SOUTH AFRICAN SUPER PRODUCER “BUBU”

She wears many hats, and copious titles to her name. She has changed the game in art industry and contributed a whole lot in the film industry. Hlamalani Tshabane asserts that her aim is to see a major change in the art industry in her community. She shares her journey.

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Hlamalani Tshabane, 33 year old South African Actor, Business women and a producer. I am popularly known as “Bubu”. I am also a project manager for xifaxani Youth Foundation, a South African Young Patriot under the Department of Sport Art and culture and a deputy secretary of SAACYF in Limpopo Province. I appeared in one of the South African Popular Drama “Giyani Land of Blood” as an extras in 2019. During my high school time, I won awards when our Drama was chosen as the best Drama. I also was selected to be part of the Television Presenting internship programme in 2010. Art was my passion from the young age; I started Dancing and acting at a young age. In 2017, I was appointed to be the deputy chairperson of Mitsheketo Film production that only lasted for a year due to lack of resources and funding. In 2018, I decided to open my new production where I looked for people who were passionate about the media industry to join me. It was not a walk in the park to start a company but I had to do something for our community since production companies are not many.

When Did the idea of starting your own production company come about?

The idea of starting my own production started in 2016 when I realise that my culture is left behind when it comes to production of films, documentaries and casting agencies. But before I started I wanted to first learn all about the media production industry. After the production company I was working at collapsed, I made sure that I do something about that as it was hurting me that during my time there we did 2 movies that were not finished due to lack of resources. In 2018, I registered my own media production company.

When did you discover you could act?

In the age of (16). When I was in high school 2005 at the age of (18), I received an award for best actor when our Drama won in a provincial competition.

The film industry is growing day by day, how are you ensuring that you stay up there?

I do lots of research and networking.

Where do you see vulombe production in 5 years to come?

In 5 years to come, I want to see Vulombe media production being recognised nationwide for bringing out local content.

How many movies have you produced so far?

We are currently producing a movie that is not yet finished due to the Covid-19 lockdown. Hopefully, we will be finishing to film by the 4th of July.

What are some of the challenges that you face while running your projects?

Lack of resources, finance and lack of support in empowering the youth.

Which movie star do you look up to?

Hakeem Kayakazim he is so versatile as he can play any character.

How can you describe South African film industry?

It is vibrant, growing industry and very competitive internationally.

What should your fans expect from you this year?

I’m busy with 2 projects this year; a Drama called “Kiss my Pain’ and a documentary Called “Bring Back Africa” that has already commence to be filmed and was also interrupted by the lockdown.

Our vision is to create a sustainable production company. I’m known as a dedicated person in my country in the Art industry since I always assist various artist in the Art Industry. My goal is to make a change in my community in the Art Industry.

This is some of the pictures of two projects we are busy with, with my team.