Welcome to “Independent Media Lifestyle’s” new feature, “Hang 10”.
Each week, we will feature an extra-ordinary Mzansi personality who is excelling in their line of work. This week, we get to know more about award-winning radio personality, author, podcaster/MC and keynote speaker, Carol Ofori.
How long have you been in the entertainment industry and what motivated?
I have been in the arts ever since I finished school, so over 20 years! At school, I loved the arts. I got awards for debating, drama and poetry.
I have always enjoyed writing and performing. If there was a play, I was in it and most often the lead. I thought I would get into acting after school, but ended up studying journalism and went to study that for a few years before I got into broadcasting.
What are some of the biggest pros and cons of being a celebrity in Mzansi?
It’s funny, I would never use the word celebrity to describe myself, but it’s incredibly humbling. The cons are being impersonated online. There are so many fake Carol Ofori profiles on TikTok and ironically, one account has more followers than I do – the real person.
I also dislike when scammers use my images, particularly those with my family, to deceive people into giving them money. A pro, however, is being included and invited to some really cool events. It’s incredible to be in spaces you wouldn’t normally be in if you weren’t someone influential.
Which of your projects are you most proud?
I am most proud of my children’s book series "The African Adventures of Sena & Katlego". The fact that it is not one, but six books and that it is telling African stories to African children and the fact that my vision came to life and that these books are out there and available for purchase is something I am so proud of.
What are the biggest creative risks you've taken?
Again, the biggest creative risk I took was this book series and the hard work certainly paid off. However, another risk I took was trying to open up a make-up agency.
That failed because people kept trying to undercut the agency from deals. Most of the creative risks I undertake do work out so I guess I am just a little more calculated in these risks.
What inspires you to wake up everyday and continue?
I absolutely love what I do. In the space of work that I do, everything is new and I get to push boundaries, exploring and trying something new. That’s something that really inspires me to have real, honest conversations with listeners every day on the radio.
What is your favourite part about living in Durban?
AThe best part about living in Durban is our wonderful beaches and the weather is incredible! Having that Durban sun kiss your shoulders and the beautiful humidity fill your lungs is so beautiful. So if you’re planning a trip to Durban, try and plan it during the hot sunny days.
What are some of your favourite holiday destinations?
I could go on forever! I recently visited Zimbabwe which was absolutely beautiful. Mexico is a destination that I absolutely loved. I love New York as well. It’s the one city that reminds you to keep hustling because everyone there are such hard-working people.
I also love Miami because it reminds me of Durban, just on a larger scale. For me, Africa is always a first choice when it comes to travelling. I loved Tanzania and Kenya as well. The Kenyan beaches are beautiful and the culture is so rich. I would love to visit places like Senegal, Rwanda to do a gorilla safari (although there is a lot of drama happening there right now). It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.
Any words of encouragement for people wanting to get into the entertainment industry?
It’s tough out here! When you enter the entertainment industry, make sure you are ready to take the rollercoaster ride. There is going to be high highs, low lows and times where you feel like you are just going backwards. But the ride is driven by something deeper.
I believe to pursue the arts is a calling. A lot of the work in the arts industry is freelance work so you’re consistently moving from project to project. If you’re not prepared for a rollercoaster ride, this isn’t the ride for you. But for those who are passionate and prepared to roll with the punches, it’s a very rewarding industry.
What mantra do you live by?
I live by many but the one that comes to mind is that things that are meant for you in life, will be for you. Another mantra I live by is putting in the work. I am not sure if it’s a saying, but you need to put in the work to get the results you want.”
Any food addictions?
I feel like I am getting caught because I just had a chocolate. I love chocolate. I love pizza. I will gravitate towards pizza no matter what other food is on the table.
I also love sushi, it was the one thing I missed when I was pregnant. And I love chicken! Oh, lordy lord. I need to have chicken at least three times a week. Oh, and I do enjoy an odd glass of wine.