#Newsmaker: Mmasea PeTje's new gig, co-hosting Garage Gold

Mmasea PeTje will be co-hosting the new season of Garage Gold.

In the show’s upcoming season, the series continues to focus on motoring events across the country while also giving a glimpse into the hidden gems that people around the country have in their garages.

Here, PeTje tells us more about how the show allows her to express herself and her passion for cars, helping her to break free from the stereotypes imposed on her so that she can reintroduce a more authentic part of herself.

Congrats on the new show. How do you feel about it?

I'm really excited to be back in front of the camera getting to share a side of myself that not a lot of people have been privy to. 'So excited' is definitely the best way to describe the feeling.

What excites you most about this show?

It's different. We're breaking the rules of what you would call a typical classic car show. And then, of course, there's the fact that I got to spend time surrounded by and learning about these incredible machines.

I mean I remember spending a day on set in this warehouse with a 100 odd classics and in one section was the history of Rolls Royce starting as far back as the Wraith. It completely blew my mind. You can't put a price on the experience of filming the show, and it's super exciting to share that with everyone.

What an incredible day. ❤️ the classics pic.twitter.com/Z9DkTRuf48

— Mmasea PeTje (@JustMmasea) March 3, 2020

I really wanted to be a part of this show because I felt like it was a great break-free moment for me.

I think it's easy to typecast someone like me and I've often been boxed into a very stereotypical character - for lack of a better term - and I think particularly in our local industry, it's almost frowned upon to be different. That has been my biggest struggle. I'm not thick enough, I'm not thin enough. I'm not light enough, I'm not dark enough. I'm not cool enough... the list goes on. So being able to work on a show where none of that really matters is a big reason why I wanted this. And so, I think that's another reason why I think this show was so needed. Because it gives girls like me, who aren't necessarily rough around the edges, a space to also enjoy being car fanatics.

It's a lot of fun. Not always easy but definitely fun. I get to do things, see things and explore things that not a lot of people get to. Also, not a lot of people know this, but I've been at this for a long time now. I've always loved to entertain, so as long as I get to make people smile, laugh or cry happy tears, then I am happy, and that's a big part of what I love about doing what I do.

Any career highlights you’re particularly proud of?

I was in a movie with Paul Walker. That's my go-to response to this question. And then I clarify that I did voice work for a movie that Paul Walker was in. If I'm honest though, I can't really pick one specific highlight. I've had so many incredible moments and have been so blessed and still have a lot to achieve.

What are you most looking forward to/enjoying so far?

I'm definitely excited for this next chapter. I've paid my dues, I've taken my Ls, I've studied, and it's safe to say that what comes next is definitely not what anyone is expecting, but it's gonna be great. Watch this space.

So last night we got to film at the Comic Warehouse and here's the thing... I let my geek freak fly and lived every moment of it ��. Really can't wait for ya'll to see was' poppin#ComingSoon pic.twitter.com/aU6Ps8fMSz

— Mmasea PeTje (@JustMmasea) March 11, 2020

I like to be prepared for everything. About a day or two in advance. I like to map things out in my head. Preparation is key for me. As soon as I get onto set, I run through my lines, that I am prepared and that I have everything I need with me. I make sure I am focused, and that I know what the end goal is, and take into consideration everybody that is there with me who is working towards the same end goal.

What are you currently reading/watching/listening to for work?

Don't judge me but I keep rewatching Drive to Survive because that is the only Formula 1 that is on at the moment. Hyperdrive is also pretty cool. Lots of Marvell stuff, Extraordinary Homes, Dirty Money and Ru Paul's Drag Race. So pretty much a little bit of everything.

Tell us something about yourself not generally known?

Well, it's a bit ironic that I'd be on a car show after the fact but many moons ago I failed my driver’s test three times. I figured it out eventually and my skill has improved since, so don't give up on your dreams. Lol.

This month Bizcommunity Marketing & Media is featuring radio and podcasting. As a radio personality yourself, why do you think radio still has such strong staying power as a mass medium and as a channel for advertising?

I saw someone tweet "in breaking news moments like this, there should be a type of podcast you can listen to in real-time, easily accessible for free". That made me laugh because it's called radio, right? What we do is personal and there is an authenticity in being able to really connect with an audience who can't see you, so there is no preconceived idea of how they should respond to you, so it's genuine.

Sometimes studio lighting is kind to me.

Happy #947Sundays pic.twitter.com/SdnsHt3Vr5

— Mmasea PeTje (@JustMmasea) February 23, 2020

What are some of the trends you see happening in the industry, for 2020 and beyond?

It’s difficult to tell at this point in time. Especially because I don't think any industry knows exactly what will happen after the pandemic. Everything seems so uncertain. But I think now more than ever, people are going to realise the value and importance of the creative or entertainment industry. So, perhaps we end up going back to our roots and weigh talent over influencer metrics. That would be a great move. Maybe it's the complete opposite. Whichever way it goes, it will be interesting to see.