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Living The Dream: Gabriel Perez Silva

Born in Colombia and raised in South Florida, 21 year old Gabriel Perez Silva is an amazing fashion photographer who takes shockingly beautiful stills.

He has photographed 🌍 renowned models such as Bella Hadid, Winnie Harlow and Fenty Beauty model, Duckie Thot.

I caught up with this 🗽 based photographer to talk about the passion he pushes…

• Growing up as a young boy from Colombia/South Florida, did you ever imagine you would be one of the hottest up and coming photographer, at just 21 years old?

I always believed in myself, but I don’t think I ever saw myself becoming known for art in particular. I wasn’t really into art or fashion at all when I was younger, but looking back I was an artist all along.

• From 🏊 for the Colombian National team, to becoming a professional photographer…how did that transition happen?

I was trying to find a way out for many years coming. The year I had between being “the swimmer” and being “the photographer” was amazing. I was able to just be a regular kid for once, fucking just 🆒 it all day. My surgery didn’t let me work as a lifeguard that summer and it really let me focus on my work.

• You mentioned on on your Twitter that you actually dropped out of school to chase your dreams, how was that whole experience like?

😂 this is my second time leaving school, and by the looks of it, it probably isn’t the last time. I just can’t go back to school right now because of the point I am in my career right now. Leaving was way more stressful for the people around me than for myself. I always believe in myself. If you don’t who will?

• What’s your thought process like before you start a shoot?

Its a mix of excitement, and sometimes stress, but also sometimes relaxation.

• Why fashion photography?

I read one time the fashion photographers are like the rockstars of the community and I think my brain subconsciously held onto that. I also like meeting and interacting with new people. My time in Italy is when I first developed an interest for Fashion Photography.

• What challenges have you faced as a fashion photographer in 🗽?

Everyone tries to use you. Everyone wants free 💩. Everyone is trying to prove themselves. You have to be strong and understand your worth.

• You have shot some pretty big names, including models, Winnie Harlow and Bellast Hadid…who is the one person you would 💛 to shoot some day?

I would 💛 to be able to shoot ..myself one day lmaoooo. I always feel like if I shot myself it would be dope. Naw, but seriously not really anyone in particular. The way I 👀 it if theres someone I really wanted to shoot. I can do it, if I really wanted to make it happen. 

• What was your reaction when you found out that Vogue had posted your Met Gala photos?

I was hella hype. That was a big goal of mine, and I didn’t think it was gonna happen that day at all.

• As a travel enthusiast, which city do you plan on visiting next?

I’m figuring that out right now. I’ll be in Miami for swim week in July, then I have some jobs in LA. Probably Toronto for a weekend, Europe in september and 🗽 in the middle.

• What legacy do you want to leave in this 🌍?

I want to show the kids you don’t have to be perfect to make it. You don’t need to follow the outline to be successful. Is the success you want really what you want or what you think you should want? I want to spread kindness, 💛, and positivity with a sprinkle of controversy, and that exactly what I’ll do in the next few years.

Hopefully, we’ll 👀 you in South Africa soon.

You can follow Gabriel’s work on Twitter: @ggabipe124 and on Instagram: @_youngshot. I am @DearTlotli you can follow the Blog here on Twitter and IG: @DreamCatchersZA

[dreamcatchersza]

Globe Trotter: Tales from a South African Expat

By @deartlotli 

Expatriate noun

noun: expatriate; plural noun: expatriates  

Also Known As: Expat

1.  A person who lives outside their native country.  "American expatriates in London"  

“Home is where the heart is but the world is where my soul belongs.”  

Leaving home is a rite of passage for many of us, for example, a lot of us leave when we go to university/college and some when they start a family. It is an essential part of growing up, no matter how scary it might be. Some people, however, take it up a notch and move to another country altogether. These type of people, or expats as they are more commonly called, possess the type of courage that many authors describe in their books. Keitumetse Mogoase Tolo is a fine example of such. 

Keitumetse left South Africa for Germany as part of her company’s project that send young people abroad for multiple skills training and enhancements. Being the trailblazer that she is, Keitumetse became the first person at her job level to leave the country for this type of assignment. I spoke to her about her experiences and this is what she had to say:

● ON PREPARATIONS FOR THE BIG MOVE:

 Leaving your country of origin to live in a completely foreign land is frightening for anyone, it was especially harder for Keitumetse because she had to leave behind not just her life in South Africa, but also, her sick father. It is a change that she had to adapt to, not only on a physical level but also on a psychological one. “Mentally, it got a bit challenging because it meant having to leave my sick father, in Hospital. I also left behind my family, friends, my culture, and my favourite food…however I pressed on’’. 

● ON OVERCOMING COMMUNICATION BARRIERS

It took Keitumetse 8 months to settle into her new life. In those 8 months, she said she could already speak about 5% of the German language, admittedly though, she confessed to using a few translation apps to help her with the language and in addition to the apps, she used other, more interesting methods “I did not read books pertaining to Germany in particular, however to pick up a little German, a colleague bought me kiddies books which are used in kindergarten (crèche) and they helped as they have pictures, thus I was able to know what a table, glass, light etc. is, in German”. 

