It’s our birthday, and we’re ready to celebrate! And who better to take us into our fifth year than SA’s very own It Girl, Bonang Matheba? In her most honest interview yet, Queen B answers 200 burning questions that we’ve set out for her. Be prepared to get to know the 28-year-old a whole lot better…
- Are you ready for 200 questions?
Not at all…LOL!!
- What does it feel like being Grazia’s 200th issue cover girl?
It’s an honour, this is my SECOND Grazia cover and this one is by FAR the most epic. It’s quite a milestone. Being on ANY international publication is a blessing for me, but doing it TWICE doesn’t happen very often. I’m honoured that the Grazia team chose me, thank you.
- What’s the best birthday present you’ve ever received?
I flew to the BET Awards in LA last year on my birthday June 25th in Business class Emirates. Had the honour of walking the red carpet with David Tlale then watching Nicki Minaj live in concert, also got to attend the main event. Draped in a GJC masterpiece- THAT was amazing. I’ll never ever forget it.
- And the worst?
I’ve had plenty of those. Unfortunately, my late Grandmother passed away a few weeks before my 21st birthday, so that for me was a horrible year and didn’t celebrate my birthday. Now, every year I dedicate my birthday to her. She was so incredible, miss her very much, evryday.
- How do you best like to celebrate your birthday?
With close friends and family. I prefer an intimate dinner with my loved ones, a great meal and some good conversation. Lots of presents (of course! Lol), then a young turn up in the late evening.
- If you had to choose, cake or champagne?
Champers!! Always champers!
- How does it feel having achieved what most people don’t in a lifetime?
It’s unreal. I still wake up evry morning in awe of how blessed I’ve been. Watching my hard work and dedication manifest into so many incredible achievements is enough to leave anyone in a state of disbelief sometimes. All this and I’m not even 29 years old yet! It’s an out of body feeling sometimes, especially when I meet young people who remind how my work has touched them or changed their lives.
- What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?
Waking up every morning, healthy and happy, to do something I LOVE! I’ve found my God given purpose and THAT for me is the greatest achevement.
- It’s been a big year for you awards-wise – and now you’ve also got a star on the Rosebank Walk of Fame. Tell us more about the honour.
This still needs to sink in- The African Global Heritage Foundation identified a few african perosnalities to receive stars on Africa’s FIRST ‘walk of fame’. They sent my team an email and told us the great news, so now I’m counting down to the event in Rosebank in May. Definitely ones of the BIGGEST achievemnets of my life
- What is the ultimate award that you want to win one day?
An Emmy for Best TV Presenter.
- When you first hit the entertainment scene, did you ever predict you’d be this successful?
Yes. I’m a bit of an over-achiever, in school, in life and in everything I put my mind to. I always know what I wanna do and who I wanna become. From a young age, I knew I was gonna make an impact- whether in entertainment or the corporate world- I always knew, I wanted to be GREAT!
- Despite your many accomplishments, you’ve managed to stay grounded. How is that?
I have an incredible, private support structure.
- How so?
My family and my best friend- they are responsible for keeping me sane and on the ground.
- What advice can you give to young women who strive to be like you one day?
Never underestimate the power of hard work, resllience, patience and prayer. You can become and do anything you put your mind to, if youre willing to put in the hours.
- You’re a master of all trades… What role do you enjoy the most?
TV Host. Because that’s where it all started for me. It’s my strongest talent and it has opened many doors for me.
- You inspire so many of your fans every day. Do you consider yourself a role model?
I don’t think about it . I consider myself as a young African woman, following her dreams and because of this has had the honour of inspiring other people around the continent.
- Does that responsibility ever get too much for you?
-
- You’re one of the most followed celebs on Twitter, FB and Insta… Why is having a social media presence imperative to your brand?
Because we live in a digital era. I’m the most followed OAP in Africa. I use these mediums to interact with my supports, to share ideas and also to keep up to date with news and happenings around the world.
- The amazing thing about your platforms is that you engage fully with your fans and interact with them on social media. Is what your followers say important to you?
Yes. They give me immediate feedback which is INCREDIBLE! As much as I love what I do and make sure I do it in a way that makes ME happy, I’m also an entertainer and my work depends on the enjoyement of those who receive it.
- What do your fans mean to you?
They mean EVERYTHING! They know this. I call them supporters not fans. Because they do more than ‘gas’ me up- in most cases they’ve been my pillar together with my family and friends.
- Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Slay!
Snatch
Have you ever?
I just cannot?
Can I die?
Love
- Your life is constantly on the go, and your schedule is insane. Can you give us a quick look into a day in the life of Queen B?
It differs from day to day. But yesterday for instance,
Radio show from 10am-noon
Interview and cover shoot
Meeting with my Brand Team
Host Afternoon Express on SABC 3 at 16:00
Go home and make dinner and watch tv my bae.
- You’re split between CT and Joburg – where do you call home?
I work in Cape Town and live in Johannesburg. Home is in Durban where my parents live.
- Is it tough always being on the move?
Yes. It’s tiring.
- Tell us how you let your hair down – do you ever wear sweatpants and have days where you just chill and catch-up on yourself?
Every night. I dedicate an hour to replying to emails, catching up with my team, admin work and just chilling. But in order to chill properly, I need to go on holiday which I try do four times a year. Yes I have to make time for myself- I have to. My job is solely depenent on a healthy mind, body and soul- it’s imperative I take care of it.
- Let’s chat about your friendship with Jeannie and Bonnie – are you guys as close off set as you are on set?
Yup! We do drinks and dinners all the time. We have a whatsapp group where we gossip and just talk nonsense all day.
- Do you ever have time to hang out socially?
yes
- What qualities do you most admire in your female friends?
Honesty, maturity and indepenedence. My girlfriends are also very very succesfful.
What do they do?
One works in Corporate SA, the other works in Kenya for the Department of International Relations.
- The entertainment industry is pretty cut-throat. Do you find there’s a lot of competition amongst local stars?
There’s competition amongst human beings in general.
- Why do you believe it’s important for celebrities to keep their private lives out of the public eye?
Makes it easier. You have some sort of ‘solace’ from the façade that is showbiz. A place that belongs to you, and just you. A piece of you that wont be taken away, a place where you can just be.
- You’re one of the most business-savvy people we know and, as a woman, you’re owning things in a male-dominated world. Do you ever feel intimidated or undermined by men in the corporate world?
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- Why do you think it’s important for women to stand up for other women, in life, in work and in general?
Because the world is already against us.
- How have you managed to sell the incredible brand that is Bonang Matheba?
In order for a brand to be succesful, it needs to be consistent. Consistency creats an emotional connection. That’s what I’ve done with Brand Bonang. The quality of my work, my delivery, my appearnce is always 100%. You always know you’ll receive a world class package and experience with me- those are the core values of my brand. I also have a global branding team as well as a management team.
- In terms of work, do you have any exciting new projects you’re working on that you can share with us?
Plenty. A new production that my company Bonang Matheba Entertainment is producing, a 7 day mentorship camp in September that im putting togther for young girls in SA. And a few others that cant be mentioned because of NDAs LOL!
- Who else are you close to when you need a shoulder to cry on during tough times?
My mother, my aunts, my boyfriend.
- Who are the people that motivate and inspire you the most?
My mother, Ryan Seacrest and Khanyi Dhlomo.
- What is it like being considered a fashion icon?
It’s too fab! Totes beyond. I’ve been in love with clothes and fashion since I was 14 years.
- Where do you get your greatest style inspiration from?
It’s a mix of people, but mostly I just think about outfits on the spot or off the top of my head. I like Rihanna and Miroslava Duma’s style.
- What goes through your mind when she gets dressed in the morning?
Not much. Just- SLAY! LOL!!
- Do you ever have off days where you don’t feel gorgeous or perfect?
Oh YES! Absolutely. I think most women do. On those days, I just stay home in my pjs, with a bowl of cheese curls, some Tinkies and lots of trash reality tv.
- Is there anything about your appearance you dislike?
I think my forhead is too big and my legs are too skinny! LOL!
- Are you a hopeless romantic?
I’m Cancerian. Im literallly LOVE personalified. I love hard, I love deep and it’s the only way I’d wanna live.
- What is your relationship status?
In a happy relationship with a great man.
- How old were you when you had your first kiss?
Don’t remember. Maybe 15. I think I was in primary school.
- What music was playing during your first slow dance?
All For One- I Can Love You Like That.
- What is the quality that most appeals to you in a man?
Honesty
- Do you see yourself getting married and having kids one day – and one day soon?
