Rosie Motene on managing Pan African agency
Dumisani Ncube | Thursday June 8, 2017 15:41
Through Waka Agency Motene manages 37 artists from different African regions, which is a rare trade for many management agencies, who prefer sticking to managing artists from one or just two countries. Locally she manages King Tux, Simba Mudereri and Donald Molosi. “I have a strong passion for our African continent and artist management which has led to me establishing a Pan African agency. I have been blessed it started when I was at Studio 53 travelling around the continent meeting up with different people and artists creating relations,” Motene said. Studio 53 is a Pan African reality TV show where Motene was once a presenter.
She noted that her passion for both Africa and managing artists has made it easier for her to manage artists from different backgrounds. “Yes it’s challenging at times but you have to take one challenge at a time. I prefer working with passionate people.”
Waka Agency prides itself with high profile artists such as Donald Molosi, Maps Maponyane, Kwaku T and Weza Solange to mention just a few.
Managing artists from different African countries for Motene means that she gets them jobs not only in their native countries but also in other countries.
Her work has seen the likes of Simba Mudereri being on Cliff Central, doing voice overs in South Africa and King Tux auditioning for different jobs outside the country. Donald Molosi will soon be going for his book tour in different countries.
“To be a good manager you need to understand the dynamics of the industry, contracts, how to promote your artists, be in touch with producers, directors and know what is expected of you.”
She gives thanks to her passion and 25 years of experience in the industry, which has made her to be an established manager. She however noted that it is not only about experience but also about researching the dynamics of the industry and staying up to date.
“As an artist you definitely need a manager who will act as a middle man while you are focusing on your art career. A manager will handle your contracts, scout for auditions and scouting for you and organise different tasks. Remember there are sharks everywhere, you need someone that will manage you.”
Despite her fame and being more successful than her artists she has never tried to overshadow them through her popularity stating that everyone should be given a chance.
She noted that during this winter she would be coming back to Botswana to host mentorship programme that deals with the entertainment industry aspects and also scout for talent.