Online, On Air and On Fleek Renaldo Schwarp, keeps his finger on the pulse of South African pop culture.
At the tender age of 25, Renaldo Schwarp’s, face and voice are difficult to miss in and around the Mother City. Currently the host of his own late-night radio show on CapeTalk, he is also the host of VIA TV’s weekly Afrikaans entertainment news show #GONS. With his upbeat personality, Schwarp – who entered the media industry in 2012 – is fast becoming one of South Africa’s most-loved and switched on media personalities.
SA Life Magazine, sat down with the Cape Town Personality and got to know him a little better.... Have a read!
Describe yourself in 5 words? Audacious. Determined. ‘Spicy’ at times. Extreme Extrovert. Ready.
What was your childhood like? Looking back at it now, it wasn’t as bad or as awkward I thought it was at the time. I’m extremely lucky to have had (and still do) a supportive family. As it probably is with many teenagers, I think I just tried too hard at certain things… Tried too hard to fit in, tried too hard to be popular. I know now that all that really didn’t matter at all.
When did you first discover a love for the entertainment industry? Probably in early high school days.TV and radio completely drew me in, I remember watching all the continuity presenters on TV and having a burning urge to do what they do.
Who are you when you’re simply at home, on a Sunday afternoon? Having such a busy schedule, Sunday afternoons have become time to wind down and spend with family, so you will probably find me enjoying Sunday lunch, chilling at home or catching up on series.
Who do you admire within the South African entertainment industry, and why? There are a few, Tracey Lange is an absolute powerhouse that I have admired since watching her on Bravo a few years ago. Her passion, work ethic and willingness to help new talent makes her one of my favourites. Another media powerhouse who I admire is Elana-Afrika Bredenkamp, much like Tracey she is a force to be reckoned with in the local entertainment industry. She understands the business and herself, perfect combination.
How do you deal with negative criticism? I take it all with a pinch of salt, the good and the bad. I take my work very seriously, never myself, so I am aware that there will also be someone who doesn’t like you or what you do. That’s why it is so important to know who you are because in this line of work, you have to put yourself out there and that means that people will either like or they will absolutely hate you – and that is OK.
Who is your role model and why? I look up to people who go and get what they want, no matter the odds stacked against them. I don’t have role models as such but there are a few people whose tenacity and grit I absolutely admire.
Where’s the most interesting place you have travelled to and why? Travelling abroad is on the bucket list for 2018, so I haven’t travelled abroad yet. But in 2017 I went on a tour to Matjiesfontein and it was mesmerizing, a small town (I should say street) enriched with loads of history and stories. Magical.
What motto or words do you live by? Dream it, Believe it, Achieve it. I know it sounds like a cliché but once you believe you can half the battle is already won.
We all know that the media doesn’t always get all their info correct, what is the strangest thing you have read about yourself that wasn’t true? Nothing yet. Thank goodness!
You have a growing following on social media! What is the most memorable tweet you have received, or been tagged in? The easy answer would be, tweets from guests/celebrities who said they had a blast in studio with me. But the messages which stands out the most must be from followers who engage with my content online who support me with all my projects.
Everybody starts their working careers off small, what was your very first job? Mmm.. The first gig I got paid for was back in Varsity. I performed in a musical at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. I think I was paid like R2000 for a few shows.
The entertainment industry is a tough industry to break into. What encouraging words do you have for anyone starting out? Know yourself. Know when to say no. And get used to hearing “no”.
In your line of work, you get to meet a wide variety of people. Who was your most memorable? It’s difficult just to pick just one! In 2016 I had the opportunity to chat to Tracey Lange for a show I hosted and we ever since she has become somewhat of an unofficial mentor.
I am sure you have encountered a few fans along the way, what has been your favourite fan encounter? No ‘fan moments’ in the traditional sense, but yes I have had some ‘interesting’ encounters with supporters/followers. A listener once phoned into studio and invited me to come over for Christmas lunch as she was going to spend it alone. My favourite moment must be grandfather, who is a massive Jacaranda FM fan, who religiously listens to my shows every weekend.
Did you always see yourself in the entertainment industry, or did you have different dreams as a child? No, I thought I was planning to be an attorney. Suit, tie, the whole shebang! In Matric I decided to rather go study a BA in Drama and the rest is history.
What has been your most challenging decision in your career thus far? What made it so challenging? Relocating to Johannesburg. I’m absolutely in love with Cape Town and all my friends and networks are there. It took me a good 3 months to finally decide that I should relocate, just because everything I knew was in Cape Town. Looking back, I’m happy I took the leap of faith.
Everyone harbors a pet peeve. What is yours? I hate people who gate keep. It is sad to see that so many people in the industry try and block opportunities for those coming after them. I don’t understand it. If everyone focuses on their craft and what they offer and making sure it is on par, then one shouldn’t be threatened by new talent. There is enough space in the limelight for everyone.
Follow Renaldo Schwarp's Social Media Pages -
Facebook: @renaldoschwarp1
Twitter: @RenaldoSchwarp
Instagram: @renaldoschwarp