Meet Langa Masina | Cultural Activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Langa Masina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Langa, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have always been about people. I have always been about observing them, being connected to them, learning from them and influencing them. I have also always known that I have “something” to give to them. I haven’t always known what that would look like but realized at some point that I was not meant to be a preacher, politician or corporate person. I was always attracted to the world of music and entertainment in general so the journey in that direction happened organically over time. At some point I realized I didn’t have a choice but to make a career out of it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a cultural activist. My chosen medium is popular culture. I create, curate, aggregate and distribute cultural content.  What sets me apart from others is that I believe in collaboration and the aggregation of the skills, talents and experience of my peers. I am most excited about what future holds with regards to projects I am working on that will showcase the culture of my people by bringing the audience to this space where there is an intersection of music, travel, food, art, fashion and video. A very exciting prospect!!! I got to where I am today by surrounding myself with people that encouraged me to believe in myself and what I have to offer the world, that encouraged me to take risks. And No that wasn’t easy, leaving your comfort zone- professionally, financially and geographically is never easy. I overcame and continue to overcome challenges by “keeping my eyes on the prize”. Sometimes the immediate challenges you face seem large and can be disheartening but as long as belief in the end goal is steadfast then you find a way of dealing with the challenges along the way. What I have learnt on this journey is to stay focussed, stay humble and surround yourself with people that not only support you but that you can learn from. What I want the world to know is that great stuff is coming- watch this space!!!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Firstly, I would try convince them to stay longer than a week!!! There is a lot to try fit into a week. For the first few days I would do the “usual tourist” things that you have to do in Los Angeles- Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood sign, Griffiths Observatory, Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Malibu and West Hollywood. Once that was out of the way I would try to give them a sense of what Los Angeles is like for locals. That would include eating in Little Ethiopia, Chicken and Waffles at Roscoe’s on Manchester, a few different food trucks. A trip to Baldwin Hills and Inglewood is also a must including stops at the Black-Owned stores that sell some really cool stuff and food. Popping into the Marathon store to go past the Nipsey Hussle mural also a must. The California African American Museum (CAAM) would have to be included on the way to DTLA to go check out Santee Alley, the Flower Market and Arts District. Sundowners at Spire 73 would be the perfect way to round up the trip- nothing like the LA skyline at sunset. Like I said, trying to fit everything into a week is bit tricky!!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would dedicate my Shoutout to Wandi Nzimande, a close friend and mentor who passed away earlier this year. My wife and family also deserve credit and recognition in my story

Instagram: @swazisunshine

Twitter: @swazisunshine

Youtube: SwaziSunshine

Other: Mixcloud: Swazi Sunshine

Soundcloud: Swazi