Entertainment mover and shaker recognised as a finalist in Forty Under 40 Africa Awards
Sbongiseni "Keys" Mkhize, the visionary founder of Finally Famous Entertainment, is making waves in the media and entertainment sector.
He was recently selected as a finalist for the esteemed Forty Under 40 Africa Awards.
This accolade not only celebrates Mkhize's extraordinary contributions to the industry but also highlights his unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and innovating within entertainment.
In reflecting on this significant achievement, Mkhize exuded pride, attributing the recognition to the myriad opportunities Finally Famous Entertainment created for aspiring artists, especially in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
"This recognition is not just about me but about the immense potential of South African youth, and I am honoured to play a part in showcasing their talent to the world," he remarked.
The Forty Under 40 Africa Awards is a prestigious celebration that honours accomplished young leaders from diverse industries who excel in professional excellence, community service, and business growth.
Mkhize’s journey is a testament to these values; his career trajectory is sprinkled with groundbreaking contributions that have profoundly shaped SA's media and entertainment landscape.
Before carving his name into the annals of South African radio, Mkhize honed his skills as a producer at Gagasi FM for almost nine years.
During his valuable tenure, he became an important bridge between SA's burgeoning music scene and global artists.
Mkhize famously brought international acts, including rappers T.I and Rick Ross, to the station, significantly boosting its profile beyond the African continent.
His dedication to enhancing his craft took him to New York City in 2024, where he gained invaluable insights by witnessing the behind-the-scenes production of acclaimed television shows such as “The View" and “The Tamron Hall Show”.
He also drew inspiration from “The Breakfast Club”, widely regarded as America's most influential syndicated radio programme.
This quest for knowledge and growth has undoubtedly fortified Mkhize's approach to elevating South African narratives on a world stage.
Reflecting on his roots, Mkhize describes himself as a reserved yet ambitious individual who nurtured a profound appreciation for entertainment from a young age.
Growing up in a single-parent household in Hammarsdale, the importance of hard work and creativity was instilled in him early on.
"Entertainment was all that we had as kids. It was a passion that blossomed from the limited resources we had," he remarked, crediting his entry into radio to a momentous opportunity as a contributor on Ukhozi FM in 2011.
Influenced by local icons like soccer player Sibusiso "Rhee" Zuma and actress Pearl Thusi, Mkhize's journey serves as an inspiration to emerging talents from similar backgrounds.
"It showed us that we can also do it," he noted.
As he gazes toward the future, Mkhize envisions an expansion of Finally Famous Entertainment, aspiring to transition from regional to international prominence.
"We have to branch out. The world awaits," he added.
With an unwavering focus on blending technical expertise and creativity, he aims to establish SA as a global hub for entertainment content.