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#AndilesTake is a podcast by broadcaster, creative strategist and entrepreneur, Andile Masuku. He gleans insights from the inspiring people he meets (many of them entrepreneurs), and shares his own candid reflections on the business that is life.

#AndilesTake Podcast

After letting the hype around the recent launch of eTV's new drama series, "Ashes to Ashes" die down, I finally decided to watch the first episode of the show online to see what all the fuss was about, and give you my candid first impressions.

Believe it or not, watching the show got me thinking deeply about some important things-- like how it seems we black folks struggle to master the dynamics of generational wealth-creation and issues of legacy.

Many thanks to the awesome contributors to this podcast: my gorgeous wife-- Sithabiso "The Boo" Masuku, Founder and MD of Senate (Isle of Man)-- Selu Mdlalose, and Founder & CEO of Carlisle Tax & Financial Services (SA)-- Peter Carlisle

Podcast features some music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

5: Ashes To Ashes

The wait is over. The Muffinz have finally released their much-anticipated sophomore album, "Do What You Love"-- following the success of their critically-acclaimed, award-winning debut, "Have You Heard" in 2012. After touring widely since the release of their first album (selling out venues like New York's famous Apollo Theatre along the way), and sharing the stage with legendary artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Oliver Mtukudzi (who features on their latest album), I asked them to give an honest account of what it's really like to "be a Muffin".  

I also get a little personal in this episode as I reveal some interesting shared history I have with one of The Muffinz, and reflect briefly on the importance of choosing work that is both purposeful and fulfilling.

Podcast features some music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

3:  Do What You Love feat. The Muffinz (Workers' Day Special)

Unathi Msengana is a well-loved South African media personality and business woman (Musician, Metro FM DJ, Idols South Africa Judge and Television Producer) who is easily one of the most relevant and, indeed, most bankable entities in the Africa's fickle entertainment industry. While, Asanda Madyibi is an incredibly talented fashion designer to the stars whose garments have graced catwalks around the world.

Unathi, Asanda and I go way back, but not quite as far back as their friendship. They have been thick as thieves since Asanda designed Unathi's graduation dress 14 years ago.

Recently, I was lucky enough to crash a dress fitting at Asanda's private fashion studio in Milpark, where Unathi was being outfitted for a high-profile musical performance. A lively chat ensued, and happily, I got it all on tape!

Enjoy this brief exploration into the lives of two very different, yet equally brilliant women, whose life journeys have seen them begin the transition from craftsmanship to entrepreneurship.

Many thanks to my mate, Global Entrepreneur, Author, and CEO of Sirdar Global Group, Carl Bates, whose ideas have inspired me to explore the difference between craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, and led me to appreciate the importance of distinguishing between the two.

Additional Music Credits:
All Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

1: Craftsmanship vs. Entrepreneurship (Part 1) feat. Unathi Msengana & Asanda Madyibi

This is the second and final part of my take on the transition from craftsmanship to entrepreneurship featuring Unathi Msengana and Asanda Madyibi.

Unathi Msengana is a well-loved South African media personality and business woman (Musician, Metro FM DJ, Idols South Africa Judge and Television Producer) who is easily one of the most relevant and, indeed, most bankable entities in the Africa’s fickle entertainment industry. While, Asanda Madyibi is an incredibly talented fashion designer to the stars whose garments have graced catwalks around the world.

Unathi, Asanda and I go way back, but not quite as far back as their friendship. They have been thick as thieves since Asanda designed Unathi’s graduation dress 14 years ago.

Recently, I was lucky enough to crash a dress fitting at Asanda’s private fashion studio in Milpark, where Unathi was being outfitted for a high-profile musical performance. A lively chat ensued, and happily, I got it all on tape!

Enjoy this brief exploration into the lives of two very different, yet equally brilliant women, whose life journeys have seen them begin the transition from craftsmanship to entrepreneurship.

Many thanks to my mate, Global Entrepreneur, Author, and CEO of Sirdar Global Group, Carl Bates, whose ideas have inspired me to explore the difference between craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, and led me to appreciate the importance of distinguishing between the two.

Additional Music Credits:
All Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

2: Craftsmanship vs. Entrepreneurship (Part 2) feat. Unathi Msengana & Asanda Madyibi

The gift of speech is a hugely underrated blessing. I'm at the stage in my life-- personal and career-wise, where I've developed an awareness for the potential of what comes out of my mouth to either kill or heal, build or destroy.

In this episode of #AndilesTake, I look back on the influences that have shaped the broadcaster I am today, share what fuels my sense of purpose as a communicator, and reflect on what inspires me not just to keep raising my game as a pro, but also cherish the responsibility of having a voice in these tough times.

I am greatly indebted to three of South Africa's leading communicators for sharing their stories and trade secrets with me. A big thank you to eTV news anchor, HOT 91.9 FM radio jock and voiceover artist Marc “The Voice” Chase, the irrepressible former corporate executive turned rockstar speaker and author, Alex Granger, and executive presentation coach, founder and CEO of Business Presentation Skills Holdings, Beth-Ann Galvin— whose 30-year track record has rightfully earned her the reputation of being "The Presentation Fixer”. I have no doubt that you will benefit immensely from their wisdom as I have.

Additional Music Credits:
Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

4: Presenting Like A Pro feat. Marc Chase, Alex Granger & Beth-Ann Galvin

In this instalment of #AndilesTake, I catch up with my mate, Chef Lesego Semenya, a year and a half or so after he first shared the vision for his LesDaChef fine dining brand with me. 

I'm fascinated by the level of focus and intentionality this Soweto-native, and Prue Leith Chefs Academy graduate in Centurion brings to his culinary hustle, and I take great pleasure in celebrating the fact that since we last spoke on mic, Les has been named one of the Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans, dubbed a rising star by House & Leisure, appointed consulting chef to a number of leading luxury gourmet food and drink brands, recruited as resident culinary expert at a handful of South Africa’s leading radio stations and tv networks, extended his reach on social media and now serves as a judge on SABC 3’s prime time tv show, Top Chef South Africa.

That said, I consider his greatest achievement to be the fact that despite  all the success he's enjoyed, Les remains as genuine and down-to earth as when I first met him at a killer gourmet home cook-out he hosted six odd years ago.

Music Credits:
Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Music licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0


#AndilesTake

10: Chef Tips With Lesego Semenya

Ahmad - Back In The Day

#AndilesTake is an ad hoc podcast by sense-maker, storyteller, (African) tech and innovation fan, interviewer, profiler and community-builder, Andile Masuku. Andile is Co-founder at African Tech Roundup and serves as Head of Community at Founders Factory Africa. Follow him on Twitter @MasukuAndile.