Everything you need to know about Bonang
FOR AS long as Bonang Matheba has been in the industry – 13 years to be exact – she has managed to keep her private life out of the prying eyes of the public.
The 30-year-old media personality says she strives to steer clear from discussing her relationships, details around her parent’s separation as well as her friendships.
But now with her book From A to B, launched in Sandton on Thursday, Queen B reckons that everything is happening as it should, including opening up about her life.
From A to B explores Bonang’s journey and experiences, giving her fans a glimpse into how she thinks and how she has made certain decisions.
“It’s a surreal feeling. The first time I held that book, I couldn’t believe it. It was an idea that was inspired by a friend, Timothy Maurice, which he mentioned to me in conversation years ago.
“I thought ‘ag, please, my friend, whatever’, until I met my publisher and I guess the rest is history,” says the Top Billing presenter.
The decision to give us a glimpse of her life in a book was all about perfect timing; a lesson she shares in chapter 4, “Waiting for my Cue”.
“I turned 30 in June and I feel very content. I feel happy and my life is in a wonderful place. My career is sky-rocketing and it’s a wonderful time in my life where I feel I want to share it with everybody.”
It was when she could say, “I now can see how my talking about my journey, my inspirations, my rejections and trials and tribulations could help someone else”, that Bonang decided to take the plunge and to document her life.
The book, which took 19 months to complete, in between her busy work schedule, formed the inspiration for her new reality TV show, Being Bonang.
“I never wanted a reality show. Channels (have been) knocking down my door for years and I would say ‘no, the time will come when I feel it in my heart that it is the right time’,” she says.
Bonang says she aims to document the making of the book in the show, while exhibiting how she conducts business – “a match made in heaven”.
“The book goes deep into how I think, how I landed up at certain decisions, lessons I’ve learnt in the industry, how I mastered personal branding and ultimately becoming brand Bonang at 29.”
The former Metro FM DJ does admit that most chapters in the book relate special places in her life story but says chapters 1 and 6 have the greatest meaning for her.
“In the first chapter, I really go deep into my childhood, how I grew up and what was happening in my life at a young age. These moments form the foundation of who I am. My family, my time in Mahikeng, moving to Johannesburg… that is certainly my favourite part.
“The trials and tribulations that I went through in the industry are detailed in chapter 6.
“It deals with ordinary successes, ordinary rejections and other experiences that any human being will go through. I really detail it,” she says.
While she is busy documenting her life and conducting business, the Queen B also finds time to read other books.
“I am reading The Truth About Relationships by Stefan Blom, and I’ve just finished Trevor Noah’s book Born A Crime.”
Another book in her personal library is by Shonda Rhimes, Year of Yes, which was recommended to her by her co-author, Gugu Mhlungu.
Bonang says she has more projects in store for her fans. In two weeks’ time, she will be launching her new app called Bonang, powered by Cell C.
“This is another extension of my brand. It is where people get to interact with me and get hold of very exclusive content,” she says.
She also has a make-up range, Bonang’s Favourite by Revlon, which will be launched in September.
@Amandamaliba