● ON THE MENTAL ADJUSTMENT 

A couple of weeks after her arrival in Germany, Keitumetse received word that her ailing father was now deceased. As you can imagine, these news coupled with her big move, greatly affected her state of mind. “The 8 months were torture, emotionally and mentally because it meant I could not speak my home language with anyone except on call to South Africa. I could not mourn my father with my family. What made it worse was the eternally grey and extremely cold weather. The lack of sunshine affected me a lot, I didn’t realise it until I got sick and was given Vitamin D tablets because my levels were so low. I felt despondent and depressed all the time.” Keitu got through this mental mountain by admitting that she was not coping, She started seeing and talking to a professional at her workplace health center and found other coping mechanisms. However, she says,  “there are positives with being alone because you get to get in touch with yourself and pinpoint issues or matters that need addressing.” I HEAR THAT!

 ● ON RACISM

 Travelling for black people is a different experience altogether, because, apart from the usual travel inventory, you also have to take into account the racism or lack thereof, of any country you plan on visiting.This is Keitumetse’s experience with Racism in Germany:

“I have always been stared at. At first I thought there was something wrong with me. Truth is, yes racism exist. In areas in the East, it is rife and in the West, it’s more subtle. I have been ignored in shops, I was hit by a bus door and had to step off while it was still taking off, I have been ignored in supermarkets and banks and I have consulted doctors who would not look at me in the eye...do I call it racism? YES. Did I dwell on it? NO. I found other places and service providers who were not repulsed by my skin. The status here taught me to be more assertive and to remember that I matter.  Also, to remind people that I did not come here to clean bathrooms, but I am corporate employee, who deserves to be treated with respect.” 

● KEITUMETSE’S TIPS TO ADAPTING TO A FOREIGN COUNTRY 

1. Know why you left home and understand that people live differently to how you lived back home and that is okay.

2. Allow yourself to feel lost, adapting to a new place takes time. Getting lost simply means you are learning something new and learning always leads to growth.  

3. Be open to new experiences. When it gets to be too much, don’t rush to pack your suitcases, rather seek help.

4. Keep a diary because you will be your only friend in the beginning. Become curious. And remember that you are just a flight away from home or another sunny place if the grey weather gets to you.

5. Mix with the locals, you will be rejected but you will definitely find ones that will accept you and learn from you as much as you will learn from them. No one can teach you how to adapt really, the beauty is in how open and vulnerable you are willing to be.

Follow us on Twitter @DreamcatchersZA. Photos Courtesy of @Kei2Tolo 

[dreamcatchersza]

Pushing Passion: The Stevie King Edition

Steven "Stevie King" Malanga is a Radio host, podcast sensation and MC extraordinaire. I got the phenomenal chance to chat to him about his passion for the radio industry. This is what he had to share:

• For those who, bless their soul, haven't heard the name yet...please tell us, who is Stevie King?

Stevie King is the product of single mother who believes that restoring hope to the youth and changing the world is possible through media. And I’m more than just another media personality.

• You are a rising radio sensation, in a world of social media and all things visual, why did you choose the radio world?

Radio, for me, was meant to be my “Plan B” however on second semester of my first year, radio won my heart and there has not been any looking back thereafter. There is something special about radio. There is something that sets radio apart from every other form of media. Radio is very personal and when done right, the radio personality and the listener really bond on such an amazing way. When I’m on-air, it’s a high like no other. Speaking my mind and getting to hear what my listener is thinking is just great. Radio ignites imagination like only a few things are able to.

• What is the craziest thing you have done for the love of radio?

Hahahahahahaha!!!! I defied doctor’s orders and went down to Port Shepstone (South Coast of Durban) with no plan or idea but what I knew was I’m not sitting out the remainder of 2012 because the doctor said if I don’t, I might just die. So, I left JHB and I got to Port Shepstone and within two weeks, I was working for a community radio station. Trust, it was nothing that special but it confirmed that radio was something that I wanted to do. And I also figured out that I can do content and technical production as well.

• The radio industry has a lot of gatekeepers but you paid them no mind and started your own blog/podcast. Tell us a bit more about that.

After two years of looking for the ideal partner (because I never thought I could pull it off alone) in 2013, I started Tha Royal Suite with a young man named Sello “Suite” Tsatsi. It was meant to be our way of getting our names out there and building up a portfolio to present to these radio stations when the timing is right. Anyways so yeah, that is how it all started. In 2014, Suite and I went our separate ways and that’s when Expresz Yourself started. Expresz Yourself had a whole different reason behind it. The mission behind Expresz Yourself was add value to anyone who streamed or downloaded the podcast. I wanted to interview young people doing major things to inspire more young people to hold on to their dreams. And by 1 May 2017, Expresz Yourself was no longer just a podcast but it had morphed into an online media company.

• What motivates you, everyday, to push your passion for radio?

