CHANGEMAKER LERAI RAKODITSOE IS NICKELODEON’S FIRST NICKMUSIC HOST
An African first for kids TV, NickMusic to debut on NickToons this May
@NickelodeonAfrica #NickMusicAfrica
Johannesburg, 28 APRIL 2021 – ViacomCBS Networks Africa kids’ channel is set to premiere a local first for African kids’ television. NickMusic will be a fun filled, family-friendly music show playing fan favourites and up and coming tunes that both parents and kids can enjoy together afterschool. The proudly locally produced music show will feature music from African artists and across the world.
Hosted by the multi-talented young social changemaker and Girl Up executive, Lerai Rakoditsoe who is a part of the network's Culture Squad, a team of visionaries, creatives and trendsetters who consistently push the culture forward across the children, youth and entertainment brand. Lerai will make history as the first African face for the channel when NickMusic premieres exclusively on NickToons (DStv Channel 308) from 17 May 2021, every Monday – Friday at 16:25 CAT / 15:25 WAT.
“Nickelodeon promises to always stay true to kids across the continent. In our commitment to grow local relevance and content, we are solidifying this by now tapping into music as a passion point for our local viewers with the introduction of a family-friendly local music show,” says Dillon Khan, Vice President (VP) for Nickelodeon at ViacomCBS Networks Africa. “In our commitment to always celebrate and recognise the power of youth culture across Africa, we welcome Lerai to the Nickelodeon Africa family and we encourage kids and parents to put on their dancing shoes and get ready for NickMusic, ” concluded Khan.
A thrilled Lerai commented, “I am excited to be part of the Nickelodeon Africa family and to be the first young African host for the channel. Having grown up watching the channel myself, I know how important it is for young minds to see someone like themselves on screen. Authentic representation is really important and to see myself on the channel is mind-blowing. I’m extremely grateful and looking forward to interacting with viewers across Africa and to show off some of my NickMusic moves.”
Lerai considers herself an active citizen with a deep passion for African Youth and its culture, and aspires to be a strong female voice in Africa amongst the youth and women empowerment. Born in Bassonia, south of Johannesburg, the 18-year-old is currently an Executive of Girl Up Johannesburg, a club under the global Girl Up leadership development organisation that is hosted at the United Nations Foundation.
As the network continues to partner with trendsetters across all the brands to elevate African talent to even greater heights as well as open up the industry, Nickelodeon is committed to bring a relevant and relatable African rising star to young audiences. The 30 minutes locally produced show will air Monday to Thursday, and feature local and global music tunes from across Africa and the world. It is the channel’s mission to make the world a more playful place. Whether you are young or old, NickMusic is the place to be for family-friendly music.
Catch all the music and entertainment from 17 May, only on NickToons DStv Channel 308 at 16:25 CAT / 15:25 WAT.
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NickMusic
ViacomCBS Networks Africa kids’ channel is set to premiere a local first for African kids’ television. NickMusic will be a fun filled, family-friendly music show playing fan favourites and up and coming tunes that both parents and kids can enjoy together afterschool. The proudly locally produced music show will feature music from African artists and across the world. Hosted by the multi-talented young social changemaker and Girl Up executive, Lerai Rakoditsoe who is part of the network's Culture Squad, a team of visionaries, creatives and trendsetters who consistently push the culture forward across the children, youth and entertainment brand. Lerai will make history as the first African face for the channel when NickMusic premieres exclusively on NickToons (DStv Channel 308) from the 17th May 2021, every Monday – Friday at 16:25 CAT / 15:25 WAT.
From News24/DRUM:
We speak to Lerai Rakoditsoe about becoming Nickelodeon’s first African presenter
She is proof that there is no dream too big to become a reality.
When she watched Nickelodeon as a child, she used to picture herself as a presenter on the channel but it felt like a farfetched dream at the time. But she is now making history as the first African presenter on the channel.
Lerai Rakoditsoe will make history as the first African face for the channel when she hosts NickMusic. The show will premier on 17 May.
The 18-year-old from Johannesburg says that she is excited about this new opportunity.
"I loved drama and performing from a very young age. I started modelling at five and started taking drama classes from age 9. Eventually, after training for 6 years and doing local and national drama competitions I wanted to start working professionally even at school I was winning a lot of awards. I started doing a few modelling gigs and presenting. I started presenting last year on Sport Scene#s Culture Conversations where I am also a co-producer," she tells DRUM.
"It is surreal that I get to make history as the first African presenter on Nickelodeon's show NickMusic because the channel is the biggest children's network in the world. I did not see it coming. I grew up watching different shows on the channel and I never expected to be on the channel, it's so amazing to me. I must represent myself and the brand, it is such a huge blessing. I am the first and I am making history. I am so grateful and excited to be a part of Nickelodeon."
Lerai says this opportunity is a stepping stone to greater opportunities to people her age.
"Growing up watching the shows on Nickelodeon I never saw black girls from Africa, the more I saw more black women and women of colour on TV, the easier it was to believe in myself. When they are watching NickMusic I hope they see me as a representation of who they are. I hope to inspire them to be brave and to chase their dreams.
"I am excited and nervous for the airing of the show because it' the whole of Africa. I am confident that the show is going to be great," she says.
"I believe in sticking to your purpose, it's very important to know your purpose. I discovered mine at a young age. I am such a hard worker and I'm so determined it makes me really proud to know that I work with a team of amazing people on the show."
She is more than a pretty face. She is currently an executive of Girl Up Johannesburg, a club under the global Girl Up leadership development organization that is hosted at the United Nations Foundation.
Girl Up engages, trains, and mobilizes girls around the world to take action to achieve global gender equality. Through her involvement in Girl Up Johannesburg, Lerai became involved in the 1000 Girls Campaign, a collaborative project between #BoysForAction, Girl Up Johannesburg and The Unfiltered Youth.
"I aspire to be a strong female voice in Africa who addresses issues amongst the youth, as well as working towards the empowerment of women."
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Originally published: Wednesday, April 28, 2021.
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