Johannesburg – The first “Behind The Scenes Awards” (#BTSAs) will be held next month on 9 November 2024, at the Gold Reef City, Johannesburg, organisers have announced.
The inaugural awards will honour extraordinary talent behind South Africa’s vibrant entertainment scene.
The novel awards, #BTSAs recognise those working behind the scenes, including television, radio, podcasts, and movie producers, and other crew members.
Celebrity stylists, who craft iconic looks for content creators are also in line for the annual awards.
#BTSAs was founded by seasoned PR Specialists Ngcebo Mdima and Karabo Motlogelwa.
“#BTSAs aim to redefine what it means to celebrate excellence in the entertainment. It’s time to put the spotlight on those who make stars shine,” said Ngcebo Mdima.
He said the new awards challenge the status quo by celebrating the unsung heroes, whose relentless dedication elevates the entire industry.
The nominees who make up the 20 categories were voted by media influencers and a panel of judges.
Simphiwe Majola, who has been in the entertainment industry for a long time, will receive an Honorary Award for his role in the industry.
“We will be honouring Mr. Simphiwe Majola with an Honorary Award for his contribution to the industry,” revealed Mdima.
A celebrity agent and a PR extraordinaire Simphiwe Majola has been in the industry for over decades.
He has worked in various fields such as fashion, beauty, and design.
Majola, who hails from eMbulwane on the outskirts of Steadville township, Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal has worked with South Africa’s well-known personalities such as Uyanda Mbuli, Winnie Ntshaba, Pearl Thusi, Basetsana Kumalo, Bonang Matheba, Lebo M, Felicia Mabuza-Suttle, and the late Reeva Steenkamp.
In his portfolio of work in the fashion world, Majola has prestigious events such as the SA Style Awards, GQ Man of the Year, and SA Fashion Week.
Majola said he is incredibly grateful to be honoured by #BTSAs.
“It is truly humbling and I want to extend my deepest gratitude for recognising my hard work and dedication with this award,” Majola said.
“It means a great deal to me, and I am truly honored”.
With over two decades in the industry, Majola advises that being humble and never abandoning humility, can go a long way.
“You can’t be arrogant towards the public in one instance; then turn around and ask them to patronise the brand you are promoting.
“The biggest way to have a lasting impact in the industry is by being authentic, humble, and hardworking.
“One has to understand that your work and aura will always speak for themselves, so be kind and treat everyone with respect”.
One of the biggest challenges Majola highlighted in the entertainment industry is achieving longevity and relevance.
“Do clients perceive you as a medium that can give them the exposure they desire?
“In the publicity game, one need to remain alert to tackling issues and be willing to let go if you don’t have the stomach for it”.
Getting prospective clients who wanted to see a prestigious portfolio of prominent testimonials before considering to offer me a business, is the biggest challenge Majola faced over the years when setting up his PR company.
His advice to fellow PR practitioners is that “procrastination is the thief of time, being reliable and not keeping clients waiting is the best way to go in the PR sphere”.
Majola said he also loves fashion designing and television production.
To view the nominees check out the #BTSAs social pages: FB – Behind The Scenes Awards; IG & X @TheBtsas; TikTok
