Thembisa S. Mshaka: The Creative Force You Need to Know
When you think of powerhouses in the entertainment industry—those who have shaped the culture, uplifted voices, and redefined storytelling—Thembisa S. Mshaka stands in a league of her own.
As Senior Advertising Copywriter at Sony Music, she was behind the award-winning marketing campaigns that helped launch the careers of Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child, Will Smith, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Wyclef Jean, Jill Scott, and many more. With her strategic storytelling, she contributed to the sale of over 170 million records worldwide in just five years.
Her legacy in Hip-Hop journalism is just as impactful. As the first Black woman and first Black person to hold the role of Rap Editor at GAVIN Magazine, she coined the phrase “Generation NeXt”, which became synonymous with the rise of 90s Hip-Hop and Neo-Soul artists like The Roots, Busta Rhymes, D’Angelo, Common, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
As a voice actor, Thembisa has lent her powerful voice to Ford, Xfinity, Publix, SunTrust Bank, and the WNBA, among others, securing seven Voice Arts Award nominations.
Her career in film and television is just as influential. She served as the lead screenwriter for the docuseries Running While Black, executive produced by Spike Lee for VICE TV. Her first feature screenplay, Islamic Speed Dating, is complete and adapted for series. She’s currently developing multiple TV pilots, including a docuseries with celebrity makeup mogul Ashunta Sheriff (Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Ciara).
Not only is Thembisa a force in marketing, film, and voice acting—she’s also a powerful author and thought leader.
Her book, Put Your Dreams First: Handle Your [Entertainment] Business, is an essential guide for women navigating the entertainment industry. This book offers first-hand insights and interviews with 90+ influential women in music, TV, film, media, and more—including pioneers like Shanti Das, Angie Martinez, and Carol H. Williams. It’s a blueprint for understanding the business behind the dream while maintaining authenticity, integrity, and success.
Beyond her book, Thembisa has been a contributor for POISED, ShineYourCrown.com, Okayplayer.com, and the Huffington Post. Her most recent work is featured in the acclaimed anthology UnCommon Bonds: Women Reflect on Race and Friendship (Peter Lang), which explores the complexities of interracial friendships among women.
If you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or aspiring industry leader, Thembisa’s wisdom is priceless. On The G Code with ADRI.V, she shares:
Know Your Worth & Protect Your Work – Your ideas, voice, and vision are valuable. Learn how to protect your intellectual property and ensure you’re getting paid what you’re worth.
Master the Art of Storytelling – Whether it’s through music, film, branding, or writing, your story is your currency. Learn how to craft compelling narratives that resonate.
Resilience is Key – The entertainment industry is not for the faint of heart. Push through the obstacles, evolve with the industry, and stay ahead of trends.
Use Your Voice – Whether it’s branding artists, writing scripts, or stepping into voice acting, your voice is your power—own it!
Stay Educated & Keep Learning – Read, research, and always stay a student of the game. Books like Put Your Dreams First can be game-changers for those looking to break into entertainment.
Listen Now!
This episode is a MUST-LISTEN for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to make a lasting impact in the entertainment industry.
Stream The G Code with ADRI.V now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the REVOLT Podcast Network!
Grab a copy of Put Your Dreams First: Handle Your [Entertainment] Business on Amazon and major book retailers!
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