‘Queen B’ still as busy as a bee
Former Metro FM DJ Matheba has a number of TV projects lined up
When Bonang Matheba parted ways with Metro FM radio station in April, many naysayers predicted that her star would eventually fade away.
Now, almost three months after the controversial breakup, “Queen B” has proven her sceptics wrong as her star continues to shine brightly.
She has a new game plan – conquering the small screen.
We meet for our tête-à-tête in the heart of Sandton. On the occasion, she is channelling a disco queen in a sequined Quiteria & George jumpsuit, styled with a loose kimono and the 1970s Diana Ross-esque curls.
“You should never mess with my supporters. Don’t touch them. I’m so grateful for the people that support me; because of them I’m able to wake up every day and do what I love,” Matheba says.
“You are not going to be seeing me in the radio space at the moment. I’m enjoying the free time. I’m travelling a lot.
“I’m hosting a show with Beyoncé’s stylist in Houston, Texas, on July 29. It’s called the Houston Iconic Fashion Week with Ty Hunter. So, if I was on radio, I wouldn’t be able to move so freely.”
As the second half of 2017 kicks into high gear, Matheba has a number of television projects lined up.
Her much-anticipated reality show, Being Bonang, debuts on Vuzu AMP next month.
On July 14, she will host the cooking show KFC Taste Kitchen when it premieres on Mzansi Magic.
“I enjoy being part of the reality television genre, especially when I’m part of a journey where somebody is getting their dreams realised,” Matheba says.
“It started with the Live Presenter Search, then MTV Base VJ Search, Clash of the Choirs and now KFC Taste Kitchen.
“When people see me they think there is this thing that is very unattainable about me. So shows like these give me an opportunity to show people that I’m just a girl from Mahikeng.”
She has just been announced as the host of the inaugural DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards taking place on August 26, where she also happens to be a nominee for the best presenter award.
For her hosting duties, she will once again reunite with her New York-based stylist Harrison T. Crite for her highfashion wardrobe choices.
Crite and Matheba last collaborated in October when she hosted the MTV Africa Music Awards in Johannesburg, after US-based comedian Trevor Noah dropped out at the 11th hour.
She jokingly mentions that her other US stylist, Law Roach, is preoccupied with his Hollywood clients Celine Dion and Zendaya at the moment.
“I’m allowed only four outfit changes. I’ve known about this for months, so together with the production company involved we have already started planning,” she says.
“Before I die I want to win an Emmy for TV presenting like
Cat Deeley [of So You Think You Can Dance]. So with this, the right people are going to be watching, I want to focus on the delivery.
“It’s going to be of international standards. I’m finally getting to do it on my own. I don’t have 24 hours to prepare and no one cancelled. Once I’ve nailed that, it’s all about the fashion.”
Matheba turns 30 on Sunday. What does she have planned for the weekend?
“My boyfriend [rapper AKA] is taking me overseas,” she shares.