Pabi's back on the box with much to say

Published Apr 13, 2015

Share

With her DNA strongly rooted in entertainment, it isn’t surprising to see Pabi Moloi back on our screens. She has not been sitting idle, she was just hijacked by the corporate world. Now she is back on the airwaves on PowerFM and on screen, too.

Last month, she was the guest presenter on Trace Sports, for their Women’s Month promotion. Now, she is sashaying onto our screens as a co-presenter on the new season of e.tv’s Ekse Zwakala. Dineo Moeketsi and Tol A$$ Mo are her partners in crime.

Moloi says: “It’s interesting that people say I haven’t been around. I hadn’t stopped working. I was more involved in corporate TV. I wanted to figure out what I wanted to do next and rest. Being ‘back” is not about the limelight, but the grindstone. There is something about the pace that I missed. I enjoy being creative and occupied, in that way. And I’m excited to have a new project.”

Moloi is a household name. And it certainly doesn’t feel like she ever left.

“I feel like in my career, there have always been revolving doors. Radio takes precedence over TV and, in other years, it’s the other way around.”

On her latest TV undertaking, she shares: “I got a call from the production company. They wanted to meet me. It seemed like something fresh for me to do. I feel as if I have been exposed to a lot more of the fashion, glamour and lifestyle angle, which is part of my personality, but isn’t all I have to offer.”

In this Mzansi talk show, no topic is off limits. And the three presenters offer their own takes on the issues discussed. Given their individuality, their comments, including the left field ones, are funny and entertaining, while, of course, providing food for thought.

And this is the first time Moloi will be working with her co-presenters.

She offers: “It’s interesting. I have interviewed Tol A$$ Mo as a radio DJ and him as a comedian. I have watched his reality TV show with his wife. He is like a new-age man. So real and honest. I have really enjoyed his authenticity from afar. What’s better is meeting someone in real life and finding that they are as real in person. He has this way of calling people ‘my gentle brother or my gentle sister’. And he is my gentle brother.”

Although Pabi gets along better with guys, growing up as the only rose among her male siblings, she immediately warmed up to Moeketsi when they met and they have developed a sisterly bond.

Moloi admits: “She is incredibly dynamic. I can imagine people would love to put her in a box, perception-wise. I think she is going to surprise a lot of people with this show.”

While the landscape has a plethora of talk shows, she adds: “We don’t have enough. I don’t think we have enough diversity in talk shows. I think we have a lot of space to tell more stories. The edge that Ekse has is that it has three hosts bringing themselves to the conversation in every episode. That’s what sets us apart.”

As someone who has found her life in the headlines, at times, Moloi is also open about her demons. She imparts the knowledge she has. She offers: “A lot of the topics we have discussed, I have a lot of interest in. Like body image issues. I have done the Beyoncé master cleanse diet – it was disgusting; diet pills – they don’t work. While I listen to Dineo’s point of view, for example, mine isn’t the same even though I’m a female. We just have nuanced differences.”

While the three are honing their natural rhythm in front of the camera, Moloi is also in a very good space. And she is looking amazing. As in head-turning amazing.

She shares: “I’m definitely more relaxed and no so anxious anymore. In life, really horrible things happen and really wonderful things happen. And that is just fine. You learn to take things in your stride.”

Firing on all cylinders; that’s Moloi today.

• Ekse Zwakala, e.tv, April 21, 6pm.

NoTHING off limits for local talk show hosts

Ekse Zwakala’s other two presenters – Tol A$$ Mo and Dineo Moeketsi – were thrown into the spotlight with a few light-hearted questions. This is how they responded…

How cheeky are you when interviewing celebrities? What’s the cheekiest question you have asked and to whom?

TAM: I’m very cheeky at times. Lol. I guess it’s the comedian in me that pops out randomly, resulting in awkward moments, if that makes any sense (Did you see that I just cracked myself up on a text message?) Ooh yah. But anyway, I once asked Mandoza if it’s true that every time he prepares to go on stage he drinks a 2l Inkomazi straight out of the bottle because it gives him energy. I ran away shortly after.

DM: I think it depends on the conversation and where it’s going. I don’t make a conscious choice to ask cheeky questions.

What flavour will you be bringing to Ekse Zwalake?

TAM: More flavour than I have been bringing for the past two sessions. My co- hosts are such a pleasure to work with. God has blessed me with new sisters in my life and, for that, I will be forever grateful.

DM: I will be bringing a lot more of me than anyone has ever seen me do on TV.

Do you have any no-go areas when it comes to topics discussed?

TAM: We live in a time where we cannot hide what we feel inside with so many forms of social media platforms out there, which is also the main driver of the show. I don’t think there is anything I’m not willing to talk about. I prefer to take things head-on.

DM: I don’t think I have any yet. But we will see…

Who would be on your wish list in terms of a guest and why?

TAM: Adrian Gore, the founder of Discovery Health. He has made his vision a prosperous and sustainable business. He took a risk by leaving his high-ranking position to go start his own business and never looked back.

DM: I have fulfilled my list. So I would just like to be surprised with our guests.

As celebrities yourselves, have you ever wriggled out of answering an awkward question? Tell us about it.

TAM: Yes, I have. All I could say is: ‘No comment’ or I would say sorry five times later, like I did not hear what they were saying. (Smiles).

DM: I usually play the oblivious card when asked an awkward question.

Related Topics: