Former Big Brother Mzansi contestant Liyema Pantsi, who walked away with two wins at the SA Social Media Awards (Sasmas), said the recognition was an affirmation of her dreams.
The star, who gained a big following after her Big Brother journey, won the Social Media Beauty Influencer of the Year and Popular Hashtag on Social Media awards.
The Sasmas cater for brands, influencers and agencies using digital tools for content creation.
“It feels surreal ...These two awards validate my time and effort,” the Qonce-born Amahloni singer said.
“It’s shown the impact of my work and inspires me to continue.
“I’m relatively new in the industry and I’m already winning, I have been surrounded by supportive people who were really excited and proud when I won.”
She said her followers should brace themselves for more surprises.
“Expect more content, more work, more music ... I see myself being top of the game in whatever I do.
“My future inspires me. I want to reach my full potential.
“When I went to Big Brother, I wanted to open the door [to the] entertainment industry.
“When I left, I didn’t want to be only defined by Big Brother, but by what I do.”
Pantsi said she always believed she would sing her heart out all the way to the top.
“As a child, I used to get inspiration from celebrities.
“The desire shifted more when I went on Idols, having to experience what the stage is, the lights, cameras, and audience. I wanted to be on stage.”
Pantsi, who recently launched her single Amahloni, said there was more to come.
“Amahloni is nostalgic. It teaches you about self-love.
“It’s about valuing yourself as a person and choosing myself.
“I’m dropping an EP soon, it’s coming out on Friday,” she said.
The awards sparked a debate, with the likes of Musa Khawula, a social media personality who was also a presenter on the glitzy night, expressing his opinion that some nominees did not deserve their nods.
In response to the backlash, Pantsi said her work spoke for itself.
“What people think of me isn’t my problem. It can’t affect me when they have nothing to do with my growth.
“The people that are negative about my craft haven’t invested anything. I got nominated and people voted and I won, full stop.”
Pantsi said living her life in the public eye meant she needed to be a role model for young people.
“I’ve learnt that preparation and how you carry yourself is important.
“I’ve learnt to open a space for growth, being in the space means people are looking at me, I can potentially be a role model. I need to treat myself as such.”
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