With a name that means love, lovable or to be loved, it’s no surprise that Amanda is THE woman setting tongues wagging at the moment whether as a model, actress or TV host. We got chatting to the beauty who turns out to be a genuine hip hop head. Let’s get into it…
If hip hop was a flavour you could taste, what would it be for you?
Hot chicken curry…For me this is a real meal for real people full of soul. It can be tasted and understood by people from all walks of life. Hot because hip hop is just that HOT.
Since breaking into the industry, what song motivates you each morning to go get yours?
Dj Khaled ft Meek Mill, Rick Ross, Jay Z – ‘They Don’t Love You’
Drake – ‘Trophies’
Dj Khaled ft Meek Mill, Scarface, Jadakiss, Akon & Anthony Hamilton – ‘Never Surrender’
A$AP Rocky – ‘Fashion Killa’
Biggie – ‘Juicy’
You have a demanding schedule, how do you put an outfit together for the day?
Well I keep outfit ideas in picture form saved in categories. Day, night, casual, events and so on, on my phone and iPad. To save myself time and stress I put these images together weekly so I never really have to struggle. Or I simply go for the who gives a @%^$ attitude and throw on whatever I’m in the mood to wear. All sorts of chilled amazing usually happens here.
You have young ladies looking up to you, is that stressful or chilled?
It’s chilled, I’ve grown a lot. I think for them it’s chilled too because I try and stay real and down to earth no matter what. In fact, I do my best to be reachable to them. I’ve shared some of my best and worst moments and it’s such a blessing to create a woman empowerment movement. What are we living for if we are not inspiring each other? Essentially we are all just people! What’s there to stress about?
What’s better, TV presenting or acting…and why?
Acting is my heart and soul. I would say acting is better only because it’s more challenging. It’s a dream come true, you get to live other characters’ lives if you believe. Story telling at it’s best. Without presenting one wouldn’t be able to see my personality, so presenting is fun I get to be my crazy self and entertain without committing to a character.
Who’s killing it in the hip hop scene so far this year for you?…In South Africa and internationally.
In SA, definitely A.K.A, he’s been slaying! Big ups to JR for the writing on the ‘Congratulate’ track, it’s fire. Also Emmy Gee for that ‘Rands and Naira’s’ track. Ifani and Cassper Nyovest are the next hip hop kings in SA but Ifani will be the last man standing, he’s innovative, creative, fresh and still true to Hip Hop. Internationally it’s Drake, Khaled, Meek Mill, Chris Brown, Wale, Nicki Minaj, A$AP Rocky, Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Jay-Z – oh gosh the list is endless for the internationals! They have just been releasing track after track mostly making amazing hit collaborations.
We heard you can sing as well, true or false?
True
Sneaks or heels?
Sneaks all day!
If you were stuck in a desert with only a radio, would you play some AKA or K.O to keep you sane?
AKA
Some wise words from you to our readers?
Follow your dreams and don’t mind what people think! Do you at all times and never give up. Leave those who ignore and belittle you now… they were never ready, your time will come! When it does, stay humble – and keep your kicks clean…stay swagging!
Written by Bridgette Makhela