10 Questions For: Malibongwe Tyilo

Selected as one of the Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans in 2013, VISI Magazine’s editor-at-large is also an award-winning fashion blogger

1.  How would you describe what you do for a living?
I mostly write; it’s a sort of semi-freelance vibe. I work with Visi Magazine as editor-at-large, and I write columns for City Press and the Woolworths W magazine. However, I also pursue a couple of passion projects like my blog, Skattie, What Are You Wearing?, the Skattie online magazine, and the Skattie Celebrates exhibitions-cum-launch parties.

2.  What is your most vivid childhood memory?
My grandfather had a border collie I loved a lot - Rover,  I think he was called. He got sick, and one day a vet came over to put him down. I was super young and I thought he came to cure him, and death wasn't something I had a good grip on. I remember feeling completely devastated and betrayed by the world, my granddad and the vet.

3.  If you could invite any three people, dead or alive, for dinner, who would they be and why?
Beyoncé, Rihanna, Róisín Murphy.

1. Beyoncé represents an incredible work ethic and ambition, and her life seems so together. I'm curious as to how she does it all, what drives her and does she really only have 24hours in her day like the rest of us?
2. As far as I'm concerned Rihanna is queen of life itself, and I want royalty at my table - plus I wanna know if that I Don't Give F**K attitude is for real.
3. Róisín represents serious artistry and forward style, whilst the other two performers pander a little more to pop sensibilities. Róisín seems to exist on a higher plane, where she is her own style inspiration.

If I got lucky and I could invite two more, it would be Madonna and Oprah, no doubt about it.

4.  If you ever found yourself auditioning for a music reality TV show, what song would you sing and why?
Have you ever heard my singing voice? Even in my wildest thoughts, I would never imagine myself trying out for a music reality show. It is that bad? Once when I was four years old, I was singing in the backseat of my parents’ car. My mother, who is generally a very supportive and encouraging human being, couldn't hold back; she was like, "please stop".

5.  How would you complete this sentence? The South African cabinet should include a Minister of__________________.
The South African cabinet should include a Minister in the Department of curated national fabulousness.

6.  What would you say is the biggest misconception about you?
[Can I skip this one? I really have no idea what to say.]

7.  What is your (honest) opinion of Cape Town?
I actually really love Cape Town. The only issues I have are the inequality and the huge amount of racial segregation that still exists. Besides those issues, it is literally the perfect city for me. I have so much love for this place, and it has shown me and my partner an awesome quality of life so far.

8.  What's the greatest fear you've had to overcome to get where you are today?
I don't know if I can point to a specific one right now, but I have had a lot of fears: not being good enough, not being talented enough, not being disciplined enough, becoming an alcoholic, getting so fat it kills me, etc. I find the more I work, regardless of the fears, the more I overcome them bit by bit. Sometimes you think you've overcome a certain fear, only for it to raise its ugly head again, so I think it's a process really. One just has to keep fighting. Maybe one day we wake up and all our fears will be obliterated. 

9.  What's the one thing you'd like to achieve before you die?
This is going to sound a bit pathetic and shallow, but I really want to know what it’s like to have a ripped body. On a slightly more serious note, I want to contribute towards making the arts far more accessible to the general populace. I hate it when people feel alienated from galleries and exhibitions as though they don't belong there. Right now that is my mission and that is what drives my work, expanding the audience for the arts and all things design in SA. 

10.  Which well- known South African personality would you, without a doubt, be able to beat in a street fight and why?  
Sadly I have to admit that I have never been in a physical fight in all my 35 years of existence.  I fear I wouldn't be much of a challenge for anyone, but then again, who wants to be in a street fight? 

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ABOUT #CapeTownMag10Q:

CapeTownMagazine.com’s 10 Questions project gets to know some of the Mother City’s most creative and inspiring people. From television personalities and musicians to politicians and entrepreneurs, we find out more about well-known and up-and-coming Capetonians. You can follow #CapeTownMag10Q on Twitter and Facebook to track recent interviews or read more here about our other awesome 10 Questions candidates. 

A FEW OF OUR OTHER 10Q CANDIDATES:

10 Questions For Adventurer and Author Davey du Plessis

10 Questions For Writer Rebecca Davis

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