IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN

We caught up with the lovely Nandi Madida who shared more about her blossoming career and how she managed to stay true to herself in the gruelling entertainment industry.

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There’s just something about Nandi Madida that oozes positivity... Her smile, her genuine consideration for others and her passion and prowess in everything that she does. We may all know her as a singer, actor and host with the most, but the fiery mother of two is all that and then some!

When asked about how she feels about being dubbed a ‘triple threat’, Nandi quickly responds, “I love it!” She explains that she’s never had issues with being referred to as a triple threat, but after navigating through the Covid pandemic she’s learnt to appreciate it even more.

“I always believe that you should reach your full potential. Always work on achieving all the things you want to do. These days people are so worried about what other people say and think, instead of focusing on fulfilling their goals and dreams,” she adds.



A GOOD START
Nandi credits a lot to her upbringing. “I was fortunate enough to have been raised in a loving home. Both my parents were extremely hard-working people, and their dedication and diligence instilled some strong values in me and my siblings,” she says. “We understood very early on that in order to attain anything, you have to work for it. We got to see it with our parents.”

From the tender age of four, Nandi started taking part in pageants. “I always loved entertainment. I think I get that from my grandmother, who is an extrovert of note! My parents, however, were academics – and very sceptical about me showing interest in the entertainment industry,” she says. Her older cousin would enter her in the pageants because he knew how much she loved them.

“You get two types of people in the industry – those who know what they want to do from an early age, and those who find their way to it. And from the word go, I knew the entertainment industry was my thing. I can even see that part of myself in my little boy.”

Nandi admits she was fortunate to win many pageants and talent searches. “When I was 15, I had my first TV audition and landed my first gig as the host of a TV show called Bling. I felt so empowered knowing that I’m actually doing what I love, but also that I was on the right path. I was just very lucky because I had the best production company and the best mentors who took care of me.”

Then she started blazing a trail in the industry, even though some producers claimed her look and aesthetic was “too African” for the current industry. “It’s so important to instil confidence in your kids because had I not had that confidence, I think I would have been broken by the industry. I accepted it and thought, ‘You know what, you don’t get it and that’s okay.’”

"The definition of success is having a well-balanced life and being a good person”

FAST FORWARD
She rose above this and now, years later, she has nabbed roles in award-winning projects like Beyoncé’s Black is King visual album and, more recently, co-hosting the SA Music Awards. What’s next for this all-rounder?

“Well, I have an e-commerce site in the works. It’s called Colourful Beauty and it will be a marketplace for beauty products that are affordable and accessible. We all want to look good and I believe you shouldn’t break the bank in order to do that. If I can get a lipstick for half the price and it does the same thing, I’m going to do that! We are living in a time when money is tight and women, especially those raising families, have more important things to spend their money on. So if we can give them access to beauty products that are affordable, then why not?”

"Learn to value your story, your own trajectory and your own goals”

She explains that it’s also a platform to empower women, particularly women of colour. “It’s not just about beauty. It’s an educational platform as well, an interactive platform where women can learn more about beauty and share videos. I grew tired of seeing people feel like beauty was only for the very few or even just for people in my industry. It needs to be, and can be, accessible to all.”

MOMENTS WITH NANDI

• Early bird or night owl?
  I’m a big morning person.
  
  
• Your favourite cake flavour?
  I love cheesecake!
  
  
• Worst gift you’ve ever received?
  You know what? I’ve never received a bad gift. I love gifts. So even if it’s one rand, I’m happy. Please bring any gift. A gift is a gift.
  
  
• What are your festive season traditions?
  Before I had kids, I loved to travel abroad during the festive season. Now, with the little ones, I enjoy Christmas at home – we organise something special and have a chef cook for us.
  
  
• What is your favourite song to dance to?
  Right now, anything from Beyoncé’s Renaissance album.
  
  
• Favourite movie?
  The Great Gatsby.
  
  
• If you could be any animal, what would it be?
  An elephant. I love their sense of community, their integrity. And they have a good memory!
  
  
• Pet peeves?
  Racism, classism and people who lie.
  
  

"We need to reflect on the definition of success, for ourselves and on our own terms”

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
We live in a visual world due to social media, Nandi says, but that doesn’t necessarily mean what you’re looking at is success.

“Learn to value your story, your own trajectory and your own goals. And remember, success looks different to everyone. We really need to reflect on the definition of success, for ourselves and on our own terms,” Nandi explains.

“The definition of success, I believe, is having a well-balanced life and being a good person. It’s about leaving a legacy where you make people feel good about themselves.

“Most of all, know yourself, because once you start comparing yourself to others, you lose a sense of who you are and the unique qualities that you have. And that’s the secret.”

FOLLOW NANDI
Facebook: Nandi Mngoma
Instagram: @nandi_madida
Twitter: @Nandi_Madida

TEXT BY MELISSA NDLOVU
PHOTOGRAPHY: SAMANTHA PINTO