(Frank) Apollo's Touch: Exploring Creativity and Career Evolution in Today's Society

In Greek mythology, Apollo holds a distinguished position as a deity associated with a multitude of domains. Revered as the god of archery, music, dance, truth, and prophecy, among others, Apollo's influence spans across various aspects of life and nature. Born as the son of Zeus and Leto, and the twin brother of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, Apollo embodies complexity and significance within the pantheon of Greek gods.

This is the greatness that music maestro and producer Frank Apollo likens himself to. As a dynamic creative whose foundations are firmly rooted in an inkling towards telling our stories he speaks very enthusiastically about how he is working towards building a legacy of creators, hence the name Apollo - derived from the Greek god. Upon first encounter, I assume he is a dj and producer with a good ear for music but I come to realise the intentionality and strategy that comes with stringing the right music together and most importantly sharing a piece of who you are with the world through sonic expression.

Phumlani Makoua, more affectionately known as Frank Apollo, lets me in on his foundations and naming an album after his hometown in the Eastrand of Johannesburg, Katlehong. We chat about why J Dilla has his heart and how his approach to fatherhood fosters the legacy he is cultivating. There is a deep sense of pride with which he speaks when referring to where he comes from and he does not shy away from the creative expression thereof, as is evident in his collaboration with Lokish Lavish and Smash who are themselves East Rand natives and a dynamic duo of musical creatives. Their collaborative album titled “ifunk yinto ekhona” meaning Funk is a thing that exists is such a playful exploration of township dynamics, such as love, courtship and daily banter that colours the landscape of existing in the community. This is all underpinned by the tranquil and playful vocals of Smash whose ability to make a tune out of anything he says, is unmatched. I often joke that he speaks music because everything he says truly sounds like a melody. Elvis Costello exclaimed in a tweet: "It's the essence of rock and roll. You gather the shattered fragments of one excitement and fashion a fresh plaything." He said this in response to the claims of his music having been copied by a young and upcoming popstar. I consider this as I listen to “ifunk yinto ekhona” - there is an air of familiarity and a groovy pastiche of sonic memorabilia. I consider this a unique print of creativity, the ability to take the fragments of something that exists and mould it into something new, something refreshing.?

Frank's career path initially led him to choose Accounting as his primary focus. While his intention was to spend his days crunching numbers, he ultimately found himself delving into the realm of music and alternative soundscapes, sampling and producing.?

As I reflect on our conversation, I'm struck by two things. Firstly, I'm amused by my initial misconception that "Apollo" was a quirky reference to the street lights that illuminate township streets, some dimly lit, some truly shining light and offering clear direction and some not working at all. Secondly, I'm inspired by Frank's clarity of purpose and his commitment to share so generously his individual imprint of the eclectic mix of old school beats and neo soul concoctions that are reminiscent of a time of freedom, careless dance moves and reckless abandon. In many ways, he really is an extension of the great patron of the arts - Apollo.?

I ponder the journey of our evolution and how the South African schooling system encourages individuals to make a life-changing decision by the age of 16. This decision shapes their school career for their senior years and ideally sets the course for their future career objectives. I find it somewhat rushed, but in some instances, it can be beneficial to make tough choices while still a mentally adaptable youth. Reflecting on my own journey, I selected subjects and courses that seemed aligned with this path, crafting what I believed to be a seamless journey toward my desired profession—or perhaps what I thought I desired, or even what I excelled at and felt compelled to pursue as a career. Anyway, at the tender age of 16, I am determined to make it as a starry eyed actress but end up as a junior executive in marketing across industries. Am I a kind of Apollo myself, I wonder, having worked my way into corporate as a creative. Maybe, we all have a hint of the great Apollo in us waiting to explore and expand on all that we have instead of rushing to streamline what we think we want at a tender age. Similarly, while I initially pursued a career in the arts, I've found myself excelling in creativity while nurturing other interests. This journey has led me to craft a career in a completely different industry, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of human potential and the ability to thrive in diverse environments. Just as Apollo embraced various roles and attributes, I've embraced the opportunity to explore and excel in different fields, embracing the spirit of versatility and adaptability.

Frank's journey was hardly linear and many of us walk the fine line of making the “right” decision but , It all comes down to this: following the rhythm of your own flow and recognising that stillness is a teachable moment for you to hear more clearly and listen to the beat of your heart tune.?

Listen to my conversation with Frank Apollo on Shifting Perspectives w/Amo Helang (formerly Art As Culture) The Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcast.