From working with South African musicians on the precipice of fame to international stars such as David Guetta and Akon, Ballito video producer Kyle White is building worldwide acclaim.

A one-man film crew, White has written, produced and directed hundreds of music videos, alongside his biggest project yet, a feature documentary.

Born in Kenton-on-Sea in the Eastern Cape, White (35) initially had dreams of becoming a television presenter while attending high school in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).

“I moved to Johannesburg right after matric to compete in an MTV Base ‘presenter search’. I came second, which kind of told me there might be a chance of doing it as a career,” said White.

For four years he found work presenting on shows for SABC and eTV before the fickle nature of show business reared its ugly head.

“Suddenly the show ended and I was left to figure things out. I began working as an emcee at Emperor’s Palace at night and in a call centre by day,” he said.

In this time, he taught himself how to edit, helping his agent to cut casting tapes for aspiring actors and actresses.

“I just learnt everything I could from YouTube and online classes before I was confident enough to ask a musician friend if I could produce a free video for him.”

It went well, and White has been producing music videos through his company, Kyle White TV, since 2011.

In that time he has worked with some of Africa’s biggest stars, including Nasty C, Kwesta and Master KG.

His friendship with Master KG also led him to work with the aforementioned Guetta and Akon on their song, Shine Your Lights.

“I got a call informing me I could produce the video if I could get to the Dominican Republic that week. I got on a 20-hour flight – during the Covid-19 pandemic – and arrived with no crew and with only one day Akon would be available!” But given his experience in adapting – a crucial skill in the industry – White knuckled down and hired a Spanish-speaking crew and translator.

It took about a week from hearing of the opportunity until the video had been filmed.

“Yeah, that was crazy, but that’s what you get sometimes and you have to just try and enjoy it.”

Aside from the music videos, White also filmed and completed a documentary on the Canadian band, Neon Dreams, while they toured South Africa last year.

It made it to the second round of the Toronto International Film Festival and he aims to submit it to local festivals next year.

“I loved every second of it, but it is a hell of a lot of work compared to the videos, which my crew and I are pretty well-oiled at now.”

He hopes to tackle another documentary soon, however, depending on the funding available.

Until then, if you would like to reach out, you can do so through his website kylewhite.tv or Instagram page, @kylewhitetv. White, with his wife Chanel and daughter Harper (4), moved to Ballito in 2020.

Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news

Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0

WhatsApp Broadcast Service: Add The Courier to WhatsApp at 082 792 9405 and WhatsApp your name and surname to be added.