By Nikita Geldenhuys

Yes Fash’s videos have gained traction this year, earning him a Facebook follower base of more than 160 000 people. The reach of his videos far exceeds this, with his most popular clip, #WeKlaapAgain dance challenge, gaining close to a quarter of a million views within a little more than a week on Facebook. 

media update asked the 21-year old about the work that goes into creating an entertainment personality on Facebook and how the platform helps content creators reach a wider audience. 

Your Facebook Page describes you as an entertainer and aspiring film-maker. How, when, and why did Yes Fash come into being?

My videos only really started taking off nine months ago. I have a passion for filming and comedy, and video was a way of putting this into action. I shot my first video in 2014, but that was not really a success. In 2015, I got my first camera and started out with my two friends. 

How did you decide on the name Yes Fash, and what details can you reveal about your real identity?

The name Yes Fash came about when the woman who had to embroider my nickname, “Fasa”, onto my matric school jacket couldn’t read my bad handwriting and embroidered “Fash” on the jacket. I don’t really know when I added the “Yes”. I don’t mind people knowing my real identity: I’m Hosana Ngobese. I live in Johannesburg and am a student at AFDA, doing film and television. 

Your videos cover an extensive range of topics, from celebrity news to family matters, and cultural topics. Where do you get ideas for your videos?

Most of my videos, especially regarding my family, are based on true stories. Others are general jokes that I think people can relate to or will find funny. I focus on local content to keep it South African and I tap into topics that are buzzing at the moment. When it comes to comedy, I run my ideas for videos past my two friends. If the idea makes them laugh, I know it’s going to break the net.

Your work gets anything from 500 to 5 000 likes, with your latest #WeKlaapAgain dance challenge video boasting more than 240 000 views. What was the initial reaction to your videos, and when did you start seeing follower growth on your Facebook Page?

We had humble beginnings, when we celebrated getting just 100 views. It’s been exciting to see the whole thing grow. I’m happy to see it grow and make [my online personality] a part of who I am. In terms of followers, I was fortunate to have a lot of people like me at the same time and share my videos. It grew right in front of my eyes.

The #WeKlaapAgain video got more than 1 000 comments. You often respond to these comments. How do you decide which comments to respond to, and why do you think it’s important for a Facebook Page to respond to some comments?

As someone just entering the entertainment space, it’s important to respond. Right now, I’m working on responding to not just the negative comments. I want to work on joining the positive side of the conversations on my page more often. I want to pay attention to my real supporters, rather than those who criticise me.

Facebook’s latest video offering is Facebook Live. Are you planning to do any live broadcasts? 

I’ve played with Live three times. It’s mostly to give people a chance to get involved in my life – to get a front row seat. I was a judge at a beauty pageant and one of my fans cried when she saw me. The next day, I did a live broadcast of me going to surprise the fan at her place. It’s how I show people the real me. 

What role do you think videos like yours play in the social media and entertainment world?

Because of my content, I am now being booked as an MC, judge, or stand-up comedian for events, but I started making videos for a different reason. It was not to get attention, but to showcase my talent in shooting and editing videos. In terms of what I think video can achieve on social media, I’ve had emails from people in hospital that saw my page and felt better. I realise that it’s not just about me anymore. Many people are benefitting. It’s a platform for people to escape – it’s part of my purpose.  

Check out Yes Fash’s videos on Facebook here.