Tumi Morake lays herself bare in new book

Tumi Morake modelled her public persona on her mother, a charming and contentious woman who used her big, bold voice to say what others were afraid to utter.

It’s the personality that Morake took on stage in the mostly male space of stand-up comedy and the one that gave her the courage to comment about apartheid on air.

But there’s only so much you can find out about Morake from the stage, screen and internet.

She has released her first book, And Then Mama Said, which will be on the shelves this week.

The book is the voice of Morake in private, as well as a behind-the-scenes perspective of a pioneering South African star who has been deeply loved and viciously hated by her audiences.

Morake gets frank about a race row at Jacaranda FM; the Jaguar car accident that cyberbullies said she deserved; the body-shaming she endured on the set of Our Perfect Wedding, and her tumultuous relationship with her husband.

Throughout her story, she carries the voice of her mother and, with it, the indispensable life lessons that made her who she is.

The book is a must-read for Morake’s fans; a look behind the scenes of the entertainment industry and its scandals; an inspiring read of her rise from humble beginnings to fame and fortune; and a peek into issues of racism and cyberbullying.

Tumi Morake. Picture: supplied.

And Then Mama Said is the real, unfiltered story of Tumi Morake, an award-winning South African comedian, television host and actress. She also wears the hats of TV producer and writer; wife and mother of three.

She cut her teeth as a writer on SABC’s flagship sitcoms and broke into television acting through those channels. She is dubbed one of South Africa’s queens of comedy, headlining on local and international stages.

The 36-year-old has dabbled in radio and remains one of South Africa’s most sought-after acts. She also sits on the board of directors at Summat Training Institute and St Aquinas College.

The book is available on various online platforms. Visit Penguin Random House for links.

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