Makho Ndlovu, a Zimbabwean-born writer and entertainment correspondent in America, is proof that with determination and dedication, making a living from writing is not only profitable, but also fulfilling.
How did you go about establishing yourself as an entertainment writer in New York? What are some of the challenges you faced in building a reputable writing career?
In 2012, I won a competition that music mogul Russell Simmons put together to find the next great celebrity reporter. Out of 5 000 contestants, I managed to make it to top 5 and eventually nab the top spot. I have learnt so much over the past 3 years: I went from being in front of the camera initially to writing and producing. It’s a career that I love and I am extremely fortunate to have. However, it hasn’t been an easy path for me; working with clients overseas has proved to be a constant challenge. There are a lot of sleepless nights because I have to accommodate the time difference between the US and South Africa. In addition to the time gap, the biggest challenge has been just establishing myself as a burgeoning reporter while living outside of the country.
Please tell us about your time working at Global Grind. What valuable lessons have you learnt during your stay there?
Being handpicked by a living legend such as Russell Simmons was such a blessing; I don’t take it lightly at all. It really set my career on the right path and helped to solidify my position in the industry. The biggest lesson I have learnt over the past few years was to believe in myself a lot more. I vividly recall doing my first red carpet and being incredibly nervous to rub shoulders with A-list public figures. Once I realised that talking to celebrities was about forming a connection that translates to the camera – that became a game changer for me. As cliché as it sounds, celebrities are just like us. They are just as nervous as I am in many instances. Over the years, I have learnt to lean on my people skills and just live in the moment in order to create TV magic. 
You have written for a number of South African publications. Are there any other countries where you’ve built your presence and profile in?
South Africa has been my focus outside of the United States and I have been fortunate enough to contribute to some of the top publications in the country. Ideally, I would love to build my profile in West Africa. Nigeria and Ghana are countries I have a keen interest in.
Has social media made your job easier?
Absolutely! Social media has made it easier to connect with people all over the globe that I probably wouldn’t get to meet under normal circumstances. I can post something on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and people on the other side of the world see it and give me instant feedback. That kind of connection is priceless and has been instrumental to my growth and presence in South Africa.
What’s you ultimate career goal?
Ultimately, I would love to have my own production company that creates opportunities for other young people from the continent in the arena of entertainment. It is my dream to shoot, direct and produce content for clients all over Africa. 
Most parents are not encouraging when it comes to teenagers who want to pursue a career in the arts, be it acting, writing or singing, because they believe it is not viable. What advice do you have for the youth who would like to make a living from writing? Do you have any tips that they can use a guide?
The entertainment industry is not for the faint of heart, and to that end, I understand the trepidation of some parents. It takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears to make it and become a success. My advice for anyone wanting a career in entertainment is study hard, intern as much as you can and do the work. Everything else will follow. I studied business administration in college and the skills I learnt there allow me to understand the business from start to finish. Makho Ndlovu will be presenting the BET & Hunters – a show that features winners who got to meet A-list celebs in New York. Catch the show on the BET channel, 125 on DStv, on 24 July at 19:20.
