HONCHO OF THE MONTH: VANESSA MDEE

Once again we bring you an inspiring individual that truly deserves the ‘Honcho of the Month’ accolade. Vanessa Mdee is a beautiful, talented and charismatic Tanzanian who has aspirations of becoming an Africa entertainment force. As an MTV Base VJ she has carried the African flag during all of her international travels. She took some time out of her busy schedule to chat to us about her life, career, dreams and the beautiful city of Dar es Salaam.

Hey Vanessa, how are you doing on this awesome day? 

Hey I’m coolie cuts, thanks! Yourselves (self)

Kindly introduce yourself to the Honchos all over Africa…

Mambo vipi Honchos from all over the land of the truly blessed. Greetings from the East – my name is Khausa which is Mbulu-Iraqi for Serene, you may know me as Vanessa Mdee and I am a lover of positive vibration.

So you’re currently a VJ on MTV Base … How did you land such a highly sought-after gig?

I won a nationwide MTV VJ search in 2007, two years after Sizwe and a year after Fix.

What have been your best experiences as an MTV Base VJ? Who are some of the most interesting people you’ve interviewed?

I’ve loved ever bit of it from the MAMA red carpets to presenting awards, the travelling, on the job training, the crazy parties that ONLY MTV can throw, meeting amazingly talented young’uns from all over the continent, participating in awareness campaigns – it’s been a big ol’ party.

When you say interesting a few interview moments pop up. I think of the time Kelly Rowland (who was then the MTV Staying Alive Special Ambassador) broke down mid way through a press conference I was hosting, bless her it had been an emotionally draining day and it was totally understandable but I totally freaked out. I think of Dr Sid on the MAMA red carpet alongside the Mo hits crew being overtly suggestive on camera, I was gob smacked – failed to retaliate. I think of me trying to teach Ludacris Swahili profanity, wowzers. I think of having to break the ice with Nneka who seemed disinterested in anything I had to say, I still love her though. I think of representing Black Power with the Legendary Chuck D and so on and so forth.

We love your on-air presence and energy. Is TV presenting something that comes naturally to you or have you had to work hard on it?

Thank you – Here’s the thing, almost anyone can do TV whether everyone is a natural presenter is a whole other story. I have met barely a handful of natural presenters. I have grown to become very comfortable in front of camera but I’d be lying if I said it was like this from day one. I owe some of this acquired doo-wop to radio. I believe in honing your craft.

Take us back a little. Where did you grow up? And how was your childhood?

My parents were diplomats so I grew up in New York, Paris, Nairobi and Arusha. My childhood was BUSY, I have – wait for it – 7 siblings. So you can imagine the day-to-day chaos when your biggest issues involved remote control, bathroom or shotgun dibs.

Is there anything in your childhood that inspired you to pursue a career in television and radio?

I’ve always loved music so I knew I wanted to incorporate it in my professional life, now most African parents get skeptical when you’re not pursuing medicine, architecture, civil engineering … “PROFESSIONAL STUDIES” hence the Law school stint. However one particular incident as a child which involved my parents inviting the legendary family band Womack & Womack to dinner validated my cause. I was mesmerized by these cats I literally sat in silence as they spoke of their lives and music, they seemed fond of my ‘RENTS and came through a couple of times.

FYI: Honourable President Jakaya Kikwete was one of the many of my parent’s dinner guests and I have no political aspirations whatsoever.

Vanessa with Ludacris

We also hear that your musical career is on the up and up. Tell us about that side of your career?

I play in a two-man band, Sy- Meez with a very talented Tanzanian musician A.V.I.D; we jam about once a week and make good music. We are working on our debut album ’1st and Stone’ it should be out in 2012 if we finally get over our perfection issues. I do some solo stuff as well under the B-Hits umbrella.

It seems to us like you’re trying to be an entertainment force in AFRICA .. Is that your ambition? If so, how do you aim to align that dream with your desire of empowering African youth?

You’re onto me neh!! Here I was thinking I was all discreet. I am of the belief that Africa is the future. There is STILL room for growth in the major industries as opposed to the various other regions of the world that have excessively manipulated theirs. If we have the right combination of skill, work ethic, understanding and passion – we got next. If I can spark the fire in a young African be it through art, social media awareness or just downright clowning then I am doing a good job.

What do you think is holding back Africa youth? What can we do to reach the levels of our counterparts in Asia, Europe & America?

I gather this varies per region, I can only speak for my people and I would say we are fearful and sometimes suffocated by our various social economic complexes – who are you not to be great?

Okay … onto more lighter subjects. What are your top 5 songs right now?

Lotus Flower Bomb – Wale ft Miguel; I can’t get over N****s in Paris by The Throne..  it comes on and I go gorillas; I fractured my toe doing the hammer time to Big Sean’s Dance so it’s definitely of some relevance in this time. Loving this new remake of a Swahili taarab song by Mwana FA ft Linah – Yalaiti; it’s beautifully performed. And Mi Casa got me twisted; that Jay Something sings like an angel. Jeezy’s back; I love that F.A.M.E joint ft T.I, Mali Music’s Job experience is new age gospel rap LOVE it. Coldplay’s Paradise. Rihanna’s We found love, Drake’s Take Care, Look what you did, Make me proud. Wale’s Chain Music and Ambition. 2 Chainz Spend it – wait those are more than 5 okay. THANKS BYE.

We’d like to visit Dar es Salaam and check out Tanzania. What can we look forward to?

Oh you must visit the beaches; I’d suggest Bongoyo or Mbudya Islands. Eat at Samaki Samaki and Chef’s Pride for proper Swahili food. Dance the night away at Runway Lounge, watch football at Java Lounge. Get gully at Billicanas and obviously come hang out on the radio at 102.6 Choice FM with crew and I.

Lastly, how do you Live Progressively? 

Progressive living goes hand in hand with a positive living. One has to remain present and actively so, find what it is you’re good at and perfect it. Be about these things you preach. Believe in humanity and equality and the blessings that come with being just. Soak up every moment as it serves as experience good or bad. Right foot after left foot, left foot after right foot – it is quite simple. Lastly, love yourself there is only one io you and Y.O.L.O!