Donovan Faranando is a young Zimbabwean TV/radio presenter, journalist and entrepreneur. Currently working for Bush Radio in Cape Town, South Africa and co-running a creative agency called The Hangout Duo. I write articles for African Curators and Zimsphere news website while running Rosa Faranando Foundation, an NGO which helps girls with sanitary pads and underprivileged children with school shoes.
How did get into the entertainment industry?
Passion drove me into the industry. I remember when I was little I would tell everyone that one day I will be on TV, this led me to guest presenting on ZBC TV and Mcing at events around Harare. Now I get to work with different celebrities, guest presents on numerous TV stations and hosting events.
What prompted the creation of Hangout Duo?
The understanding of how hard it is to breakthrough into the industry is the reason we founded The Hangout Duo. Our concept involves helping upcoming creatives with marketing, advertising and PR strategies to grow their brand. As well as provide them with the necessary tools to make it in the creative industry.
What would be your dream career?
My dream career is to be a lawyer with a media background. I’m currently studying to be a lawyer at the University of Cape Town.
Who are your role models in life and your career?
My role model is Salome Mutoro who always encouraged me to follow my heart and she’s the reason why I am where I am right now.
Career wise my role model is Misred. Her passion for media and professionalism is what drives me to be the best in everything that I do.
What are the most important tools one should have when becoming an entrepreneur?
For you to become an entrepreneur you need to be passionate about business, good at multitasking and always ready to put in extra hours.
How important has the Hangout Duo been in promoting other creatives?
Running The Hangout Duo hasn’t been easy but I’m grateful that our clients appreciate the work we do. As a young start-up we managed to instil the spirit of collaboration among the creatives and some of our clients are now being recognised in bigger spaces. To me it shows that we filled a gap and that we are doing a job.
What have been the highlights of your life so far?
Working with Channel 0, being nominated for Zimbabwe Excellence Awards, African Young Creatives Awards in 2018 and YoungBoldBlack Awards in 2019.
What is your future vision for your brand?
Representing different creatives in different countries while working with the biggest names in the media industry.
Describe a typical day in your life.
A typical day for me starts with a cup of coffee, followed by client consultations and some work ending up with lectures at school.
What is the soundtrack to your life?
Do Life Big by Jamie Grace.
Where in the world would be your dream destination?
America because of Hollywood. I believe it is the birthplace of media and creativity.
Which creatives would you like to work with and why?
I would like to work with Lochnation because of her passion for creativity and the spirit of collaboration. Misred – for her professionalism and Craig Zoowie for his luxury style.
What are you most proud of about being Zimbabwean?
Zimbabweans are hardworking people and I’m super proud to be one of the people who are hardworking.
What is the best advice that anyone has ever given you?
My friend Tebo Mothupi always says, ”live your best life and do good”.
How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as the guy who brought the sun in cold dark days.
Social media
Facebook: Donovan Faranando
Instagram: @princedonnovan
Twitter: @princedonnovan
