Hey, what’s up, guys! This is Lungile Mayindi, and welcome to the 16×9 Podcast! Today, we have a really cool guest—he’s a violinist, an actor, a musician, and someone I’ve worked with on TV promos.
I thought it would be a great idea to bring him onto the podcast so you guys can hear his journey, experiences, and insights. Please welcome…
MJ!
Why I Started This Podcast 🎬
I started this podcast because I’m passionate about film and TV. Back when I was growing up in Springs, Eastern Gauteng, I had no idea how to even start in the industry.
I didn’t know about Google, film schools, or where to find opportunities. I was just a kid with a dream, trying to figure things out.
So, I decided to create this podcast to:
✔️ Share industry insights
✔️ Talk to different creatives about breaking into film and TV
✔️ Demystify the industry for those who think it’s impossible
For a lot of people, especially if you come from certain backgrounds, working in TV can feel like a myth. If you don’t have access to resources, or even something as basic as a MacBook, it can feel out of reach.
So, this podcast is here to bridge that gap and shed light on different career paths in entertainment.
MJ’s Journey into the Industry 🎭🎻
Where It All Started
Lungile: “MJ, how did you get started in the industry?”
MJ: “Man, it all started back home in Bushbuckridge. I always had a passion for TV, performing arts, and entertainment. I would perform in front of the mirror, mimicking the TV presenters I saw growing up, like the YoTV and KTV kids.
One day, while visiting family in Johannesburg, my cousin saw me commentating in the car (I was crazy about soccer) and told me, ‘You need to be on TV!’ She introduced me to a casting agency, and that’s where my journey really began.”
The First Big Break
MJ: “Before I even got on TV, I actually wrote a letter to SABC Sports when I was around 12 years old.
At the time, they had a segment where they read letters from viewers, and I wrote in about how we needed more soccer coaches and scouts in Bushbuckridge.
Two weeks later, I’m watching TV, and they’re reading my letter on air! That led to an opportunity where the SABC crew actually came to my hometown to interview me. That was my first experience in TV, and from that moment on, I knew this was something I wanted to do.”
Auditioning for TV & Getting Signed
MJ: “Later, my cousin helped me find an agency. I ended up auditioning at Professional Kids, and after six weeks of training, I got my first major audition.
I remember walking in and seeing all the kids I had grown up watching on TV, auditioning for the same role. But coming from Bushbuckridge, I didn’t feel intimidated. I was just focused.
That audition led to my first big role—a production for a corporate event, where I performed in front of Nelson Mandela! That was surreal.”
Navigating the Industry & Breaking Into Voice Acting 🎤
Landing Voiceover Work
MJ: “I got into voiceover work kind of by accident. While doing TV presenting for LoveLife, I was asked to narrate promos and inserts.
I didn’t realize at the time that voiceover work is a massive industry on its own. I just thought it was part of presenting.
Later, when I transitioned into full-time voiceover work, I started landing projects for brands like Coca-Cola, Vodacom, and Debonairs Pizza.
One day, I went for an audition for a Debonairs TV ad, and the casting director recognized my voice and said, ‘Wait, aren’t you the voice of Debonairs already?’ It was crazy! I ended up doing both the voiceover and appearing in the ad.”
Challenges & Lessons in Voice Acting
MJ: “A lot of people think voiceover work is easy—you just talk and get paid. But there’s a lot more to it.
📌 You have to act with your voice – If you need to sound happy, you actually need to smile while speaking. If you need to sound serious, your face and body language have to match.
📌 You have to adapt quickly – Sometimes, you walk into the studio in a great mood, but you need to record a scene where you sound sick or sad. You have to switch emotions instantly.
📌 It’s competitive – There are thousands of voiceover artists, so you need to find your unique style and brand. Being on the voice bank (a database where producers search for talent) is key.”
Balancing TV, Music, and Business 🎶📽️
MJ: “Aside from acting and voiceovers, I’ve also been focused on music. I feel like music is my next chapter—it’s going to open up even more doors.
I’ve been lucky to have travelled the world, performed in front of global audiences, and worked with major brands. But at the end of the day, the entertainment industry is unpredictable.
That’s why I always tell young creatives:
✔️ Don’t rely on one income stream – Whether it’s acting, music, or TV, have something else to fall back on.
✔️ Start your own projects – Don’t just wait for auditions. Create your own YouTube channel, short films, or podcast (like this one!).
✔️ Stay relevant – The industry is always changing. Keep learning, upgrading your skills, and adapting.”
Final Thoughts & Advice for Young Creatives
Lungile: “MJ, for someone out there who wants to break into TV, voiceovers, or entertainment, what’s your advice?”
MJ:
🎯 Get the right information – Learn about the industry before jumping in. There are a lot of scams and fake agencies out there.
🎯 Network and ask questions – Speak to people who are already in the industry. Get their advice and learn from their mistakes.
🎯 Stay patient and persistent – Success doesn’t happen overnight. Keep honing your craft, and when the right opportunity comes, you’ll be ready.
What’s Next? Stay Tuned! 🚀
This has been an amazing conversation with MJ! We’ve covered acting, voiceover work, breaking into the industry, and the challenges creatives face.
If you loved this episode, let us know!
✔️ Leave a comment – What was your biggest takeaway?
