
Hosted by Ekta Somera · EN

Keli H, the CEO behind the KREST storytelling empire, is a dynamic and visionary leader dedicated to sharing the most inspiring stories worldwide. Leading KREST Publishers, KREST Periodicals, the KREST Conservatoire, and KREST Collections, she has transformed the landscape of storytelling and publishing. Formerly a medical doctor, Keli transitioned to writing in 2019 and released her debut novel, "The Four Hundred Club," under KREST, showcasing her versatility and creativity across genres. Under her leadership, KREST has achieved remarkable success, earning eleven book award nominations in just four years. This includes recognition as a finalist for Best Publishing Company in SA at the prestigious 2022 national Book Behind Awards. Keli's passion for storytelling and her commitment to excellence are evident in every facet of KREST's operations, from editing novels to curating compelling magazines. Her journey from medicine to literary leadership underscores her innovative spirit and dedication to making a profound impact on the world of literature.

Lethica Nair is an extraordinary individual whose journey echoes the triumph of the human spirit. From devouring books as a child to crafting her own prose, her journey has been nothing short of remarkable. This resilient young woman hails from Unit 2 Chatsworth, in Durban. At the age of eleven, The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls opened doors to a world she once admired from afar. Despite detours and doubts, her spirit soared, leading her to publish her debut poetry collection titled, 'Overflow Beloved' while serving in the SA Army. Now, as a student and artist in Bloemfontein, she continues to embody the essence of courage and creativity.

Sonia Naidoo discovered her passion for literature at the age of four, and her writing journey began at fifteen when she wrote poetry to relieve the thoughts of anxiety and depression. In 2023 she became a published author when her story "Nothing but Lights" was featured in the South African anthology called "320 Days of Sunshine." In addition to her writing pursuits, she freelances as a ghostwriter and operates her own photography business.

Kivash Hariram is a South African writer, poet and self-published author of a collection titled, Precious Poetry. He has a passion for various sports and he is currently studying towards an education degree, with aspirations to travel the world.

Digital content creator and influencer, Miss Dhanusha helps millennial women prioritise holistic selfcare so that they can show up as their best self and avoid burnout. She shares tips for mental and physical, and emotional well-being. Her belief is that selfcare is an act of revolution.

Shameez Patel Papathanasiou was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. She is a civil engineer by day, fantasy author by night and a choc-chip cookie fiend somewhere in between. Her literary adventures take her to new worlds filled with magic, monsters and someone to fall in love with.

Driven by a zest for life, Anita Arendsen is passionate about people, growth, lifelong learning and mindful living. She is the founder of Striped Giraffe (Pty) Ltd, a consulting firm offering professional services that are designed to increase individual and organisational wellbeing and effectiveness. Anita is an inspirational speaker, facilitator, assessor, moderator, mentor and coach.

Avikar Thilrama (23) from Umkomaas, attended Naidoo Memorial Primary School and matriculated at Umkomaas Secondary School in 2015, he then completed a National Diploma in Human Resources Management, and is now in pursuit of a Bachelors in Business Administration. Professionally, he began as an HR Intern and climbed up the ladder to become an Admin Controller. Avikar is one of the Finalists in Mr India South Africa 2021. He says "Entering this competition was to get out of my comfort zone so I can be one step closer to my dreams. I aspire to hold an executive position one day and through a hands on approach lead and motivate others. I’d like to use my learnings from life to mould young children to see that their current life situation does not determine their destiny. Being an only child as well as a child of divorce, I grew up with my grandparents and my mother, their morals and values have guided me thus far and I’d like to instil them into others."

Ms Yovani Naidoo is a 21 year old, South Indian vocalist from South Africa. She recently completed her Biological Science degree at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal and she intends on completing her honours in Immunological Sciences. Yovani has been trained in both, the Eastern and the Western genre of music and she can sing in Tamil, Telegu, English and Hindi. Music from her debut CD "Dheiveega Dharisanam" is regularly featured on South African radio stations and she has also been interviewed on television. Yovani has shared the stage with many great South African musicians and in June 2019, she performed live with international singer Mr P. Unnikrishnan and his daughter Uthara. Yovani has toured abroad to California in June 2012, when she represented South Africa at the World Tamil diaspora conference, and in India, in December 2012. Apart from singing, Yovani plays the harmonium, the sitar, the violin and the keyboard. From a young age, Yovani has been a gold medallist at the annual South African national Eisteddfods. She is blessed to be tutored by the following six gurus, Mr Pragalathan Vadival (Carnatic music), Ms Mala Lutchmanan (Tamil), Dr Kanada Narahari (sitar), Ms Rozanne Botha (violin), Mr Ashley Kisten (studio recordings) and the late Mr Beama Naidoo (Harmonium & Keyboard). Yovani is an ex-member of the KZN Youth-Orchestra, in 2015, 2016 and 2017 she played the Violin and in November 2016, she was the recipient of the Kannadhasan Award, becoming the youngest person to earn that award in South Africa. Her Telugu song Erathiri was entered in the Lotus FM lyric writing competition in 2020 and she was placed first in the category. In February 2021, she was selected by an international panel of judges and esteemed artists as one of ten winners worldwide for the “2020 International Film & Music Festival” held in India. In 2021, she represented South Africa at a Global Tamil Concert held on behalf of the University of Toronto. After competing in the NRI Telugu Idol 2021, she was selected by ABR Productions USA for a private album. Yovani is passionate about music and culture and she aspires to challenge herself each day.

Darrien Luke grew up listening to Gospel music and he dreamed of being one of the singers at Hillsong, as a result of growing up in church with a musical background, but it was when a young Darrien sang along to his dad playing the guitar, that his beautiful voice was discovered.