Talent is important in the performing and musical arts, however, actress Kamogelo Molatlhoe tells us that there is more to it. I had a chat with her, and she highlighted the significance of continuing education even after receiving her undergrad degree.

From writing songs like “No Love” to advocating for artists in politically, Kamogelo’s path is both realistic and inspirational.

In this conversation, we talk candidly about her journey, providing us with an insight into the life of a rising icon in the arts.

How important is it to further your studies especially if you are in the acting / arts industry?

I’ve come to realise that I cannot solely rely on my talent (acting) and if I want to grow and be sustainable in the arts industry, I have to keep learning. If one has the opportunity or finance to do so I would recommend it, because a degree unfortunately is not enough. I have an honours degree in drama from Wits and it’s worked for me so far, however, I feel it won’t sustain me in the next 5 years so I’m working on upgrading and learning to climb up the ladder in the arts industry.

Tell us about the experience of being the Casting director for the hit Showmax series ‘’The Wife’’

It was an exciting project and a huge opportunity for all of us in the production because it was a first of its kind, kind of story, but the pressure was on, no lie, it was a learning curve no doubt. I definitely came out of that production stronger having learnt a lot about casting in all its glory, to be honest the list is endless (those who know, know). My major difficulty for me was not losing myself in the midst of pressure.

One lesson learnt from your first acting gig, and how did you ensure that you carry that lesson throughout all your gigs?

One lesson I learnt from my first acting gig is being referable, I ensured I carried that lesson throughout all my gigs by being kind and teachable and basically killing it!

Allow me to say you are an all – round artist, you have been busy with an EP. How do you strike the balance between acting and singing?

All-round? I still have to learn how to dance. Striking a balance has not been all easy, but I’m very blessed to be surrounded by supportive people who keep me in check and are my accountability partners, because they want to see me win.

No Love is one of your singles; take us through the journey from the lyrics and what inspired the artwork

No Love, my first love. I was very nervous letting it out because at that time, I came up with my lyrics from just jamming to the beat, I didn’t have a formal way of writing my music, so I listen to the beat repetitively, and I started jamming, then add words to the jamming, yep that’s my process. Nothing inspired my artwork.

With the piano genre being the biggest now, why lean more on the lounge-RnB genre?

I had to be honest with what I could offer, and I wanted to strike a balance of expectation.

As a freelance artist how do you manage your finances considering that sometimes you may not get gigs?

I have had to learn to think ahead and budget. I first used to think budgeting is a lot of work, I used to tell myself that I can handle my money. But fact of the matter is budgeting is your best friend. I calculate how long I’m on a project for and I save double. For example I will work for 4 months, during the 4 months I will save and stash money away to sustain me for the next 4 months in-case I don’t find work. However, that might not always be the case so you find side hustles, you become multi-faceted and for me, digital marketing has been one of my side hustles.

It’s election season, What factors in the industry influenced your vote?

It saddens me that we are taxed 25%, and we are still not recognised as contributors in society. We need the government to take the entertainment industry seriously.

Lastly, 3 things you will find in your bag.

Gum, lip-gloss, Vape (don’t judge)

Looking at the body of art Kamo has been part of, it is safe to say that she is one of the artists to look out for, as she continuously rises and make a household name for herself. She will definitely dominate our screens, and stages with her music. She may not be the Brenda Fassie; however, she is not selling herself short in the showbiz.