From launching her own record label against industry skepticism to becoming a globally recognized music executive, Ayanda Ncwane's journey represents the power of strategic vision and unwavering purpose. In this compelling conversation, we sit down with the CEO of Ncwane Communications - the powerhouse behind South Africa's leading gospel entertainment empire and the only female to achieve four-time South African Music Award wins for Best Selling Record Label.What began as stepping into a "career handed over" evolved into building Ncwane Communications & Sfiso Ncwane Productions from the ground up in 2009, despite facing significant backlash for launching an independent gospel label. Ayanda's transformation from industry newcomer to MTN Africa's leading record label in sales showcases a management philosophy that transcends traditional boundaries between ministry and business excellence.Her groundbreaking achievements include guiding the only gospel artist to win Record of the Year at the SAMAs, navigating the digital transition by personally touring to educate fans on new platforms, and battling piracy while delivering platinum results. From winning Music Promoter of the Decade (2010-2020) in London to receiving recognition from PAWES in Addis Ababa as a Pan African Women leader, Ayanda has consistently proven that gospel management can compete at the highest global levels.What sets this formidable executive apart is her ability to balance being "formidable and purposeful" - building profitable gospel careers outside traditional ministry models while championing independent musician rights and women empowerment across the continent. Her leadership extends from CAPPASSO board membership to serving as President of Africa Gospel Awards, proving that true management mastery creates impact beyond entertainment.WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR:Gospel industry professionals building faith-based businesses Independent label founders scaling against skepticism Music managers expanding beyond traditional boundaries Women leaders breaking industry barriers Digital strategists navigating platform transitions Artist development specialists across genres Emerging gospel talent seeking authentic branding Business leaders implementing purposeful management Pan African music professionals pursuing continental expansionKey Conversation Points:Building Ncwane Communications from industry skepticism to MTN's top-selling labelThe strategic difference between managing gospel versus other music genresTeaching audiences digital sales and combating piracy through education toursBecoming the only gospel executive with Record of the Year SAMA successBalancing ministry authenticity with commercial profitabilityFrom local recognition to global Pan African Women leadershipBranding gospel artists for international market penetrationLeadership lessons that transcend entertainment industry boundariesThis episode reveals how purposeful management creates sustainable systems that elevate entire genres while building legacies that impact communities across continents.Guest: Ayanda Ncwane - CEO of Ncwane Communications | President of Africa Gospel Awards | 4x SAMA Winner | MTN Africa's Leading Record Label ExecutiveFollow Us: Guest: @ayandancwaneHost: @ntando_zikalala_ Show: @morethanmanagement_ Agency: @tothemaxmanagement#MoreThanManagement #AyandaNcwane #NcwaneCommunications #GospelManagement #MusicIndustry
From the vibrant streets of Soweto to becoming Managing Director of To The Max Sport, Sbusiso "Sbuda Roc" Mbambo's journey represents the evolution of South African talent management. In this captivating conversation, we sit down with the visionary executive who shocked the industry by stepping into "retirement" only to emerge stronger through his renaissance in sports management.
Born into South African music royalty as the son of Nhlanhla Mbambo (Brenda Fassie's ex-husband) and raised under the guidance of stepfather Chicco Twala, Sbusiso deliberately chose to build his own empire rather than coast on family legacy. His transformation from AKA's road manager to founding SBR - a comprehensive entertainment powerhouse - showcases a management philosophy rooted in authentic relationships and strategic innovation.
From his breakthrough as the manager who formalized road management in South Africa to signing breakout stars Pabi Cooper and Costa Titch, Sbusiso has consistently proven his eye for emerging talent across genres. His multi-industry expertise extends from negotiating Carol Tshabalala's groundbreaking SuperSport contract to pioneering the introduction of Octave Finance and Trading to South Africa.
What sets this "student of the game" apart is his ability to translate decades of music industry mastery into sports management success through To The Max Sport - proving that true management transcends industry boundaries and creates lasting impact across entertainment and sports landscapes.
