Former Big Brother Mzansi star Liyema Pantsi s shining brighter than ever after winning two major awards at the fourth Annual South African Social Media Awards (Sasmas) on Saturday, 23 November. The 22-year-old content creator took home the coveted titles of Popular Hashtag on Social Media and Social Media Beauty Influencer of the Year.
In an interview with Daily Sun, she shared her excitement, calling the awards both a personal and professional achievement. “Winning these awards is an incredible honour. It validates the time, effort, and authenticity I’ve poured into connecting with my audience,” she said. “It’s a reminder that staying true to myself resonates with people. Professionally, it’s a confidence boost that reinforces the impact of my work and inspires me to continue raising the bar. This recognition shows me that people are not only watching but also valuing what I contribute to the digital space.”
Liyema believes that these accolades have only strengthened her approach to content creation. “I always aim to be authentic and relatable. I listen to my audience and create content that aligns with their interests while staying true to my passions. I balance entertainment with value by sharing a mix of music, beauty, personal stories, and motivational content,” she explained.
Consistency and engagement are key to her success. “I ensure that I’m present and interact meaningfully with my followers. I also pay attention to trends but always put my unique spin on them to keep my presence fresh and distinct,” she added.
As an artist managing both a music career and her influencer work, Liyema has learned to embrace the balance between the two. “Balancing multiple roles can be challenging, but I’ve learned to prioritise and plan effectively. Music is my foundation and my first love, so I ensure it always gets the focus it deserves. At the same time, my work as a beauty influencer complements my music career by allowing me to express creativity in another way.”
Liyema’s ability to merge her passions has been a key to her success. “My music inspires my beauty content, and my beauty content enhances my brand as an artist. Time management, delegation, and self-care are also critical to maintaining a balance and staying grounded,” she said.
