MEGA BUSINESS
Issue no : 01
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BUSINESS WITH
Phuti Ramafemo affectionately known as Ms . Blu is a proud 34 year old
single mother . She is a self-accomplished entrepreneur – proud founder of Poetic Joint , an art organisation specialising in promoting and organising events . She was born and bred in Polokwane Limpopo Province . She grew up in a village called Bloodriver just outside Seshego . Her passion for music and poetry compelled her to establish an organisation that represents the art of music and poetry . MAM interviews Ms . Blu to tell us about her career-path as a promoter and as a self-made brand .
Tell us about Poetic Joint .
It was established in 2012 by Phuti Ramafemo who had a passion for the entertainment industry and ended up pursuing it as a business . Now that is where the hip hop , poetry and jazz session started taking place and it gave artists a platform to showcase their talents and brand . As the business grew , she brought in two more members on board , Nkeisi Matshuisa and Kgabo Phihlela . The team is made up of a dynamic of young , creative and enthusiastic professionals , with vast experience in Events , Media , Marketing and IT . We rely almost entirely on the strength of our team and management .
How do you manage with promoting Poetic Joint and yourself as a brand ?
It hasn ’ t been easy . In fact it is a difficult mission because I can ’ t separate myself from Poetic Joint . I would literally be lost without my team . I have a PR lady , Ms . Shaz Amor , she literally keeps me on tight leash and puts me back on track when she notices that my focus is getting out of hand ( I see you my lady )
Do you need qualification and what studies should one consider to become a promoter ?
I have found that there is only so far self-acquired skills can take you . One needs some basic education in the field they have chosen . One can take a six months course to get the basics right and the rest will fall in place .
What does an entertainment promoter do ?
I basically deal with finding venues , booking artists , budgets , sponsorships , interviews . The list is endless .
What kind of events do you promote ?
I promote anything from corporate functions ( Seminars , Power Breakfast , Networking sessions , street events ( Poetry and Hip-hop ). I try not to limit myself to one sphere of events .
You ’ re not only a promoter ; you ' re a manager and a mother as well . Are there enough hours in a day to do what you have to do ?
Not in this lifetime , my time is beyond limited and running a tight schedule is really a must for me . That is why I get a little frustrated when I ’ m late for a meeting or someone doesn ’ t honour an appointment .
www . megaartists . co . za August 2014 Page 26