Khanyi Mbau hosts a TV talk show about the celebrity life, writes Nontando Mposo
Most of us know Khanyi Mbau as the “Queen of Bling” who spends her days and nights sipping expensive champagne at South Africa’s coolest parties, decked out in the latest designer wear.
But Mbau, it would seem, has grown up, appears to have taken control of her life and finances and is busy earning a living for herself – without a sugar daddy in sight.
She has a prime-time television slot with her new talk show, called Katch it with Khanyi, where she reveals industry secrets that give regular South Africans a glimpse of how the country’s celebrities live.
Mbau says the show is close to her heart. “A lot of people expect the show to be dramatic… It is me, after all,” she says.
“The show showcases a part of me that people don’t know. I get to sit down with South Africa’s favourites and we talk about the scandals and I get to ask the hard questions,” she says.
“It’s easier for them (celebs) to open up to a sinner like me than to someone who is regarded as a perfect dream girl.
“I’ve been through it all and worse, so I can ask all the difficult questions.”
Mbau is no stranger to television. Just last month she was a participant in South Africa’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, and was tipped to win. But that was before she was eliminated when she failed to win enough votes.
Following her ousting, her fans took to social media to voice their disappointment.
The executive producer of the show, Kee-Leen Irvine, then sent out a message which read: “Missing @MbauReloaded. But she’ll be back in #StrictlySA finale showcasing her best dance. What was ur fave?”.
But Mbau replied: “I refuse to be part of a damage control episode. You know the truth.”
At the time Mbau said she was shocked at her elimination, but understood it was a competition.
She has also hosted Reality Check on e.tv, co-hosted Mzansi Love and participated in the roasting of successful entrepreneur and king of sushi Kenny Kunene on DStv.
She has also appeared in the sitcom Check Coast and in Muvhango, in the early days of her career.
Later this year, Mbau will be seen on the big screen when she has a cameo appearance in South Africa’s first dance film, Hear ME Move.
The film centres on the character Muzi, who is the son of a legendary township pantsula dancer. Muzi finds himself having to choose between his dancing career and disappointing his mother.
The film is set to be released here on December 19.
Its cast includes newcomer Nyaniso Dzedeze as Muzi, acting veteran Lillian Dube and actress S’thandiwe Kgoroge.
The talented Thembi Seete and Lorcia Cooper, like Mbau, will make cameo appearances.
But for now Mbau is focusing on her tell-all talk show, and in the spirit thereof, spoke about having OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).
“I am a freak when it comes to cleanliness. I also have battered wife syndrome because of a past relationship which was very abusive. Now I have to be perfect, because I am broken inside,” she says.
Mbau is also considered one of the country’s fashion trendsetters, but was adamant that she was no slave to fashion.
“Fashion is really not about what is in or not, but about what goes with your personality. Dress for your personality and comfort first and style later,” she says.
In the city to promote her latest show, she had much to say about Cape Town.
“It’s my ultimate dream to move here. I love this city, people are so healthy and calm… and the creativity is just in the air,” she says
“I have hit the roof with Joburg. It can be pretentious.
“You go there to make it and you have to keep up with levels all the time. I’m tired of it.”
l Khanyi Mbau’s talk show, Katch it with Khanyi, is on e.tv’s OpenView HD channel, at 6pm on Mondays. - Cape Argus