IF YOU NEED A JOB DONE, ASK A WOMAN

At the age of 21, Fika Msengana has done what so many dream of doing. She is qualified in Film Studies and is the youngest editor of a national youth pop-culture magazine called Live SA. This enigmatic and fierce female is leaving the magazine world to pursue the adventures of the world. Fika is a self-confessed Hip-hop fan and currently listening to the likes of Kendrick Lamar. She allowed us 10 minutes of her busy schedule to chat to us about what it meant to be an editor of a magazine and to let us know on her secret plans for the future.

You qualified in film, what attracted you to print media?
I had lost interest in film, so when I decided to take the print media route. I already had an obsession with buying and collecting magazines. I loved the idea of creating a world where people could get lost in, which I so often did with the magazines I bought.

You are an editor of a youth pop-culture magazine, how was your experience been like?
The experience has been…an experience. One that I wasn’t sure I was capable of doing. But the journey from the time I started, to the point I am at now- has been an interesting road. I have learnt so much about myself and my team and it has prepared me for my future endeavours.

What are your highlight thus far as an editor?
Having the opportunity to go places and meeting new people, never gets old for me. Aswell, getting freebies from people I have build relationships with because of my work, isn’t to bad either.

At age 21 you are an editor, how do you lead the newsroom/editorial as they are different people coming from different backgrounds?
The editorial meetings are the most awkward moments of my week. But leading those meetings helps me get a better understanding of everyone and with the knowledge of knowing everyone, helps me lead a better discussion and debate to the team. I also find that people are more receptive to listening and are willing to talk, if I show interest in them first.

What does it mean to be an editor of a youth pop-culture magazine?
It means I have to know what the youth really want (and the youth don’t really want to be called youth (laughs) and I have to know what they want before they know they want it. Its a huge responsibility because the young can be unforgiving if you don’t get it the first time, but its a lot easier when you’re one of the cool kids-definitely.

What are the hurdles/obstacles you face when putting up a magazine?
One of my biggest hurdles I’ve had to face so far is getting my team to communicate to each other. Its hard to get people to communicate with each other if they don’t blend well together. I have learnt (the hard way) that if a message isn’t communicated properly-things could go wrong, very quickly.

Describe yourself in three words
Enigmatic, complex, funny

What is the best and worst advice you have been given?
Best Advice: do what makes you happy. Worst Advice: Do what makes you happy

Media in South Africa is transforming into the digital sphere, do you believe print media will be relevant in a ten years time?
I hope so. I think it will be relevant because people like the feel, smell, look of magazines or newspapers. It’s almost like print triggers all our senses. Although digital is faster and cheaper-print lasts longer and its tangible, making it yours. Digital makes things seem less personal.

You are a Hip-hop fan. What are you currently listening to?
I’m listening to everyone Kendrick Lamar mentioned on his verse on Big Sean’s Control including SchoolBoy Q, Joey BadA$$ and Earl Sweatshirt.

What quote best describe, how you see the world?
‘You’re day is wasted if you haven’t laughed yet.”- Charlie Chapman

For more info:
Twitter: ItsJust_fika
Facebook: Fika Msengana