It is so hard!!! It’s truly difficult to stay motivated but it’s a necessity. What keeps me motivated is looking back at what I have done so far and think to myself: “we are not done yet”. There is so much that still needs to be done and that really motivates me. That really keeps me going.

• What struggles have you run into as an upcoming radio host in Jozi?

The radio stations, now, are all about fun times. That is what management wants and that is what they believe that the listener wants. Do not get me wrong, as much as young people want to have fun but young people are also looking for something tangible, something authentic and something that they can believe in from someone who they can believe in. The gig guide to this week’s “hottest” parties is not going to see me through my depression. The latest celebrity gossip is not going to comfort me through my worst possible moments. Radio needs to go back to the educating and informing, and not just force on the entertainment but these JHB mainstream radio stations will not let this happen.

• Which radio station would you love to work for?

Metro FM still has this aura about it and that’s great. Kaya FM is iconic and it will always be close to my heart. But to be honest, I do not know anymore. I want to be on a radio station that serves its community. I want to be a part of a movement and I want to be in a radio station that’s constantly adding to the listener’s life. But this radio station will also be exceptionally entertaining and a percentage of the playlist will belong to the upcoming and independent artist. And let’s be real, right now, that radio station no longer exists. Who knows? Maybe it’s up to me to create and build up such a radio station.

• What has 2018 taught you so far?

2018 has taught me that I should not be too hard on myself. With the nothing that I started off with, it’s absolutely mind-blowing that I have managed to do most of the things that I have been able to do. Expresz Yourself has interviewed some amazing people, we have playlisted some of the greatest artists and most importantly, Expresz Yourself has touched and changed the lives of some young people. It’s beautiful but it’s also something that I constantly overlook and that tends to leave me in an abyss.

• If there was no such things as barriers and restrictions, In life, where would you see yourself in say, 5 years?

In 5 years, I would like Expresz Yourself to be influential in media. I want the company to be recognized enough to offer internships and permanents positions for the media graduate. I would like to see an online mag, online radio station as well as a full-running online TV station going. I want us to be the go-to example of online media all the while staying true to the dream and making sure that I keep that heart of serving the community alive.

• You are also an amazing MC, you definitely know how to captivate an audience, with that said, what are your 3 tips to being a great MC?

Being an MC is one of the hardest and most challenging things that I have done but it’s also my favourite thing to do. I love that instantaneous audience response and the great opportunity to feed-off the audience energy.

Three tips to making a great MC would be know your audience, entertain your audience and be flexible.

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE: Be aware of the people around you. Make sure that nothing that you talk about can deemed as insulting or discriminating in any way. This also helps with the jokes that you tell because some jokes or references can over the head of your audience so be aware of that too

ENTERTAIN YOUR AUDIENCE: Be constantly entertaining and make sure that you come with fresh material.

BE FLEXIBLE: You can’t come host a fashion show the same way that you host a Hip Hop show. You can’t host a corporate event, the same way that you would host a street bash. You need to always be flexible and always switching up.

• For anyone who would like to work with you, how do they get a hold of you?

I’m all over social media but I’m so not used to getting DMs that I end up never getting to check them. Let’s not judge.

• I am @StevieKingZA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And you can follow Expresz Yourself, @ExpreszYourself on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Audiomack, Tumblr and Youtube

Follow us on @dreamcatchersza on Twitter, and IG. I am @DearTlotli.

Love and Light.

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African Queen. By DearTlotli

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Ghetto Superstar by DearTlotli

[dreamcatchersza]

Social Anxiety: Tips to Beat the Panic!

So many times in our lives, we get so lost in our thoughts that we tend to confuse the real and the fake. The line between so often becomes distorted.

A lot of us (millenials) suffer from social anxiety, you know it, that crippling fear of interacting with other people. I've been there too and trust me, I know how hard it is to get over it. Hopefully, over the years, I have discovered a couple of tricks that have helped me. I pray they help you too.

• Get off your phone: A big part of why you are afraid of social settings is because you are constantly on your phone. You are so busy on social media that you forget how to be social. Put your phone down and commit to observing and listening to how people communicate. You'll feel so normal afterwards. Try it.

• Talk to yourself: Look at yourself in the mirror and talk to yourself. It sounds crazy but trust me, it works. So many people from actors to politicians use this method to boost their confidence. It might work for you, too.

• Laugh: Cause it really is the meat medicine. Laugh at yourself, at the things you see. Laugh at life. Stop taking everything so seriously. Seriously!

• Forgive Yourself: So you say and do weird shit sometimes. Hey...that's what makes you unique, man. Stop beating yourself up because you waved back at someone who was not waving at you (yikes, LOL) it happens! Guess What? Life goes on!

• Haters: You don't have them. I'm serious right now, you don't. The only enemy is within, it's corny but it's true. If you give people the power to ruin your day, then you give them power over you. Think about it.

• Grow a pair: learn to stand up for yourself and say NO! Don't let people use and take advantage of you. It's not cute.