Nkosi hooks up with hosting duties
‘Isibaya’ star, Jessica Nkosi, explains why she returned to ‘Our Perfect Wedding’, writes Munya Vomo
AT FIRST glance, you might be fooled into thinking that Jessica Nkosi (pictured) is a shy person. This could perhaps come from buying into her character, Qondi, on Isibaya, but as will be seen on the next season of Our Perfect Wedding (OPW), where she will be taking over from Thembisa Mdoda as host, there is nothing shy about Nkosi.
“I am glad to be back on the show. I was the first host to have a ‘bridezilla’ on Our Perfect
Wedding and while it was good TV, it was a strange encounter. The bride did not want to talk, she came to the church late and I did not know how to interview someone who was closed off. I thought I was being punked by #YouGotGot. It took a lot to remain calm and not give her a piece of my mind because it was her wedding. For a woman, this is what to look forward to for the rest of your life,” she said, preparing for her next scene on Isibaya.
This unpredictable experience on OPW made her think twice about returning to the show.
“I was a bit scared after that incident. Before I go to any couple, I pray and just ask God to give me people who are nice. I know how bad it can get and I have had challenges before, so whatever comes my way makes me feel prepared compared to what I had in the first place,” she said.
Speaking about her predecessor, Nkosi hailed Mdoda’s efforts and showed admiration for the work she had done, hinting that Mdoda was the perfect person for the job. “Thembisa is so good at being the host of the show... but apparently they have to change from time to time. She is not leaving for good; I will be filling in for her for a whole season. I am sure she needs the break. She has put in so much work,” said Nkosi.
With Isibaya having a busy shooting schedule, Nkosi has had to carefully plan her diary to squeeze in time for OPW and so far it is working for her.: “I have been managing to balance my time. I do the weddings on the weekends, from Thursdays to Sundays, and then on Mondays to Wednesdays I shoot Isibaya. I do not need the rest. I would rather be working and not sitting at home, wondering what my next step is.
“I am acting in a soapie which is ongoing and that provides security, but I can’t sit there and not do other things,” she said.
Nkosi admits doing the show was not an easy ride. “When I did the first episode I’d never hosted before. All I knew at the time is that in acting, you have to look away from the camera. So when I came to hosting I found it challenging because you have to look into the camera. I got it right in the end.” ● Our Perfect Wedding, Sundays, 7pm, Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) .