Milliswa Vilane
(She/Her)
Covers:
I cover topics related to music, with specific interest in Hip Hop, R&B and Urban Music. I basically write what I love, I'm honest whilst at it.
Doesn't Cover:
Anything that doesn't intrigue me in terms of music content.
•Content Producer for THE AGENDA on YFM•Communications & PR Strategist. •Cultural Curator•Music Journalist. •
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Writing articles for WORD!S.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I am a millennial baby, so NO. I wish I could though.
How is social media changing news?
Social media is opening people's minds to a lot of perspectives and views. Not only are people consuming news, but they interact with it.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I can't think of a fictional one at the moment? But none fictional? Sabelo Mkhabela and Cedric Dhladhla.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a journalist to me, means being a storyteller, an honest one that is. I use my words as means to paint a picture and share my world.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Can't really think of one at the moment.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Via email then we collaborate using Google Docs
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use a lot of Microsoft Word, Google Docs and I do a lot of research as well. Spotify podcasts help me out as well.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter/X. All day, every day.
Who do you wish followed you?
All the Pitchfork writers and Dan Runcie from Trapital.
Why did you become a journalist?
To highlight and help people set their eyes on the Eswatini creative space. To be a voice for my people, always.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
My high school didn't have one but I would always have my teacher reading my essays for the whole class in high school, I wrote poetry too.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Surprisingly, I am most proud of my first ever story profiling NOVL for WORD!S. I was so nervous when interviewing him but I had fun.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Do not be afraid to stand for what you believe in and always remember to show grace towards yourself even on days when you feel uninspired.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Weekends. I am in my creative bag then.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitch was a story profiling the history of Eswatini hip hop. I never really wrote it, in due time, I will
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
A gossip story that would hurt people I loved and probably have people losing their trust in me.
What's your favorite drink?
Cranberry Juice
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Most likely to be on my phone listening to music.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Pitchfork is definitely up there. I love reading their music reviews.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
I don't think there's any except people thinking I am South African
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.