Johannesburg-based photographer Sphesibo Mkize (22) of SPHESIBO MEDIA is thrilled as he achieves yet again another milestone in his booming photography career which was the opportunity to photograph international Afro-Beats and Afro-Pop Star Diamond Platnumz’ signing and private listening session at Warner Music South Africa.
The KZN born young star Sphesibo, describes himself as a creative all rounder and multi- talented individual in the Media industry particularly within the spaces of Social Media and content creation. He prides himself with a passion for photography, a creative mind for designs (graphics), talent for TV & Radio presenting and a skill for managing Social Media accounts.
His undying love and passion for his craft subsequently led him to creating
“SPHESIBO MEDIA” which is a media company that provides services such as photography, content creation, design, talent and community management run by himself.
He says how he got this one of a kind opportunity has him believing in his craft more than ever before. He got the golden call on the day of the gig asking if he was available since the photographer Warner Music SA had initially booked dropped them last minute.
Sphesibo says he jumped at the opportunity as he was available and made sure he delivers, “I was literally in the middle of my jog as my phone rang and luckily I stopped jogging and I answered the phone. When I picked up I was then asked if I’d be available to come shoot Diamond Platnumz at his private signing and listening session at Warner Music, I said ‘Of course!’ with much excitement and shock at the same time as I couldn’t believe I was about to photograph someone whom whose music I have been a fan of for years and has a worldwide audience” He says.
The time for the session to commence arrived and Sphesibo even arrived at the gig much earlier than the call time as he wanted to ensure that all goes professionally smooth with his first international gig photographing an internationally recognised and global charting star. The client was pleased with Sphesibo’s work and his prompt delivery even though he had been called last minute, nonetheless he delivered clean Hi-Res images of Diamond Platnumz. Here’s a look at some of the images he took:
Through his ability to turn a creative concept into reality, he’s had the opportunity to work with a number of top brands and personalities within the industry including the likes of SA’s Queen of showbiz, Bonang Matheba whom he got to photograph and interview at the 2020 SLAYFestival for Trace TV as their Digital Marketing and Social Media Intern at the time.
He’s also worked with Somizi Mhlongo who is SA’s notable media personality and choreographer as well as SA Idols judge. He photographed him for his new set of PR images and was his personal photographer at the last live Vodacom Durban July in 2019.
He’s had the pleasure of also working with Trending SA, DNA brand architects & Trace TV on various projects and productions. It is through these opportunities that Sphesibo believes he is where he is today because of them and their grooming experience as well as exposure in the industry. His versatility has also allowed him to broaden his career as he’s also been able to seamlessly merge all his interests and excel when given the opportunity and the platform.
Whilst he was at Trace TV running their social media accounts he was able to host various Instagram live sessions with media personalities and musicians such as the likes of Boity, Elsa Majimbo, Holy Rey, Dr. Rebecca Malope to name a few, interviewing them for Trace TV platforms during lockdown. He also doubled up as photographer on site when the channel had music shows with live performances photographing and doing interviews with some of SA’s top musicians performing on House Of Trace namely Thabsie, DBN Gogo, Emtee, NaakMusiq and many more.
For more of Sphesibo’s work check out his stunning IG page on @sphesibo_m and his work page @sphesibomedia.