Interview With Dentsu School of Influence Johannesburg Winner Kgomotso Masebuko

Interview With Dentsu School of Influence Johannesburg Winner Kgomotso Masebuko. In partnership with CSA, Dentsu South Africa invited creators to apply for the Dentsu School of Influence. This is a Youth Month) programme designed to help young talent turn creativity into sustainable careers. One of the winners is Kgomotso Masebuko, a Johannesburg based content creator.

01  You describe yourself as a creative rather than simply a writer. How would you define your creative identity, and how has it evolved throughout your career?

Hey, my name is Kgomotso Masebuko, and “I’m a writer” is usually how I introduce myself. But if I’m being completely honest, a better way to describe myself would be that I’m a creative.

02  Storytelling appears to be at the centre of your work across journalism, fashion, content creation and strategy. What makes a story meaningful and capable of genuinely connecting with an audience?

Storytelling has always been at the centre of everything I do. Whether it’s through writing, fashion, content creation or strategy, I’ve always been drawn to creating work that makes people feel something.

03  After graduating Cum Laude with a Diploma in Journalism, you gained experience working with platforms such as YOU Magazine, News24, True Love Magazine and IOL. What did those experiences teach you about journalism and storytelling?

In 2023, I graduated Cum Laude with a Diploma in Journalism. A few months later, I began my internship at Media24, where I had the opportunity to write and produce content for YOU Magazine, News24, True Love Magazine and IOL. Those experiences shaped me not only as a journalist but as a storyteller, teaching me how to find meaningful stories and communicate them in ways that connect with people.

04  Your career has expanded into styling, social media management, content creation and fashion content creation. What inspired you to explore different creative disciplines rather than specialising in just one?

As my career evolved, so did my creativity. I’ve worked as a stylist, social media manager, content creator and fashion content creator, collaborating with brands including Faro, Yellow Sub Trading, Converse and many others. Beyond brand partnerships, I’ve also built my own creative platforms, using fashion, faith and storytelling to cultivate communities and create content with purpose.

05  You have collaborated with brands such as Faro, Yellow Sub Trading and Converse. What do you look for when deciding whether a brand partnership aligns with your creative identity?

06  You founded Nari, a Christian lifestyle brand and community that combines creativity, faith and storytelling. What inspired you to create Nari, and what impact do you hope it will have on its community?

One of the projects closest to my heart is Nari, a Christian lifestyle brand and community that I founded. Through Nari, I’ve been able to merge my love for creativity and my faith, proving to myself that content can be beautiful, strategic and meaningful all at once.

07  As someone who works across fashion, faith, journalism and digital content, how do you balance creativity with strategy when developing content?

Outside of work, I’m an introvert who genuinely enjoys being around people. I’m usually the one fully present in the conversation, but every now and then I’ll quietly step outside for a bit of fresh air. I love hiking, swimming and playing tennis. Those moments help me recharge and often inspire my best ideas.

08  You were selected as a winner of the Dentsu School of Influence internship. What do you believe you brought into the programme that helped you stand out?

Winning the Dentsu School of Influence internship is still something I’m incredibly grateful for. I don’t think there’s one specific reason why I won, but I do know what I brought into the room. Every opportunity, whether big or small, deserves my best. I believe in excellence in the way I communicate, excellence in the stories I tell and excellence in the work I create.

09  You mentioned that the Dentsu School of Influence taught you that great content is not simply about following trends, but about understanding people, thinking strategically and telling stories with intention. How has this changed the way you approach your work?

That’s exactly what Dentsu challenged me to do. Throughout the programme I learned that great content isn’t just about following trends. It’s about understanding people, thinking strategically and telling stories with intention. Every brief pushed me to think differently, and every session reminded me that creativity is as much about solving problems as it is about making something beautiful.

10  Looking ahead, how do you envision bringing together your identities as a writer, strategist, stylist, creator and storyteller to build a lasting career and creative legacy?

The Dentsu School of Influence didn’t just sharpen my skills as a creator. It gave me the confidence to fully own every part of who I am: a writer, a strategist, a stylist, a creator and, above all, a storyteller.