From the youth radio waves of YFM to building one of South Africa's most successful amapiano careers, Onitias Mphela's journey exemplifies the delicate balance between family and business in entertainment management. In this revealing conversation, we sit down with the media professional and strategic father who transformed his daughter Kamo Mphela from a passionate dancer into one of South Africa's leading amapiano artists and global cultural ambassadors.
Beginning his career as a copywriter at Publicis before joining YFM as a production manager, Onitias developed the industry insights and forecasting abilities that would later prove invaluable in navigating his daughter's entertainment career. His unique approach to family talent management demonstrates how industry expertise, combined with unconditional parental support, can create sustainable success while preserving authentic artistic vision.
From registering the business ("We went to CIPC, we registered the business. You are the boss") to serving as booking agent, tour manager, and strategic advisor, Onitias reveals the complex dynamics of managing family talent while maintaining healthy father-daughter relationships.
Key Conversation Points:- From Publicis copywriter to YFM production manager: Building industry foundations- Recognizing raw talent: How he identified Kamo's potential as a dancer- The art of forecasting: Why managers must anticipate industry trends- Navigating dual roles: Father, manager, and business strategist- Problem-solving under pressure: Managing family dynamics in high-stakes situations- Understanding booking fees vs. landing fees: The business of live performances- Building authentic industry relationships while protecting family interests- Creating sustainable business structures for family talent- The evolution from passion project to professional empire
Perfect For:- Parents managing talented children in entertainment- Family business owners navigating professional relationships- Entertainment managers seeking authentic talent development strategies- Industry professionals interested in amapiano business models- Aspiring managers learning forecasting and problem-solving skills- Students of South African music industry evolutionThis episode provides unprecedented insights into family business management, talent development, and the intersection of personal relationships with professional success in South Africa's dynamic entertainment landscape.
Guest: Onitias MphelaFormer Publicis Copywriter & YFM Production ManagerFather and Strategic Manager to Kamo Mphela
Follow Us:Guest: @onitias_mphelaHost: @ntando_zikalala_Show: @morethanmanagement_Agency: @tothemaxmanagement#MoreThanManagement #FamilyBusiness #OnitiasMphela #KamoMphela #Amapiano #YFM #TalentManagement #FamilyFirst