Not one day soon. Maybe in the next 3-10 years. I’d like to get married before I have children. To a stable, mature man. I wanna be very very comfortable (read-wealthy) before I welcome a bundle of joy into this world. For now, I still wanna travel the world, sleep late, buy expensive shoes, buy expensive cars, party until the morning and wake up with a hangover once in a while without having to worry about anything.
- What would you name your first-born?
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- Beautiful. Where does the name come from?
It’s my baby cousin’s second name.
- What is your life’s motto?
Rise above. Return hate with love. Kill them with kindness then bury them with success.
- If you could be any age again, what would it be?
I’d be 6 years old.
- What’s your favourite trend this season?
Metallic
- If you had to date an international celeb, who would it be?
Channing Tatum
- Have you ever been stars truck?
Yes. Plenty of times. I’m also human rememeber? LOL!!
- Are there any celebrities you dislike?
No. Takes too much effort to hate another human being. I don’t allow people to rent room in my head free of charge. That’s what hating someone else does.
- How do you feel about the Kardashians?
Obsessed! Love them… Especially Kendall and Khloe. I want their clothes and hair… Lol!
- What are you most afraid of?
I don’t like insects very much. They’re super scary.
- Your secret crush?
Don’t have one.
- Describe your best date ever…
Twas dinner on the beach somewhere- super special evening. The best in my life!
- If you could live anywhere else on earth, where would it be?
I’d live in New York or LA. It’s gonna happen, very soon.
- Do you have pets?
-
- What’s your spirit animal?
A Jaguar
- What app on your phone can’t you live without?
Instragram
- What did you buy your mom from Christmas last year?
An Hermes Scarf
- What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
My house. I bought for my myself on my 22nd birthday.
- Who’s the last person you stood up?
LOL! This question is terrible.. LOL! My assistant, was meant to meet her for a meeting but I napped instead. LOL! I apologised though.
- What do you wear to bed?
Bonang For Distraction Lingerie
- What’s your earliest memory?
My 7th birthday party in Mafikeng. And my yellow BMX bike my father bought me as a gift.
- What language do you dream in?
French! Hahaahaahaaaa…. I wish!! ENGLISH!
- Would you ever get plastic surgery?
Nah. I’d rather buy shoes and make up.. lol!
- If you could change one thing about you, what would it be?
Im always anxious and I’m very impatient. Not good -and my friends always complain. LOL! I hate waiting
- Which body part do you feel the most affection for?
I love my face!! Haahahaaa!! I’m super obsessed with my face.
- What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
I check Twitter and Instagram
- What’s your favourite movie?
Too many! Notting Hill, Wedding Planner, Bridesmaids, Sex And The City1, Mean Girls, Father Of The Bride, Oceans’ 11 and and and and….
- What’s the one make-up product you can’t live without?
Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eyeliner in Black
- Who would you like to be stuck on a deserted island with?
My bae- he’s my BFF
- Louboutin or Jimmy Choos?
Giussepe Zanotti ![;-)]()
- What’s your favourite Instagram filter?
Chrome
- Cardio or weights?
Cardio
- Gym or yoga?
Yoga
- What’s your workout routine?
Boxing for an hour, twice a week. Yoga once a week
- Bikini or full-piece?
Both..
- If you had to live in a past time, what era would you pick?
The 80’s. I love the fashion, the music of that era.
- Can you play a musical instrument?
No
- What’s your favourite drink on an aeroplane?
Gin and Tonic
- Do you tip more than 10 percent?
-
- What’s your favourite restaurant?
Mezepolli in Melrose and Gemelli’s in Bryanston.
- What’s your cheat meal?
Chicken Licken hotwings
- What kind of person were you in high school?
I did everything. I was a prefect, captain of the 1st team Netball, cheerleader, part of the major production, I sand, I swam- jack of all trades. I was the person voted as most likely to be famous LOL!!
- What’s your panic button age (the age you thought you would have achieved everything)?
My panic age is 30. I did everything I wanted to achieve a few weeks before my 27th birthday.
- Why?
- What will we always find in your fridge?
ALWAYS? –à red seedless grapes from Woolworths
- What’s your favourite driving music?
Depends where I’m going, what time of the day it is, and aslo what mood I’m in. Changes all the time.
- Dream car?
I’m driving it. Mercedes Benz CLA 45 AMG.
- If you had a superpower what would it be?
