Picture: Taung-born singer, Boitshepo Lethuane aka #Nadiacal
BY REGINALD KANYANE
It is not easy to become a model especially coming from far-flung areas like Taung. However, Boitshepo Lethuane said she is adamant to make her mark in dog-eat-dog industry.
“I am a singer, a song writer and a model. I know it is difficult to break into the entertainment industry. However, my talent and creativity will come in handy. I have released more than ten singles so far and that speaks volume. Any singer with potential can achieve her dream.
“I’ve worked with various local artists and embarked on charitable duties across Taung. I am currently doing Grade 12 at Mankuroane Technical School in Taung. However, I will further my studies next year hopefully at University of Johannesburg,” Lethuane said.
#Nadiacal as Lethuane is affectionately known in music fraternity, believe that women have what it takes to compete in male dominated industry. She further said rapping is a calling, while entertainment industry is her playground.
“I am an entertainer and I fell in love with showbiz since tender age. I would like to further my studies next year and study Communication Science. Even though many parents believe that modelling, singing and acting cannot be chosen as career, my grandmother understand.
“Things have changed for the better since the dawn of democracy. We need to explore those opportunities and ensure that we make our mark. I also want to encourage young girls not to be dependable. I believe that we also need to be given equal opportunities like our male counterparts,” she said.
#Nadiacal said she was inspired by Mahikeng-born first lady of Motswako, Refilwe ‘Fifi Cooper’ Mooketsi. She further said music talks about real issues that affect the society.
“Through music we can address many concerns that affect the youth especially in rural areas. Our people continue to live in abject poverty and they have lost hope. We need to work together as a society and ensure that we change the lives of the masses for the better.
“The youth also need to stand up and be counted. We cannot continue to rely on government for our survival. The government has brought many opportunities and let us take advantage of that,” Nadiacal said.
She added that staying with her grandmother was the best thing ever happened to her. Nadiacal said parents need to open up and talk to their children about daily challenges.
“My mother is working in Vryburg, while my dad is in Mahikeng. However, we communicate often. I stay with my granny who I share everything with. We see young children indulging in drugs, alcohol and substance abuse.
“Parents need to ensure that they monitor their children and talk to them. I also want to wish Grade 12s at Mankuroane Technical School all the best. With discipline, dedication and determination we can do it,” she said.
Miss Teen Universe representative, Phemelo Mhlanga said: “It is not easy to become a model because the craft needs discipline, dedication and determination. The modelling career prepares you as a person to achieve your goals. It is not like in olden days where one cannot make a career out of it. There is abundance of opportunities in the industry and I’ll advice parents not to prevent their children to embark on it,” Mhlanga said.
He also calls on all those who want to be models to join his organisation. Mhlanga said people should have knowledge, passion and love for the art.
“Having the right attitude will go a long way to ensure you get noticed by the right people. We have magazines, fashion, and advertising agencies looking for models. So, models should not limit themselves and need to explore all avenues. If one want to embark on the field, joining professional modelling agents is imperative.
“The modelling agencies are very good at what they do and will be able to see your potential even if you think you do not have any. So, if you really want to be a model and you do not think you can, the point is to try anyway. You might find that an agency will be able to turn you into one of the best models,” he said.
The Guardian 