Soweto-born Mantsoe Tsatsi has graced us with her restful voice on Joburg’s number one youth radio station YFM for the past three years. The 26-year-old radio personality, MC, and voice over artist shares her work life and lets us in on her beauty and hair tips.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO RADIO?
When I started at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), I didn’t know anyone and had no friends. I saw a poster advert for new presenters for the university radio, UJ FM, and jumped at the chance to audition. It was while there that I learnt about radio and fell in love with the art, and not long after completing my studies was called by YFM to join the Y Academy. I then left the station after that, but later returned to join Ankle Tap on his show.
HAVE YOUR STUDIES HELPED SHAPE YOUR RADIO CAREER IN ANY WAY?
Indeed! My Bachelor of Arts Psychology degree has helped me with the work I do at YFM. I work with people daily and often have to handle callers who aren’t always patient. I am able to then use the knowledge I got when I studied human behaviour to deal with situations better.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT THE STATION?
When I first started with Ankle Tap, my role was to be content producer and co-host, but that has since changed and I now just co-host. This means we both run the show.
HAS RADIO ALWAYS BEEN SOMETHING YOU WANTED TO DO?
No, it wasn’t. Growing up, I always thought I would be an actress and do theatre. Until today, it is my passion to do some acting. I feel like radio chose me, as I had not really planned to be in that industry.
HOW HAS THE JOURNEY IN RADIO BEEN SO FAR?
It hasn’t always been easy, and it has taken me a while to be where I am now, but it has honestly been amazing. I have had the pleasure of working with someone who isn’t just my co-host, but also a friend I met while working at UJ FM.
ANY ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO DO WHAT YOU ARE DOING?
If you feel that something is for you, then do not stop until you get it. Never give up on whatever it is you want. Things do not always go well the first time around, so keep going at it.
YOU’VE GOT LOVELY HAIR, WHAT’S YOUR SECRET?
Genetically, I have good hair; my grandmother and mother have wonderful hair. I am also obsessed with my hair and spend a lot of time treating it and finding the best way to condition it.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST EMBARRASING HAIR MOMENT?
(Laughs out loud) It would have to be 2012 Durban July. The day before the event I had my hair done, but the hairdresser got the hairstyle I wanted wrong. I was highly disappointed because I had no time left to do my hair, so on the day of the event I had a turban, which did not match my Durban July outfit. It was a total hair disaster.
NATURAL HAIR VS WEAVES?
Definitely natural hair as apposed to weaves. I love rocking my own hair. I find that if you take care of your own hair it stays healthy. However I have nothing against weaves as I have rocked a couple myself, I would rather stay natural though.
WHO IS YOUR HAIRSTYLE ICON?
Apart from my grandmother (chuckles), I would have to say Rihanna. That girl can rock anything and still look beautiful. Everything she tries just works!
WHAT’S THE ONE HAIRDO YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
I am always in a bun; people know me to have my hair tied up. I recently cut my hair and miss being able to tie it up.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BEAUTY FIND?
I have a crazy obsession with lipstick. I cannot live without my MAC lipsticks. I have also become a big fan of make-up brushes, it’s a new thing I have developed.
BEAUTY IS
…Passion!
LIPSTICK VS LIPGLOSS?
You can never go wrong with lipstick, I love its pop of colour effect. It is funky and lasts longer on the lips. My favourite lip colour right now has to be the MAC Ruby lipstick.
ARE YOU A TRENDSETTER OR FOLLOWER?
There is no easy way to answer this question without sounding cocky, but I would have to say I am a trendsetter. I simply do not follow trends. My look is not commercial; I do my own thing and have my own style.
WHAT BEAUTY TRENDS DO YOU THINK ARE A NO GO?
I think the ladies should stop removing their eyebrows and then drawing them on. That trend should go!
WHAT BEAUTY TIPS DO YOU WISH YOU RECEIVED WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER?
I wish someone had told me that everything I need for my skin is in my kitchen. Over the years, I have learnt to blend useful products from the kitchen to treat my skin and hair. I sometimes use Olive Oil to treat my lips, my skin and my hair.
WHAT BEAUTY TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS?
Treat your skin by using sunscreen; make it your friend. Always keep your hair and skin moisturised. And take care of your lips. And never neglect your hair. Find what works for you and use it as we all have different hair and skin types.
Pictures from Instagram and Diva’s Inc
