By Staff Reporter
news@alexreporter.co.za
Neo Rapetsoa has been dubbed the “Future of Film and Television.”
The 22-year-old performing artist and digital content creator might have recently graduated from Africa Film Drama Art (AFDA), but she has made appearances in some of South Africa’s most beloved telenovelas, including “The Queen” as Blessing and Generations: The Legacy” as Didi.
Determined to create her brand reputation outside of her famous grandfather Paul Rapetsoa (who portrayed the character of Malome Josias in the popular SABC1 soapie) and her father, Matome Rapetsoa (a well-known producer and director), the dynamic and emerging craft has placed her among many young artists with brighter future prospects within the South African entertainment and arts industry.
In an exclusive interview with Alex Reporter, Neo revealed how she intends to ensure that her brand is highly relatable to her audience and offers the perfect balance between influence and entertainment through storytelling and content creation.
Her passion for entertainment, fashion, food, and travel shines through in her work, making her a versatile and sought-after performer.
What inspired Neo Rapetsoa to pursue a career in the entertainment industry at such a young age?
I’ve always had a strong interest in the arts and entertainment, so landing in this position was fate. If anything, I’d say I pursued a passion that just happened to turn into a career.
How have Neo Rapetsoa’s rapid digital growth and multiple brand collaborations impacted her career and popularity?
It has impacted my career quite positively; I think the belief that people have had in me and my brand has opened a lot more doors for me in my career than I could’ve ever imagined, and all I can be is grateful for the constant love and support.
Can you highlight some of the unique elements of Neo Rapetsoa’s storytelling and content creation that resonate with her audience?
I think the prime element of my brand that resonates with my audience is relatability. A lot of times when I meet people, the first thing they say is how they see themselves in my brand, especially young black girls, and that truly warms my heart because I strive to tell the stories of young black women all over the globe.
How does Neo Rapetsoa’s passion for entertainment, fashion, food, and travel manifest in her work as a performer and content creator?
In its own way, content creation is a form of storytelling, as is performing, so my ability to capture memories and portray moments in a way that tells a story is largely influenced by my passion for performance. Both forms of storytelling help me paint reality from a different perspective.
What challenges has Neo Rapetsoa faced in her journey to success in the South African entertainment industry, and how has she overcome them?
I think the biggest challenge for me has been constantly reminding myself that social media is not real life and I cannot have my life choices shaped by the social pressures of being in the public eye, especially having gotten into the public eye from as early as 15; having friends and family who not only believe in me but know me always keeps me grounded and helps me to stay in touch with the realities of life.
As Neo Rapetsoa graduates from her performing arts program, what are her future plans and aspirations for her career in the entertainment and arts industry?
The future is not in my hands but in God’s, so truly and honestly, my aspirations all come down to living out the purpose that God has placed over my life through the talents and skills I’ve been blessed with.
Can you shed light on the impact of Neo Rapetsoa’s performances in popular telenovelas like “The Queen” and Generations: The Legacy” on her growing fan base and industry recognition?
Being able to perform in such well-known telenovelas with some of the industry’s biggest legends has truly given me a blissful perspective on what the industry is all about, and it has made me grow an even greater respect for performers and storytellers. It has also blessed me with opportunities to continuously be in rooms where I can learn and take in all the knowledge I get from all the individuals in these spaces and from my own personal experiences.