*Key Conversation Points:*
• The strategic "retirement" and renaissance through To The Max Sport
• From Teargas road management to comprehensive entertainment empire
• Eight years unpaid with Jozi/Motherland Crew: Learning through sacrifice
• How the "Sbuda Roc" identity represents more than a nickname
• Building SBR from Moozlie to industry-defining signings
• Growing up Fassie/Twala: When music royalty shapes your DNA
• Architecting Carol Tshabalala's broadcasting legacy
• How music management expertise translates to sports excellence
This episode reveals how true management mastery creates sustainable systems that transform industries and build legacies beyond traditional boundaries.
*Guest:* Sbusiso "Sbuda Roc" Mbambo
Managing Director at To The Max Sport | Founder of SBR Management | Road Management Pioneer
*Follow Us:*
Guest: @sbudarock
Host: @ntando_zikalala_
Show: @morethanmanagement_
Agency: @tothemaxmanagement
#MoreThanManagement #SbudaRoc #ToTheMaxSport #SportsManagement #MusicIndustry
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
"When you believe in someone, you must be able to turn down deals that will put money in your pocket because you're doing what's best." These words from Becky Motumo-Molete capture the essence of principled management that defines our fourth episode. As the visionary manager behind Olympic gold medalist Caster Semenya and former manager to media powerhouse Carol Tshabalala, Becky has mastered the delicate balance of talent advocacy and business success across both sports and media.
From her beginnings in classical music and performing as a majorette to becoming one of South Africa's most influential talent managers while now anchoring news on SABC 3, Becky's multidimensional journey offers unprecedented insights into the evolution of management in Africa.
In this compelling conversation, Becky breaks down:
- Navigating high-stakes moments in an athlete's global career
- Building authentic management relationships based on trust
- Transitioning between entertainment, sports, and media worlds
- Creating strategic partnerships that serve the talent first
- The principles of ethical representation in a competitive industry
- Her role in helping develop Caster Semenya's biography and legacy projects
Key Insights:
- Recognizing genuine talent before the world does
- Strategic decision-making during career-defining moments
- Building sustainable talent brands for long-term success
- Maintaining integrity in high-pressure negotiations
- The unique challenges of managing women in male-dominated industries
TIMESTAMPS:
18:52 - When Caster gave me a call
22:37 - So Caster signs on the dotted line
24:57 to 26:20 - Who's the kindest person, gives you that helping hand
36:20 - 37:00 The reason why you need management
39:00 - 39:31 - Learning on the job
39:59 - Mentored by Trevor Noah's agent
44:28 - Legacy Project
Whether you're managing talent, building your own career across multiple industries, or fascinated by the business of sports and media, this episode delivers a masterclass in what it truly means to be more than a manager.
Guest: Becky Motumo-Molete
Manager to Olympic Gold Medalist Caster Semenya
Former Manager to Media Personality Carol Tshabalala
SABC 3 News Anchor
Follow Us:
Guest: @beckym001
Host: @ntando_zikalala_
Show: @morethanmanagement_
Agency: @tothemaxmanagement
Visit: www.tothemaxmanagement.com
From the vibrant streets of Soweto to the boardrooms of Warner Music, Vusi Leeuw's management philosophy has shaped the careers of South Africa's most iconic artists. In this landmark conversation, we sit down with the visionary executive who guided Mandoza to legendary status, helped build TKZee into cultural icons, and pioneered management strategies that defined the kwaito era.
From pioneering kwaito to managing some of Africa's biggest crossover talents, Vusi has mastered the art of entertainment management across multiple industries. His journey spans beyond music, extending his talent management vision to guide the careers of actress Nomzamo Mbatha and multimedia star Boity Thulo.
With roots in Soweto, a legal education from Wits University, and a journey spanning from campus radio to executive roles at Sony Music, EMI, and 999 Records alongside Arthur Mafokate, Vusi reveals the universal management principles that built South African entertainment.
