CELEB PROFILE: BONANG MATHEBA

It’s no surprise that Bonang Matheba has had such a rapid rise to success in the local entertainment industry – she’s had her eye on the prize since early childhood.

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We grabbed some of her very valuable time to ask Bonang about her life, from childhood to her current iconic status.

WHEN DID YOU REALISE YOU HAD STAR QUALITY? DID YOU FEEL ‘DIFFERENT’ GROWING UP?
From early childhood, I wanted to be more than my world allowed me at the time. I’ve always had a larger-than-life personality, and have always seen myself becoming famous. I wanted to be a superstar. I have a fairly decent voice and my acting is not too shabby, so I really wanted to be on stage. Fame just found me in a different way...

ARE YOU EVER SURPRISED BY THE WAY YOUR LIFE HAS TURNED OUT?
Not really. I’ve always done things in a big way. I give it my all in everything I do, and I plan for everything.

WHAT'S IT LIKE TO BE ONE OF SA’S MOST CELEBRATED ICONS, AND PERCEIVED BY MANY TO BE ‘PUBLIC PROPERTY’?
People tend to think this life is easy and fulfilling. Yes, it does have its perks, but sometimes I think that my main accomplishment is achieving peace and happiness! It’s not just about the success and being a megastar… When people you don’t know start judging you and forming opinions about your life, without having the facts or asking you about it, it just drains you. I, too, want respect, friendship, love and laughter. But I have to be cautious [or some people will question] how I dare come across as enjoying these things too much!

HOW IMPORTANT IS DOWNTIME TO YOU? DO YOU NEED TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL, OR DO YOU LOVE THE FAST LANE?
Without ‘me’ time every day I would not be as sane as I am! I find it allows me to fully engage with my various commitments.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHT?
Everything has been a highlight! The LIVE job set me up in a way that I never imagined [Bonang started her career presenting SABC1’s music show, LIVE].

After that, I thought Top Billing was my ultimate, but then came Clash of The Choirs and that provided me with a different view. I landed a huge deal with a big cosmetics house, and then I started my dream radio job on Metro FM, moving from being a weekly television presence to having a daily show with Afternoon Express. And now I am an E! Entertainment Africa presenter! Not forgetting all the stages I’ve graced as MC, the covers and the awards that come with this life. I really can’t pinpoint one job as better than the others, as they have all added to my continued presence in this industry.



THE BUZZ ABOUT BONANG

BEST INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION?
I have no specific attachment to any destination really, as long as I am surrounded by water! I also love to take in the historical elements of the countries I visit. On a recent trip to Italy, I developed an interest in art and old buildings. So each place gives me a different experience to walk away with. Oh, and the shopping…

AND LOCAL?
I love Cape Town, but this year, I want to explore more of South Africa.

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO AT THE MOMENT?
Because of my work on Metro FM, my music taste is very eclectic and I never listen to just one artist or album.

FAVOURITE FOOD?
Seafood.

ANY LOW MOMENTS? HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THEM?
I’ve been to auditions where I wasn’t successful. All I do is take the criticism I receive and turn it into a positive.

WHAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU'VE LEARNT THROUGH YOUR CAREER? 
Over the years, I have come to learn that it’s okay to face hurdles every now and again. Those are my moments of imperfection, that I just need to embrace to get to the next level. I overcome them by being passionately obsessive about my work!

‘I’ve been to auditions where I wasn’t successful – all I do is take the criticism and turn it into a positive.’

‘From early childhood, I wanted to be more than my world allowed me at the time.’

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
Bonang has racked up all of these acknowledgements:

Winner (Best SA Radio DJ)– Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards 2015

Most Stylish Female Celebrity In SA– You Spectacular Awards 2014

Most Glamorous South African Celebrity– Glamour Magazine 2014

13 African Celebrities To Watch In 2013– Forbes List

10 Of South Africa’s Most Powerful Women– Bona Magazine 2014

Favourite TV Presenter in SA– You Spectacular Awards, July 2013

Glamour Magazine’s Woman of The Year Reader’s Choice Award Winner – July 2012

SA’s Coolest Female TV Star – Sunday Times Generation Next Survey

Most Stylish Media Personality – SA Style Awards

Inaugural Inductee– Africa’s First ‘Walk of Fame’, July 2015

'The Queen of SA Media’ – People Magazine, 2015.