Production company JOJX has added director Tebogo Malope to its roster for exclusive commercial representation in the U.S. This marks the first U.S. spot production house roost in the U.S. for Malope, also known as Tebza, who hails from Johannesburg, South Africa. He has grown a reputation for being a leading voice for African narratives and now he enters the American ad market.
Tebza has received assorted awards for his ads and music videos in South Africa–––including Ciclope Africa, the Channel O awards, the SAFTAS, and the South African Hip Hop Awards (SAHHA)–––as well as international awards such as a Cannes Gold Lion and a D&AD Pencil. His commercial clients include Samsung, McDonald’s, Nando’s, Vodafone, Hunter’s Dry, Cadbury, Coca-Cola and KFC.
Tebza’s passion for long-form storytelling is evidenced by the success of his debut feature film For Love and Broken Bones, which earned the status of most-nominated feature in South African film awards history, by both local and international shows. He earned Best Film at the Portland Film Festival.
Tebza has just completed directing Africa’s first original Netflix series, due for release in 2020. His prior work for three different South African television series’ earned a joint viewership of more than 13 million per week.
Tebza said, “I’m happiest when I’m telling stories, they have the ability to unite, intrigue, provoke, and create change to empower humanity. At its best, a story can do all. I couldn’t be more excited to be with JOJX and to move into a new space with the ability to collaborate with new creatives and agencies and to create work for a wider audience.”
Jackson Morton, EP and partner at the L.A.-based JOJX, added, “Tebza’s style is fearless and his ability to express that vision comes from years of experience. His film and TV work capture a unique window into the soul and his commercial work is equally spirited and intriguing.”
