Khanyi Mbau gives her fans what they want
JOBURG – Khanyi Mbau to open up on Tropika Smoooth Fan this week.
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In last week’s episode of Tropika Smoooth Fan, Raenetse Maboee was crowned Jeannie D’s ultimate fan and this week, Khanyi Mbau is set to find her biggest fan as contestants are put to the test to see how well they really know the queen of bling.
One of the country’s most prominent television personalities, the queen of bling started her career on SABC 2’s hit soap Muvhango in 2004 and has gone on to host shows like The Scoop and The Big Secret while racking up quite the acting portfolio. She has also added author and radio host to her resumé over the past few years proving that there is nothing that she can’t tackle. The star’s personal life hasn’t been without controversy but her determination, talent and personality have helped her become one of the biggest stars in South Africa today.
This week, four die-hard celebrity fans will compete in various interactive games in the hopes of being crowned Khanyi’s smooothest fan. The winner will make it to the finals where they will compete against the smooothest fans of the other celebrity contestants where, after another round of games, the two top contestants will go head to head to win R250 000 cash and a Honda Amaze.
Five minutes with Khanyi Mbau:
What attracted you to a show like Tropika Smoooth Fan?
What I really like about the Tropika Smoooth Fan concept is that the show is for the fans, by the fans. My brand isn’t what it is today because of just talent alone but also because of the people who support it. I always ask what the use of acting is if no one switches on the TV. My fans play a very big role and are an element of my brand growth and me as a person and this is a way to give them a bigger glimpse into me as a person.
Why do you think it is important to recognise the fanbase who has been by your side throughout your career?
My fans are literally the pulp of who Khanyi Mbau is. They heckle me and keep me in check and make sure that I stick to myself. Their attitude also lets me know how well I am performing. They are a great indication of how well I am doing in my career which is why it is so important to recognise them and listen to everything they have to say.
Why do you think so many people around the country identify with you and your work?
I am a true being. I’ve grown in front of everyone. I’ve had my flaws, my mistakes, my victories out in the open and I have hidden nothing from those who support me. I have fallen many times and my fans have helped pick me up. I am literally a brand people can say they have watched transform and grow into what it is today.
What do you hope your fans get out of watching you on this week’s episode of Tropika Smoooth Fan?
I am honestly as human as they are and I am a hard-working mom that is just led by what the fans want. My goal is just to keep giving them what they want and I think they’re going to really enjoy getting to know me better on this week’s episode of Tropika Smoooth Fan.
What was the biggest lesson your fans taught you about your career?
The biggest lesson my fans have taught me about my career is that you need to be true to yourself and not hide your imperfections. They appreciate honesty. Honesty all the way – and that trust is something that needs to be earned.
What’s can fans expect from you in the coming months?
My film with Leon Schuster, Frank and Fearless, comes out at the end of the month which I am really excited about. Then, in February, my new movie called The Red Room will be released. My show, The Scoop, on SABC 3 seems to be getting bigger and better with every episode that passes and I am excited to continue bringing fans content they enjoy on the show. Then, I have a very, very big project coming out soon as well which I can’t say too much about at this stage but it’s something I am very excited about.
Can you share something with us that media and fans might not know/might be surprised to learn/know about you?
I am a very shy and a very private person. I would prefer being alone in a car or at home watching TV than in a stadium being watched by lots of people – which is shocking because I made a career from being in the public eye.
Can you share an instance where a fan has changed your life in some way?
Absolutely! There was this one fan who did not like me at all. They used to drag me on social media all the time. They came up to me one day and told me that although they have never understood my values or how I make decisions or how I choose things in my life, the one thing they can appreciate is that I have always been honest and true to myself. The fact that I have been consistent and the fact that I have always done what’s true to me has made them respect me. It made me remember how important it is to be authentic and that’s a lesson which changed my life forever.