. If I didn’t like or agree with something, it was hard to convince me otherwise. Luckily I never gave my parents the headache of being a smoker, drinker or sleeping out.

I’m still very close to my parents, I see them every week and I talk to them all the time…AND I live 5km away from home *hides*. My mom is one of my closest friends.

Sneh:               I had issues about my height growing up. I love the fact that you have such a presence and confidence about yourself, you hold the candle for all us short people *laughs*.

Did you ever have any self image issues growing up?

Thandy:            Never, I’ve always loved being short; I’ve never had hang-ups about my height. In fact, I embraced it. I even call my girls TLCs (Tiny Lil Chicks, ha haha). Whenever we had someone taller joining us, we’d make fun of them and say they can’t get away with being naughty because they will stand out.

The only hand-ups I have are about my weight, not height. But I keep that under control by training daily.

Sneh:               You went to boarding school, I hear they can be very mean. How was your experience there?

Thandy:            Oh yes, people in boarding school can be mean. Luckily I never had issues of being bullied. People thought I was a snob and stayed far away from me. I only became part of “the black crowd” in my late grade 11. I never belonged to the popular crew because that’s not what I was about. I never confirmed to any norms. Like with sports, I did gymnastics as opposed to netball (every black kid played netball *yawns*). I took part in musicals and cabarets.

We had a new girl when I was in matric that my boarding housemates hated so they put no-hair remover on her eyelashes in her sleep and when she woke up, she had no eye-lashes. Other incidents would be “spoornetting”, that’s where someone throws buckets of water on your bed in your sleep and runs off. Oh my these bring memories; I wouldn’t trade my high school years for anything.

Sneh:               *Laughs* Gosh that was mean. You studied film and music at AFDA, did you always know you wanted to be in the entertainment industry?

Thandy:            All I knew growing up was that I wanted to be on stage and sing like Lebo Mathosa and be a Yo-TV presenter like Mandisa and Sade so yes, I knew entertainment was my calling. I do have interests outside of the industry though like Law and Accountancy.

Sneh:               I think at some point almost every girl wanted to be like Mandisa.

            Was your family instrumental in your success?

Thandy:            All the way, I’m where I am because of my mother’s influence. After matric she sat me down and asked: Do you want to be a layer at 40? I was like: NOT really. Then she asked, do you want to be an entertainer at 40? And I was like “Hell yeah”. Her advice was simple: Then you know what you have to do.

One thing I will always respect about my parents is that they supported my dream through it all, the instability, the fickleness etc… oh and at home, I’m simply Thandy, my parent’s lil girl.

Sneh:               What was your big break into the industry? How was the experience?

Thandy:            For most people out there, my “big break” came with Tshisa, but for me, it was Jerusalema. I shot that film before Tshisa, it only aired 2 years later, after Tshisa got me “recognition”. Speaking of Jerusalema, I had the best time of my life, sharing a role with Bubu Mazibuko (Thuli on Gazlam’) was a dream come true, I’ve always admired her work, I still do. I played the younger version of her.

Sneh:               What is the weirdest encounter you’ve had with a fan? And the best?

The weirdest is when people get to friendly or insist they know you cause you went to school together, grew up in the same neighborhood or what ever other hallucination it may be. Only for them to realize that they know you from TV and they get all shy, I always find that to be funny.

The best would be when they don’t refer to me by my character names and use my real name, it shows they pay attention and actually read the credits. Ha haha.

Sneh:               I’m sure you have guys professing their undying love and affection for you, how do you handle that?

Thandy:            Firstly I try not to get myself in such situations, and when they do, I just say it like it is “I’m not interested and I’m not looking”.

Sneh:               Lol, feisty! Speaking of guys, is there a prince charming in your life, if you don’t mind me asking?

Thandy:           Could be *smiles*

Ok ok, yes there is but that’s a part of my life I never lay out.

Sneh:               How did you guys meet?

Thandy:           We met at the gym. *Hides*

Sneh:               Does he mind all the attention you get?

Thandy:           Not at all. He’s very supportive of what I do. Sometimes he even encourages me to go out alone because I tend to shy away from the spotlight when I’m not working.

Sneh:               Tell us about some of your greatest achievements, both personally and professionally?

Thandy:           I’m an accomplished SA Gymnast. I’m a self-taught publicist though I started studying PR last year. I have been doing it since 2009 and passion and perseverance are what got me this far in my career.

Sneh:               You are one of SA’s multi-talented and lovable personalities. You’re also a choreographer, how did that come about?

Thandy:           I’ve always loved dance. I grew up with friends who were very competitive and for you to be “in”, you had to either had to know how to sing or dance, bonus if you could do both, LOL. During talent shows at school, I always made sure I was in the group that WOULD WIN. Don’t settle for 2nd best, that was my motto back then.

