BONANG’S NY DREAM IS COMING TOGETHER

Bonang Matheba’s New York dream is slowly coming together, especially after seeing her dream home. Buhle Mbonambi spoke to the star about life in the Big Apple, her luxury brand and the importance of returning home

“I CRIED when I got into that penthouse.” That’s how much the now-famous $13 million (R185m) penthouse at The Beekman Residences in New York’s Financial District, affected media personality and businesswomen, Bonang Matheba. And who can blame her? It’s clearly the ultimate penthouse that’s available to purchase in the city and since it became available in June last year, everyone, from TV personalities to sportsmen have come to see what the big deal is.

It turns out the hype is real. Occupying the entirety of the 51st floor of the building, the penthouse has 360-degree views of Manhattan, sprawls out over 325m2, the interior is designed by the award-winning Thomas Juul-Hansen and it has a private dining room, a media room and in-residence dining by celebrity chef, Tom Colicchio’s restaurant – Temple Court. The 15m-long master bedroom, which triggered the water works for Bonang, is clearly one of the draw cards. With two walk-in closets, heated floors and floor-to-ceiling windows, a walk-in steam shower and a freestanding soaking tub.

“It was incredible. I slipped into the main bedroom and it overlooks the entire New York City. I remember crying thinking – “God, this is the epitome of success. I feel it, I see it, I’m here and I’m ready to receive it and I would do anything to get to the point where I am sitting or standing in this bedroom and this house is mine.”

Quoting The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, on the importance of experiencing something you want, either by walking around it or sitting in it, Bonang says: “I want to remember that feeling. That feeling stays with you. I remember how it

feels to be at The Beekman Residence penthouse. I want to feel that way again. So everything I do from now on is based on how I felt when I walked into the penthouse.”

While that dream is in progress, she may have found an apartment in SoHo in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. “I want to stay in a neighbourhood that has personality. I went to the Upper East Side and didn’t find anything that I liked. SoHo is young, upbeat and all the cool trendy things happen there. I also wanted a home that’s very New York, double volume ceilings with big windows. Something that’s comfortable and not too big.”

Already the owner of homes in sought-after addresses in Hyde Park and Waterfall Country Estate, Bonang knows a thing or two about home ownership and what to look for before she decides on her home. A major determining factor is comfort, accessibility and importantly, affordability. She doesn’t want to go to New York and lose all her money. “I’m not going to be stupid about it. I’m not going to act like a millionaire. New York is expensive. I will get something that makes sense.”

When she landed at JFK International Airport from Mumbai, it felt different. It was bigger, scarier and yet exciting.

“I was nervous and still am,” she says. “It’s a big city and the standards are so high. There’s a thousand other Bonang’s trying to do what I’m doing. So, for me to make it, it is going to take tons of hard work.”

Like many people in television, it’s a dream to live and work in New York. It’s the pulse of the TV business and it’s where many who want to make it in entertainment presenting, go to follow their dreams. It’s something that has always been part of Bonang’s plan. “After having conquered my home and the continent, I had to try something new. When I sat down with my team over 21 months ago, we worked on a strategy that will see me get to be where I want to be in a few years’ time. For me it’s growth. I want to do it right. I have dreams to accomplish. I want to win an Emmy, host Miss Universe and Miss World. To be walking down Times Square and shooting your own show. It is unreal.”

So what exactly is she doing in New York? She’s actually working on what she calls a travelling talk show.

It’s currently in pre-production and she says it will see her going to wherever her guest is to interview them.

Even though a permanent move to New York City may be something she’s mulling over, she still never wants to forget about her home.

“South Africa is important to my brand. My home is my base and I just launched a brand that needs me to be home. Most importantly, South Africa is my billboard. If no one cares about me in my home country, then how can I expect the world to care?”

The big news about Bonang is her foray into the world of luxury goods and products. Already a personality that premium brands deem worthy to be their ambassador (Ciroc, Revlon, Woolworths, Courvoisier), it came as no surprise when she revealed that she was launching House of

BNG which is the brand behind her Methode Cap Classique wines.

Like many celebrities before her, she’s realised that diversifying is where it’s at. Bonang realised that owning alcohol beverages is one way of extending your brand and ensuring longevity in a fickle industry. “I wanted something long lasting, something different. I saw that there was a trend of celebrity’s getting into the luxury business.

“Two years ago, I thought about how we have some of the best wines in the world and how our MCCs could rival the best champagnes. Champagne is part of my lifestyle, something I enjoy and it was the most organic and authentic way to introduce myself into the luxury market and beverage industry, with the House of BNG MCCs.”

Like Rihanna has done with her Fenty Corp, Bonang plans for House of BNG to be a new player in the world of luxury goods.

She’s already working on plans to release a collector’s edition Reserve range for the MCC later this year, while also developing possible fashion and beauty lines under the brand.

“We are working hard to make everything happen. In time, we will reveal all about what we will soon have to offer.”

Knowing her, she’s probably already tweeted or Instagrammed about it and we haven’t figured it out yet.

One thing you can’t deny is how dedicated she is to making sure she’s not only a superstar, but one who has the bank balance to go with it so she can get that penthouse.

Because she wants to feel the way she did when she walked into the bedroom and saw the whole of New York City below her.

And for that she’s willing to work even harder.