Sowetan

There’s no stopping Neo

Actor, model aims to inspire his fans

- By Nelly Selepe

Neo Malao continues to become one of the familiar faces on our screens.

The model and actor has recently become the ambassador and face of renowned clothing brand Bogart Man, and has also landed a role on Broken Vows, the new telenovela on e.tv.

Malao, 23, who is also a personal trainer, says his job allows him flexibilit­y to juggle both acting and modelling, which are his passions.

He has been earning a lot of followers, thanks to his role in Rockville as troublemak­er bartender Nhlanhla. He’s also the heart-throb women are swooning over in the music video of the hit song Mthande by Musa and Robbie Malinga.

He has also modelled for Craig Jacobs’s Fundudzi label at the SA Fashion Week as well as Timbaland watches for Daniel Klein in 2015. Proving his worth as a bankable face, in the same year he was also an ambassador for Nike and Reebok.

“Rockville and Broken Vows are definitely some of my proudest gigs. I believe that my big gig is still on the way.

“I don’t think I have hit the pinnacle of my ambitions yet but these opportunit­ies are allowing me that space to build my brand,” he says.

Malao, who grew up in Soweto, says he was bullied for his appearance but that made him stronger. “I was teased about how skinny I was and how big my ears were. It broke me down and at one point I started to believe in those things.”

Malao says he plans to represent more brands and act more in the future.

“I want to inspire people and give them hope that hardships can be overcome. Everyday I work on becoming a better person, it’s a challenge against myself. Do not change for people only, do it to better yourself.”

 ?? / SUPPLIED ?? Neo Malao has only the sky as the limit.
/ SUPPLIED Neo Malao has only the sky as the limit.

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