Sneh:               Lol, no doubt this is a long interview but you surely can’t deny your fans a chance to get a bit of insight on Thandy Matlaila *smiles*.

Thandy:           I wouldn’t dream of it, that’s why I took my time and made sure I’m free of distractions while answering this.

Sneh:               Tell us about the new drama you’re starring in, IsiPanstula.

Thandy:           IsiPantsula is SA’s 1st dance series so I’m really excited about how it will be received. It’s a typical love story (aren’t they all, LOL). Ok no, seriously, IsiPantsula is about a young man Vusi, who used to be a pantsula king but traded it in because of the negative connotations aligned with the genre. He falls in love with Nothemba whom he grew up with and in order to win her heart, he needs to win the hearts of the orphans she takes care of. To cut a long story short, he teaches and mentors the kids in dance in order for them to keep and save the house they live in.

Sneh:               Give us a bit of insight on the character you play, Nothemba.

Thandy:           Nothemba is the childminder of 4 teenage orphans. After her mother passes on, she decides to look after abonded children in the home. She works at the clinic and has a heart of gold, very protective and strict when it comes to the kids. She falls in love with Vusi but doesn’t know how to get out of her obligations to her gangster ex boyfriend Xolani as he’s been paying the house-installments on her behalf. You need to watch to know more J

Sneh:               I definitely will. Are there any similarities between you and Nothemba?

Thandy:           Actually, Nothemba is not a dancer; in fact she hates the hobby saying it’s dangerous. Thandy (me) did the choreography for the series though her character doesn’t do any dancing.

All we have in common is our giving nature and always putting those we care about before ourselves, which at times can be fatal.

Sneh:               Not only are you the leading lady but you’re the choreographer as well for IsiPantsula. Surely it’s a lot of work but also a great achievement?

Thandy:           Yes in deed, I was super psyched when they told me. The team I worked with was amazing. Nolo (the guy who plays Vusi) is a great friend of mine and we used to dance together back in tertiary so that made things a whole lot easier for me cause he knows my dance styles and what I’m capable of. Kheso (from The Teddybears) also assisted, he used to teach me dance back in the days so I called upon his assistance to get me in tip-top shape. It just goes to show how demanding dance is, if you don’t do it everyday you can’t call yourself a dancer as trends change so fast. I have made a deal with myself that as of August I’m going back to dance “full-time” if there’s such a thing.

Sneh:               You’ve acted on Tshisa, Intersexions II, Streets Of Mangaung, Jerusalema, only to name a few. How has your journey been in the industry?

Thandy:           Mixed emotions really. There are days when I know deep down that this is all I want to do, and there are days when you ask yourself if this is all worth it. That’s when you feel your talent is being overlooked because of popularity etc. I didn’t get into this industry because I wanted to be known and be popular, I did it because I’m passionate about telling great stories and there’s the thrill of being somebody else. I must say, I think actors (who do their research of course) are one of the most intelligent people. Surely if you’ve played a doctor, lawyer, cop, psychologist etc, you have SOME knowledge of that profession. It’s studying indirectly.

Sneh:               True, there’s nothing more devastating than an actor who fails to connect with their character. Out of all the people you worked with, who did you enjoy acting with the most? Why?

Thandy:           Oh my, I’ve had my moments with everyone hey, let’s see. Innocent Masuku (Baksteen on Tshisa) is hilarious; he knows how to get a performance out of anyone. Then there is Miza Modibedi & Luzuko Nteleko whom I worked with on 2 productions. I think it had more to do with the fact that we were/are friends. There is no dull moment with them and I can’t wait to work with them again.

Oh no wait, there’s Lerato Mvelase (Katlego on Home Affaira), how could I forget her. She played my l        over on Intersexions 2; PRICELESS, SPEECHLESS. That woman is talented.

Sneh:               You’re the sole owner of a PR and events company, Aptitude Consulting, tell us a bit about your business, how did you get started?

Thandy:           It’s PR, mainly for events and artists. On my books I have Chris Mapane, MphoMaboi, Leroy Gopal and DJ Speedsta. I’m happy with them and I don’t want to take on anyone else as I believe each artist deserves individual attention. Artists’ needs are different from that of an event. I have also shifted focus to sponsorship management.

How I started: Jacky and Laurent Cresteil. They were my mentors and I respect them highly for all the skill they instilled

in me. They own The Inspiration Room. Jacky taught me all I know today. She met me at Arts Alive when I was helping a friend of mine. That’s exactly what I was doing, helping out, not knowing that just getting the word out for my friend’s event could be a career. She asked to have lunch with me so that I could do the same for her events and I guess the rest is history.