Key Conversation Points:
The birth of kwaito: Management decisions that created a genreThe Mandoza blueprint: Strategic career building that created a legendCross-industry management: Translating music success to film and televisionTalent identification: The science behind discovering tomorrow's starsContract negotiations: How his legal background transformed artist dealsCrisis management and brand protectionThe Moshito legacy: Creating platforms for talent developmentHis Warner Music vision: The future of African music managementMusic as advocacy: Using entertainment as a vehicle for social change
Music managers and entertainment executivesArtists seeking career development insightsIndustry professionals across music, film, and televisionStudents of South African entertainment historyAspiring talent managers and A&R professionalsAdvocates interested in cultural change through art
This episode provides practical insights into music management, artist development, and legacy building in South Africa's evolving entertainment industry.
Guest: Vusi Leeuw Pioneer of Kwaito Management Former Executive at Sony Music, EMI, & 999 Records Current A&R Manager at Warner Music
Follow Us: Host: @ntando_zikalala_ Show: @morethanmanagement_ Agency: @tothemaxmanagement
Following our powerful premiere, episode two takes us into the world of Tshiamo Letshwene, a visionary who's journey embodies both the triumphs and profound responsibilities of African music management.
Starting as a digital strategist at Vth Season, Tshiamo quickly rose through the ranks to become a pivotal force in label management. His strategic approach to artist development and market penetration has helped create some of the most significant moments in South African hip-hop and R&B. Beginning his journey as a social media manager, Tshiamo mastered the intricate dance between digital brand building and on-ground execution, reshaping how African entertainment brands connect with their audience.
As founder of T Effect, Tshiamo has faced the industry's ultimate challenges: navigating the untimely passing of both AKA and Costa Titch. His experience spans managing some of Africa's biggest talents including AKA, Costa Titch, Shekhinah, and working with artists like Musa Keys. In this candid discussion, he opens up about these profound experiences and the responsibility of protecting legacies while moving the industry forward.
In this revealing conversation, Tshiamo shares:
Key Industry Insights:
Experience how Tshiamo:
Guest: Tshiamo Letshwene Founder, T Effect Pioneer in African Music Management
Follow Us: Guest: @teffectglobal Host: @ntando_zikalala_ Show: @morethanmanagement_ Agency: @tothemaxmanagement
#MoreThanManagement #LabelManagement #MusicIndustry #Legacy
"A manager is a hunter, and talent is human." With these words, Sibu Mabena opens up a masterclass in navigating the high-stakes world of talent management that sets the tone for our premiere episode.
At 32, Sibu has mastered the art of crisis management and turning challenges into opportunities. From choreographing major productions to founding Duma Collective and launching Golden Thread Africa, she's built her reputation on handling the industry's most complex situations with strategic precision.
In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Sibu breaks down:
Key Insights:
Whether you're a current manager, aspiring to be one, or just fascinated by the inner workings of the entertainment industry, this episode offers unprecedented insights into the real world of talent management.
Guest: Sibu Mabena Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Duma Collective Founder, Dance Nation South Africa Board Member: The Effie Awards, The Creative Circle Winner: Inverroche Future Is Female Award
Follow Us: Guest: @sibumabena Host: @ntando_zikalala_ Show: @morethanmanagement_ Agency: @tothemaxmanagement
Visit: www.tothemaxmanagement.com
Welcome to MORE THAN MANAGEMENT with Ntando Zikalala
The curtain is about to be pulled back on the industry's most powerful conversations. Where championship dreams meet platinum ambitions, and where talent transforms into legacy.
ABOUT MORE THAN MANAGEMENT:
In the world of talent management, some stories remain untold. Until now.
More Than Management isn't just another industry show—it's your exclusive access to the minds that shape careers, build empires, and transform raw talent into global phenomena. Each episode takes you inside the rooms where industry-changing decisions are made, where strategies are crafted, and where the future of entertainment, sports, and music is designed.
Join host Ntando Zikalala as we bridge the gap between talent and trajectory, uncovering the blueprint that turns potential into power.
CONNECT WITH US:
Instagram: @morethanmanagement_
Website: tothemaxmanagement.com
