He may not have won the big prize, but Presenter Search on 3 finalist, Deen Woodman, is flourishing anyway.
Following the competition, the 39-year-old Mitchells Plain outjie landed his first MC gig in Sun City, with comedian Loyiso Madinga, who is a correspondent for the Daily Show with Trevoh Noah in the US.
Deen says not winning the presenter search dented his confidence, but he bounced back.
“That wasn’t my time, but I’ll keep on working. I grew up in Mitchells Plain and look where I am. I didn’t let circumstances get me down,” he says confidently.
“Growing up on the Cape Flats has taught me resilience and never to forget my roots.
“I remember playing three sticks, tennis, and playing in the streets with my friends till sunset and most of all I remember watching Ktv and admiring those child presenters.
“Because of my fair complexion, I was always mistaken for being white, and today people are still surprised to know I’m actually coloured and from the Plain.”
Deen tells the Daily Voice that he always knew his destiny lies in marketing or music.
“I tried out modelling, but knew I had to have a constant, which was music or marketing,” he says.
“After the competition, people approached me on Facebook and asked me to do tutorials on fitness training and fashion, so I might start a YouTube channel soon.”