Community radio stations have a role to play within the communities under which they operate, that of creating platforms for their voices, enhancing their cultural heritage, and showcasing their talent. This resonates true to one of Mahikeng’s entrepreneurs and the Director of I.BAR publicity, Ms Reabetswe Mooketsi.
"Brand perception is sacrosanct in ensuring longevity and success. Ultimately a brand is a perception, and that perception can make the difference between success and failure," says Reabetswe Mooketsi, Mahikeng Entrepreneur and Director of i.BAR Publicity.
I.BAR is a corporate and celebrity public relations agency that strives to protect the client's image in the best possible light through events, communications, public relations, and brand building. The Mmabatho, Unit 8 based, Reabetswe discovered her journey in entertainment, public relations, and events management back in 2011.
"After completing matric, my parents wanted me to be a lawyer. I went to Law school in Pretoria for six months before I dropped out. My first break in the entertainment industry started as a Radio Presenter at Mahikeng FM towards the end of 2011. I presented a Hip-Hop show with LTK, the current Motsweding FM Afternoon Drive presenter."
She applauded that Mahikeng FM played a significant role in shaping her by providing space and opportunity to thrive in the industry. By also allowing her to make mistakes thereby contributing to her growth, that paved a path to enter the entertainment industry.
"Mahikeng FM gave me a taste and welcoming to the space that I am still thriving and championing in until this day. It nurtured my talent. I wasn't as confident when I started, but it gave me the platform to make mistakes and grow. When I left, I was ready to make big moves. After Mahikeng FM, I knew I had to enter the entertainment industry."
Reabetswe further alluded that, radio seemed to be a perfect platform where she found her voice and love for being in the entertainment industry; even though, her parents insisted on tertiary education. Consequently, she enrolled for a Bachelor of Communications at North-West University, eventually graduating in 2016, This is where her love for brand management was established.
"Following my graduation in 2016, I packed my bags and left for Johannesburg." My first breakthrough in the publicity industry was landing a job as a PR intern at Sony Music. There, I could work with people I had only seen on TV, such as Joyous Celebration, Madodana Ase Wesele and famous rapper Kwesta," said Reabetswe.
About six months into this experience, Universal Music recruited her as a co-ordinator for all local music releases. Reabetswe worked with Prince Kaybee, Lady Zamar, the late Robbie Malinga and Kelly Khumalo. One of her best experiences was working on Nasty C's album Strings &Blings, which did very well on the music charts.
In September 2018, she started her own company called i.BAR Publicity. The company prides itself on having worked on the highly successful Cotton Fest Annual Fashion. It also hosted a hip-hop festival by the late rapper Riky Rick in 2019 and 2020. This she describes as the most significant achievement in her life.
Mahikeng Fm has been very pivotal in creating platforms for upcoming talent from the communities within the North West, making it a leader in community development.
