Interview between Jan Malan and Catherine Ruze Agency owner Shamiso Ruzvidzo:
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I had the pleasure of interviewing a man who to me, and I am sure to many is viewed as the most respected fashion show producer in Africa and the World, Jan Malan. My interest in Jan and his work began when he discovered Oluchi, now an internationally known supermodel with a resume like Victoria's Secret and Sports Illustrated. I loved Oluchi and still do, she embodied strength and such a beauty on the catwalk that when you watched her glide up the runway, she was so reminiscent of a young Naomi Campbell; a black panther on the runway.
I started to read a lot about Oluchi and what she was doing, and from reading about her i discovered the source; Jan Malan.
“He conceptualised and orchestrated the original ‘Face of Africa Model Search’ for MNET in 1997” (Jan Man - About), and has produced so many unique and vibrant shows. My favorite one was for South African designer David Tlale for his African fashion week showcase, a fashion show that made history at the Nelson Mandela Bridge in South Africa.
Jan is a true professional and an inspiration. When we met in the sunny city of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, he and his team were putting the final touches to Swahili Fashion Week. Jan was refreshingly friendly and easy going. A meeting that I thought would last 10 minutes (due to his hectic schedule) ended up being an hour and a half. He invited me to the National Museum where the show was taking place, and I got a chance to see the set come alive. Everything from the stage being built from scratch to the models fitting, to his team busy at work. (Something that I don’t often get to see as an outsider, as I am always caught up in the whirlwind of it; managing the shows)
Jan is a true professional and an inspiration. When we met in the sunny city of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, he and his team were putting the final touches to Swahili Fashion Week. Jan was refreshingly friendly and easy going. A meeting that I thought would last 10 minutes (due to his hectic schedule) ended up being an hour and a half. He invited me to the National Museum where the show was taking place, and I got a chance to see the set come alive. Everything from the stage being built from scratch to the models fitting, to his team busy at work. (Something that I don’t often get to see as an outsider, as I am always caught up in the whirlwind of it; managing the shows)
Below is our chat:
CR: When did this all start for you Jan, why fashion show production?
Jan: I was once in the military and in those days you had no choice, you were forced into the military. One day I walked past a modeling agency and went in, they took me on and i started to do some modeling work. I started to do shows, but it seems that I was organisng them more than anything. I would say, "why don't you do this, why don't you do that" (he laughs) and they ended up hiring me to organise. That’s where it all began.
CR: What is the most memorable show that you've ever produced?
Jan: Wow that's a tough one.....(thinks). The finals of Face of Africa in the beginning. They were held in Zimbabwe, and that is where Oluchi won. It was the beginning that's why it was so memorable.
CR: What's the biggest challenge you have faced when producing shows?
Jan: Lights with no bulbs (laughs). We ordered stage lights for a show once and they arrived with no bulbs (laughs), when we called them to find out what had happened to the bulbs, they said we didn't ask for them (we both laugh).
CR: What advice do you have for us newcomers in this industry?
Jan: The 3 P's - Patience, Passion and Persistence.
Final note:
Inspiration is the only word that comes to mind, thank you Jan for your time and wisdom.
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| Jan Malan and Shamiso Ruzvidzo |
