The joy of being Bonang

In South Africa today, Bonang Matheba, otherwise known as Queen B, is easily one of the most popular celebrities when it comes to TV. And gradually, her popularity is spreading across Africa.

Though her introduction to the entertainment industry came in 2002, when the fifteen-year-old landed a gig as a presenter on Manhattan’s Fantasy Challenge on SABC 2, her big break came in 2007, when she got a job as the new presenter for Live on SABC 1, with Tbo Touch and Andile Ncube. Before long, she became one of the most in demand South African televisions host.

Today, she hosts shows such as SABC 3’s Top Billing, Afternoon Express and the Metro FM’s The Front Row. She currently stars on the Afternoon Express with Danilo Acquisto, Jeannie D and Bonnie Mbuli. She has also become a prolific brand ambassador, having represented popular brands such as Revlon, Distraction, Ciroc, Peugeot, Ipanema, Legit Edcon, Brutal Fruit, BIC Razors and Diva Divine Hair. Yet, the delectable show host is not done with her exploits.

After months of brainstorming session and working on production set, Bonang recently premiered her latest show, Being Bonang. The show, which airs on Vuzu AMP, focuses on the show host, with special attention to her successful media career.

“I feel like I’m at a great place in my life where I can afford to share parts about my life I would not have otherwise done before with my fans. I think it also comes with being grounded with where I’m and being at a point in my life where I want to pay it forward,” she hinted.

On the inspiration behind Being Bonang, the pretty host explained, “because I’m in the public space, media has always taken a stance; I told my story through their lens and I have allowed it. But 13 years later, I felt content enough to allow people into my world and share the secrets behind a successful brand in the true Bonang fashion,” she said.

Even with the level of publicity around the show, Bonang is not worried about giving out too much about her life to the world.

“No, because as an Executive Producer of the show, I get to decide what I want to share with the world and what I don’t. This is such a privilege and I do not take it for granted. I want to say ‘thank you’ to my partners at Vuzu for understanding this and allowing me to have carte blanche on this one.”

According to the host, the show is in line with the One Global Campaign, which aims at educating thousands of African girls, who do not have access to education.

“I want to be the force that has taken it upon myself to educate at least 100 of those girls because, I believe in the power of giving back through education and how it can shape and change one’s outlook.”

Through the Bonang Matheba Foundation, the TV gal has initiated a process for educating and funding 10 girls this year with full scholarships.

“In the years to come, we hope to extend this to more than just these group of amazing young and talented girls. It is my mission to achieve this and it will be done,” she said.

Reminiscing on her 13-year media career, Bonang said, “what has happened over the past 13 years has been the cornerstone of where and how I built my career and brand. Through my book, From A to B, I have been able to capture all these moments in their realest and purest form. Heartache, heartbreak, good moments, bad moments love and affection, you name it; it’s so well documented in my book. It’s my pleasure to be able to share my story in the hopes of being able to change even if it’s one person’s life and give them hope,” she said.

Though many tend to compare the Nigerian entertainment industry with that of South Africa, Bonang thinks otherwise. To her, the two are completely different markets.

“However, if you had to ask me to highlight some of the stark differences I would have to say Nigeria is way much bigger in population size; they almost have three times the population size we have is SA. In terms of their entertainment industry, I would have to give it to them in delivering a stunning red-carpet experience and their ability to elevate the status of their artistes.”

When it comes to South Africa, “I would have to say, our industry is far much kinder to our female counterparts and the industry genuinely celebrates them and allows them to shine. This is more progressive and probably where I feel Nigeria can do a bit more in terms of dialing this up. This is an area from observation that can be more elevated,” she said.

Having hosted shows in Nigeria and visited the country severally, Boanag sure knows much about the jollof rice story.

“Of course! I have had everything that you can possibly think of in Nigeria; I know all about it. I actually have a few favorites; pepper soup, pounded yam and beef suya. You can never go wrong there,” she enthused.

Having recently celebrated her 30th birthday with a lavish party in her home country, Bonang now has her eyes on the next big thing.

“In my world, there is always a lot happening; never a dull moment and that’s what gives me the thrill. My supporters should keep a lookout for my new app that promises to shakeup and disrupt the market, my make-up range/collection with Revlon and of course my book tour coming at an Exclusive Books near you,” she said.