She might be petite but her talents are bigger than life! Hustling her way in the local entertaiment industry and ensuring that her work on our South African television screens is something to be remembered long after she’s gone. We’re refering to non other than Nandi Mngoma (26) who has indeed become a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment circles.
The singer and actress definitely does not give up easily. Many people got to know her in 2010 when she entered the SABC 1 presenter search for music shows LIVE and O Access. Although she didn’t make it for both shows her spirit and go-getter mentality opened up many opportunities for her, the latest being her magazine on our country’s top sports channel SuperSport.
Sphelele Buthelezi chatted with Nandi Mngoma whose among the SA ladies who are making a mark in the sport industry and about her other projects.
Who is Nandi Mngoma?
I’m from sunny Durban, most of my life I grew up in Durban North with my parents and siblings. Those were the best days of my life!
Tell us about your journey in TV presenting thus far?
I was a part of a kids show when I was 15, on SABC 2 it was produced by Okuhle Production company, I really got to sharpen my presenting skills there. I’ve always been unique so being runner up for the presenter searches Live and O-Access was encouraging as strange as that may sound, as I understood there was a demand for my uniqueness and individuality, just not for those two shows though.
You’re also quite the musician, what can we expect from you musically in the next month or year?
I come from a musical background, my extended family consists of family members who studied music, so music has always been a passion of mine it’s like second nature to me. I love how one can express themselves however they feel like through music. It’s liberating.
I was fortunate that I was scouted by such a big label like Universal Music who were impressed by my talent and believed I could go far. I’m currently recording and at the end of this year, I will release a video and single titled In My Skin which has just started playing on radio and produced by Zakes Bantwini. It’s been a riveting experience so far and I working with amazing producers has made this journey a pleasurable one to embark on.
Once again congratulations on your SuperSport gig , have you always been a sport fanatic?
I’ve been a part of the Super Sport family for about a year now. I do a show called LOVEPSL which covers all the news and lifestyle of the PSL Teams during the PSL season. I’m very passionate about both local and international football. I love working with Super Sport but more especially that all the presenter and people behind the scenes are lovely to work with and so professional. I’d like to see local football to improve, we have so much potential. I just look at some of the people who apart of the Supersport team who are football legends like Neil Tovey, Bradley Carnell, Dr khumalo, Shaun Bartlett and Mark Fish and think that, that want such a long time ago. So I choose to be optimistic about our football and believe we can redeem ourselves as a football nation.
What does your show on SuperSport entail?
My show for the World Cup Fan Fest. Is a fun interactive, vibrant show. It’s targeted mainly at the youth, and is not only informative but also very entertaining. We have special activities such as Samba dancing, chefs, sporting legends who take up the role team captains of the games we play, popular Dj’s and musicians and so much more.
It’s a show where we bring Brazil and the World Cup to your homes. What’s also cool is that people are more than welcome to come join us at our Randburg studios to join in on the fun. It really is a fantastic show.
Sports used to be male dominated, how did you adjust when you joined SuperSport?
Very true, by the time I joined I was fortunate that there were very successful, talented and strong ladies like Carol Tshabalala, Thato Moeng just to name a few. And SuperSport has made it their agenda to empower women in sports and to groom them not be seen as sexual objects but rather as women with knowledge, substance and great talent, which I think is of paramount importance. We sadly are in an era where the media and media personalities are obsessed with being overtly sexual and substance is not pushed. I’m proud to be a part of a team that believes in substance and grooming personalities to be inspiring people.
You have such an amazing body, how do you keep fit and healthy?
Thank you! To be honest I try to be healthy but most of it is genetics, my whole family is very petite. I also don’t drink or smoke which contributes a lot to my healhty lifestyle.
How does Nandi keep away from negative reports?
This is the first time I’ve heard a journalist ask this question and I think it is an excellent question to ask.
Unfortunately no one is safe from the beast that is the tabloids as that is the nature of the game. We’re in an era where sensationlism and lies sell newspapers unfortunately.
But I do know I make it very hard for tabloids to write about me as I’ve always lived a very private life which is serene and drama free, unless I’m working I never go out to events.
You definitely know how to dress your body, does Nandi perhaps have a personal stylist?
I generally dress myself unless there is no time and then I’ll contact someone to style me. But I love elegant, timeless iconic pieces.
Your hairstyle has changed many times, from a huge afro, to bald and now you’re sporting a very sexy german cut what inspires all these looks?
The hairstyles are inspired by everyone and anyone with African hair. I’ve always believed in loving the crown God gave you and to realise how truly beautiful your crown whether long or short.
Article by: Sphelele Buthelezi
Journalist Siphelele Buthelezi is fascinated with Le good life, enjoys SA and international entertainment and fashion
