"A hustler is someone who is driven. Regardless of what sh*t comes your way, you keep going to reach your goals. A hustler's dream requires no sleep
#NoDaysOFF is the motto"
-1ONC
I knew that Tank stayed in Bloem and is a photographer. First saw him at Mimosa Mall way
back while he was still working at SportsScene (i don't know if he remembers though). Truth
is, Tank has always stood out, the way he dressed back then, I thought he looked the part of
a creative. But I was rather intrigued and wanted to know more about what he does for a
living, mostly because i realised and heard that he is a BIG DEAL.
With the people he has worked with already, this only shows that he is well on his way to
being in the forefront of best creatives in this country. Honeslty, i just know 10NC via Twitter,
his tweets exude how humble he is and never is apologetic about where he comes from.
After reading this, i can simply say that he really is a force to be reckoned with, ladies and
gentlemen, meet 10nc.
Who is Tankiso Khumalo and where were you born and bred?
I’m village boy, a brother, a son, an ambitious creature who was born and bred in a village called Matebeleng in Qwa-Qwa.
What is it that you do for a living? And how did you get into it?
I am a graphic designer and a photographer. I am also the producer of Hlasela Social which is an entertainment and lifestyle show for the Free State by Free Staters. The episodes are loaded on You Tube.
What is your definition of a hustler and are you one?
A hustler is some one who is driven. Regardless of what shit comes your way you keep going to reach your goals. A hustler’s dream requires no sleep. #NoDaysOFF is the Motto.
Who are the people you have worked with who you consider to be inspiring?
I have been blessed enough to actually work with great names and capture great moments in my line of work including Minnie Dlamini, Thandiswa Mazwai, Pearl Modiadi, The Repertoires and Nandi Mngoma
Two people stand out as inspiring and they are the Free State Premier Ace Magashule and Donald Moatshe. Donald Moatshe is a true hustler. He never gave up on his dreams and kept pushing until he got his. His album “Train of Love” is in stores and should be supported. I was lucky enough to do the album sleeve photography and design. It really is a great album
What’s a normal day like for 10nc?
My Days are never normal or the same. There’s always something I’m doing, from meetings to shooting for our show, travelling around the Free State with the Premier and MEC’s, working on photo shoots or designing something for clients. I’m always working on something new.
What inspires you every day?
My family and the environment I grew up in, pushes me to want more from life everyday. My little sisters want a lot from life and if they see me beating what ever odds I’m faced with then they will be motivated hustlers in their own right.
Music also inspires especially when there is a story in the lyrics.
What were the challenges you were faced with trying to get to where you are today?
MONEY! Without money you can’t get the resources you need, in my case a camera, lights, computers, software and studio equipment. They aren’t cheap. Luckily I have a mother that motivated me; she’s a true hustler who taught me everything I know.
I’m a village boy, I don’t know everything but I teach myself these things. Everything I have I fought for blood, sweat and tears.
Any lessons learnt?
I learned a lot of things personally and business wise. Personally I learned that if you have a dream you go for it and you wait for no man. Regardless of your situation you keep pushing. As a man you need to be able to stand up on your feet and also provide for your family.
Business wise I’m still learning new things as I go along. I create opportunities for myself and others and gain experience because without experience there will be no jobs. That’s why while I was in college I got myself a job and began freelancing. I did branding for local businesses and at that time I didn’t care whether I was paid or not, I just wanted the experience.
What does success mean to you? And do you think you are successful yet?
Success to me means helping and providing for my family, taking my little sister to study abroad after matric (she’s a brilliant artist) and helping my friends reach their great potential.
I’m successful in a sense that I became everything people didn’t think I would. I am successful because I wake in a fully furnished apartment I pay for. I’m successful because God has given me tools to be successful. I am successful because I have an amazing mother who supports me, a girlfriend who’s amazing and a best friend who has always been there for me. I’m successful because I wake up everyday to go do what I love and still chase after my dreams.
But I just need to get that Private Jet success still. LOL
Anything you else you still want to pursue?
I want to get into advertising but we will see.
Share your playlist? What are you currently listening to?
I’m bumping MGK, Stally, Wale, Cinos, Donald, AKA, MMG, Young Money
Tumi and the Volume, Jadakiss, Nas etc I love music, if it’s a good song I will listen to it even if I don’t like the artist or the genre.
Jayz or Kanye?
None of them music wise. I’m not a huge fan of their music, I won’t lie. Business wise I will go for JayZ and fashion wise I will go for Kanye. They are great artists but I just don’t really listen to them
Mack, Marry or Flush between these three ladies, Beyonce, Gabrielle Union, Alicia Keys?
I’d marry Alicia Keys, mack Gabrielle and flush Beyonce.
Beamer, Benz or Bentley?
Beamer
Hip Hop or House?
Both
New York, Italy or London?
New York seeing Spain isn’t on the list.
Jacob Zuma or Thabo Mbeki?
That’s a tough one LOL
Football or rugby?
Football
What does love mean to you?
Love means everything to me. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for love in the sense that love gave me a second chance in life, from friends to family. Love shaped my dreams and gave me hope.
Are you in love?
#AOE (Ambition Over Everything)
You can also check out his blog http://www.photographyfriday.tumblr.com/
Follow him on twitter @10nc for #Photographyfriday and his tweets ofcourse. :-)
HERE IS SOME OF 10NC's WORK:
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