Success leaves clues. That’s a popular saying in business and in leadership. And when it comes to Bonang Matheba – a game changer of the TV presenting world – one would be wise to pick up the crumbs that she lays down on the road to success.
Her first book, From A to B: The Bonang Matheba Story, is published by Blackbird Books and will be on book shelves in August. When pre-orders for this part motivational book part memoir were released, they reportedly sold out in a matter of four hours.
Matheba is a trailblazer, hence everyone wants to know how she does it. In August, the B in Queen B may just stand for blueprint. From A to B: The Bonang Matheba Story is co-written by Radio 702 talk show host and journalist, Gugu Mhlungu.
The book is described as “the story of how a girl from Mafikeng in the North West found her face next to that of Halle Berry’s in a worldwide Revlon campaign. The most important lesson from the book will be that no one is born made, we all have to work very hard”.
@bonang_m I tried to click on the link the one that is on your Instagram Bio, but it keeps on saying "Failed"...How can I preorder the book?
— Tshiamo (@20tshiamoj) June 13, 2017
It's sold out. Sorry babe. Will load more soon. https://t.co/8Ld6mNouxi
— Bonang B* Matheba (@bonang_m) June 13, 2017
Founder and head of Blackbird Books, Thabiso Mahlape, said the process to publishing this sought-after book was a long one.
“Bonang and I were introduced by Timothy Maurice,” she says. “I don’t know what their relationship is but I have published one of Maurice’s books. It took long conversations and planning but here we are.”
The A – B book of Queen B is a hit!
Blackbird Books has published books by the likes of Nakhane Toure and Marah Louw. As a publisher, Mahlape has worked on books like Eyebags & Dimples by Bonnie Henna, and When Hope Whispers by Zoleka Mandela.
Do books by media personalities make for a better sales bet than those of good but not as famous authors. “Naturally they do,” says Mahlape. “It remains a challenge to balance the famous faces with really important stories and not just publish them because they are famous faces and bring in healthier sales.”
With that said, Matheba’s story seems to be an important one to tell. Mahlape says there is much to be gained from reading From A to B: The Bonang Matheba Story.
“Expect to feel inspired, motivated but mostly a lot of respect for Bonang,” Mahlape said. “Just today, I made a huge business decision based on the lessons I have accumulated from working on her story.”
If it works for Mahlape, then imagine the possibilities.
* From A to B: The Bonang Matheba Story will be in stores in August.