When one thinks of South Africa they often picture safaris and dry conditions; reminisce on the apartheid and think of Nelson Mandela, after all he is as synonymous to South Africa as Bob Marley is to Jamaica.

However, Cape Town, in no way shape or form, matches this typical description. The scenic ‘Table Mountain’ given its name for the flat top it possesses, is the backdrop for this picturesque town.

Opposite to the mountain, the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic, creating deep blue waters with waves that are a surfer’s paradise.

All in all, I feel comfortable and at home; there is great similarity between Jamaica and Cape Town.

This is my first stint working outside of Jamaica and it has been met with a plethora of emotions; joy, elation, exuberance, uneasiness, nervousness, sadness, uncertainty… name it, I’ve felt it in the past three months. Despite the homesickness, missing family, friends and significant others, and sometimes rejection, thus far this has been an experience not to be forgotten.

Thus far, I have booked commercial campaigns (one for international distribution), shot for magazines, done photoshoots with renowned photographers, walked the catwalk in numerous fashion shows, the latest being Audi Johannesburg Fashion week, in Johannesburg South Africa.

Speaking of Fashion Week — I loved every minute of it! I walked the catwalk for 14 shows (18 designers) in four days and it was as exhilarating as I could’ve ever imagined it to be.

Working with international models, walking for world recognised designers, having five hair and make-up changes in one night presented an adrenaline rush that made me know I was doing something I’m passionate about and I love. Fourteen to eighteen-hour work days have never felt this good. And regardless of the panic, disruption, and commotion backstage, the moment you hit the runway the performance has to begin. Thank heavens for my dance background — Edna Manley and National Dance Theatre Company — you’ve groomed me well!

With two months remaining on the motherland continent, the glass is definitely half full. I am optimistic about what my future here holds, as I’ve been placed on “option” for pending contracts (meaning they are to be confirmed) and beyond work, I am enjoying living in South African culture and being embraced by this nation’s people. Life is “lekker” (pronounced laka); Afrikaans for good!

As many of you may have heard, I will not return to Rising Stars after only two years of hosting the number one reality show in Jamaica.

based on opportunites that have been presented to me being here in South Africa, I will not be returning home to host Digicel Rising Stars.

I am going to pursue other ventures that I am very passionate about. Of course I’m super happy that I was given the opportunity to host Rising Stars and I enjoyed every moment but there are other things that I’m more passionate about and wish to pursue further. But unfortunately hosting the next season of Rising Stars ties me down for too long a period so it wouldn’t allow me to pursue those other ventures.

I also have the option for two television shows, one Caribbean based and the next based in America. My primary focus right now is to amess international achievements and I really wanted to pursue these opportunities with a whole-hearted approach and the only way to do that is to be free of any other contractual obligations.

I will return to the island sometime in April or May and see where life tkaes me from there.

For now,

Yendi Phillips

From SouthAfrica