Entertainer & model with the most takes on the world
Botswana’s multi-talented entertainer Itumeleng Thipe has seen it all just at age 25 having had acting stints at two of South African soapies in Generations the legacy and Muvhango as well as being a TV presenter at Zallywood Productions, a channel on DSTV is still soaring high up in the skies. In 2015, she appeared among staff members of Hastag staff members in Generations before she acted on Muvhango as Rendani’s university close friend, two roles she said opened doors for her. Speaking to Vibe recently in Francistown where she is planning a modelling workshop and Ikalanga-themed fashion show, Thipe admitted that back home things are not that professional as compared to South Africa but expressed hope that the situation could improve. She noted that her main aim is to focus on youth through various workshops on modelling acting and fashion designing hence her partnership with an American designer of repute. She also She shared that she was an entertainer, presenter, hostess and masters of ceremonies who learnt all the skills in Mzansi through her own desire accompanied by talent, hence it did not take for both Muvhango and Generations talent scout to use her when the opportunity arose. As a TV presenter, she disclosed that she would single handedly find location for the show, write its script as well as coming up with content which included celebrity guests as well as controlling the quality of the show. Her other achievement include being a Miss Earth Botswana finalist of 2007, Miss Francistown 2009, Miss Earth Botswana finalist top six and she also Modelled for BOCCIM in 2009. Thipe added that she is very excited to be working with a USA based designer Clavon h. Leronard, whose story is quite inspirational. At the age of twelve, Clavon had a dream of seeing people walk down the runway in his clothing. He did not fully comprehend the dream then, but saw the affinity for clothing and being well dressed. Appearance was important and his father’s care for style instilled in him his own passion to express himself through clothing. The freedom Clavon found in fashion became limited as high school required uniforms. “With that restriction, then came a greater awareness of his skin colour. The experiences of high school pushed Clavon to experiment with fabrics, colours, and patterns so his skin was not the only thing standing out.” At age 51, Clavon is finally living the dream he had as a young boy. From his first NYFW show with the Set NY in 2014, doors began to open. In 2015, he showcased at Mercedes Benz New Zealand, Fashion Gallery NYFW, Fashion Week Los Angeles, to his stand alone show for NYFW in 2017. His designs have been featured in publications such as British Vogue, Tattler, and British GQ, and he has dressed and styled Carla Hall of ABC’s “The Chew”, pop music’s Frankie Zulferino, and NFL star Jonathan Casillas.