Sneh:               Do you have any business woman that you look up to?

Thandy:           My mother. When she was at the peak of her career (she was an HR Manager at a huge corporate entity) she quit her job to start her business. It never made sense to any of us as the country at that time was undergoing recession. Because of her perseverance, dedication and skill, she made it an she runs a successful recruitment agency, Ubuzwe Talent Solutions. I look up to her and always turn to her for advice.

Sneh:               She sounds like an amazing woman. Are there any other initiatives you involved in you’d like to tell us about?

Thandy:           Hmmmm, not at the moment hey, I’d like to keep it hish-hush but I will be working behind the scenes on a movie for the very 1st time. I will reveal shortly as to what I will be doing. Watch this space.

Sneh:               Do you have advice you can offer to young people out there looking to break into the industry?

Thandy:           You need to know why you’re in this industry. If it’s to become famous and known, you might want to reconsider and want to stick to commercials. But if you want to tell real stories and touch people’s lives, then school yourself as much as you can about the industry.

And I live by 1 statement: Z3= Zazi Zithande Zithembe (Know yourself, Love Yourself and Trust Yourself).

Sneh:               Z3, I like that. Once again thank you for opportunity to do this interview, I had a lot of fun.         Any last words?

Thandy:           Oh yes, my mom told me this this morning, I’m a BAD Girl: Blessed And Delivered.

You can follow Thandy Matlaila on Twitter @Thandyy and on Mzansi Magic’s IsiPantsula every Wednesday at 9:30pm

Road To Success

Tribune photo shoot

Yours truly has joined Orgella Online as a Features Writer, a very humbling experience as Orgella Online is one of the fastest growing and renowed entertainment website in the country.

From being a news writer for the Sunday Tribune, also one of the biggest newspapers both locally and internationally (see my writing portfolio for published works - here ), a finalist for the Gagasi fm presenter search, Gagasi fm being the biggest urban youth radio station in KZN, beating almost 3000 applicants to be in the top 3 was more than humbling. My time spent on air was amazing and rest assured you haven't heard the last of "Sthombe" (https://www.facebook.com/TeamSthombe).

In studio with Mzokoloko

Gagasi fm finalist

I have done much in my career but not enough. I also had the opportunity to travel around SA presenting and narrating in a documentary about Art's Centres for the Flemmish Government (footage to be posted soon). I've mc'd at events and concerts for international artist such as American rapper "Da Truth" and R'nB songstress Michelle Bonilla, and many other local acts. There is still so much to do, I haven't even begun to scratch the surface. I am grateful though for all the opportunities and experience I have gained thus far, I cannot wait to see what the future holds.

Team Orgella - That's me bottom left

For now though Orgella is where I'm at. Orgella keeps you informed about the latest local and international entertainment news, sports news on and off the pitch, trends, launches, music & movie reviews, latest buys, the list is endless. If it's entertaining, informative or news worthy then we cover it. Want to get your brand, company or event notived and have people talking about it? Looking to attract a younger audience and get honest feedback? Have an event you would like us to attend and write a review about? Orgella can make it happen.

How? Simple. Drop me a mail sthombe@yahoo.com or find me on twitter @Sthombe

This day and age publicity is everything and we're virtually handing it to you on a silver platter, think about it!

To learn more about us visit http://orgellaonline.com/ I look forward to hearing from you.

Good Music

I'm really loving these videos right now, in no particular order:

Solange - Losing You
Solange Knowles was in South Africa a while back where this video was shot (Cape Town). I'm digging the track as well, the sound reminds of South African music back in the day. Nice!

Solange - Losing You

AKA - Jelousy

The video speaks for itself, international standards, and the track is currently topping charts in SA. Good hussle boet, keep doing what you do, mad skills I tell you.

AKA - Jealousy

Ciara - Sorry

Cece is making a come back, looking forward to it, really talented individual.

Ciara - Sorry

D'Banj - Oliver Twist

This video is not new, but I'm still digging it, white guy kills it.

D'Banj - Oliver Twist

Jimmy Nevis - Heartboxing

I can not get over how talented this guy is. First heard his sound with Elephant Shoes, couldn't get that song out of my head for days. Now there's Heartboxing and he hasn't dissapointed, the music video is just too nice. Doesn't hurt that Jimmy is cute *hides and remembers that I am married*. Mad Love for our South African artists upping their game when it comes to music videos, they are just as important as the track. Big Up Jimmy and Rude World Records for this offering.

Jimmy Nevis - Heartboxing

BMW 328 Hommage Concept...Nuff Said