I’d be invisible
- Are you superstitious?
No
- Do you read your horoscope?
No
- Do you believe in ghosts?
No
- What are some of the hobbies you’d like to take on?
Rowing. Skiing and ballet dancing.
- What was the last meal that impressed you?
The cheesacke from Gemmili in Bryanston
- If you weren’t doing what you were doing, what would you be?
A pre school teacher. Teaching English, that’s what I wanted to do before getting into entertainement. Wanted to get into education.
- The thing you’re eyeing next is…
This MASSIVE house in Bryanston I wanna buy myself for my 29th birthday in June.
- The last item of clothing you added to your wardrobe…
A gorgeous pink and turquoise shirt dress from TopShop
- Favourite room in your house?
My closet
- What books do you have on your bedside table?
Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Rules Of Engagement by Cindy Trimm
- What indulgence would you never forgo?
Cake and champagne. Shoes and fabulous handbags, and travelling the world in business class of course!
- What are your favourite websites?
Netaporter .com
ASOS.com
Eonline.com
Vice.com
- Describe your favourite outfit of all time…
A pink ballgown I wore to my matric dance in 2005 by South African designers Hip Hop. It was the very first time I wore ‘couture’ and I never ever looked back after that.
- How do you feel wearing it?
Like the belle of the ball.
- What’s your pet peeve?
Stinky feet and bad breath
- What was the last fight you were in?
Twas in the boxing ring at my gym with my trainer.
- Heels or flats?
heels
- Boxers or briefs?
briefs
- How do you feel about Donald Trump?
I feel nothing for him.
- How do you feel about SA politics?
Volatile. Confused. Dramatic. Disappointing. Scandal. Corruption
- Who is the person you’re most proud of?
Myself. I’ve stood the test of time. After all these years, I’ve proven to be stronger, more passionate, more ambitious and harder working then I couldve ever imagined
- Would you rather go to a play or a movie?
A movie.
- Crash with friends or stay in a hotel?
A hotel.
- Who did you last say “I love you” to?
My bae
- Do you regret it?
No
- Where’s the weirdest place you’ve ever made out with someone?
On a rollercoaster
- Are you afraid of death?
No. Even if I should die tomorrow, I’ve lived a full, satisfying life. I’ve fulffiled all my dreams, I’ve loved, I’ve been hurt, I’ve rejoiced, I’ve made histroy, I’ve made mistakes, I’ve inspired, I’ve danced, I’ve laughed, I’ve travelled- I’m good.
- Would you take any of your exes back?
NO
- Are you scared of spiders?
Not scared of them, I just don’t want to be in close proximity to them. I don’t mind them though. They’re aiigh’
- Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?
-
- Do you have piercings?
Yes
- Tattoos?
yes
- If so, do you want any more?
Yes I do
- Have you ever been on a horse?
Yes I have LOL! I’ve done a few shoots with horses, most recently for the Queen’s Plate which I was the official Spokesperon for.
- Have you ever broken someone’s heart?
Yes
- Have you ever been cheated on?
Yes
- Have you ever made a boyfriend cry?
Yes, weep!
- Would you live with someone without marrying them?
No. I’ll sleep over at their place, but I’ve always had my own house. I prefer it that way. I like my space every now and then.
- Have you ever changed clothes in a car?
All the time. LOL!
- What’s been your longest relationship?
Three and a half years.
- Is it easier to forgive or forget?
Weak people seek revenge. Strong people forgive. Intelligent people ignore. ![:-)]()
- What year was the best year of your life?
2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016
- Why?
Acheievements, memories, dreams coming true, travels, falling in love- so much and more!
- What was your childhood nickname?
Mafanda- my family still call me this till today.
- Have you ever gone skinny dipping?
No
- Do you believe everything happens for a reason?
Yup
- Are you afraid of the dark?
Not really
- Do you believe in true love?
Yes
- Favourite weather?
Summer
- Do you like the snow?
Nope. Im asthmatic, I don’t like the cold. My lungs cant handle it.
- Would you change your name if you got married?
Yes. Culturally, it’s the right thing to do.
- Do you keep up with the news and world events?
I have to. I have a mid-morning radio show.
- Have you ever been unhappy about your weight?
No
- Did you pass your driving test first time around?
Yes I did! Pow!
- Have you ever watched TV for five hours straight?
Yes I have. The flight to New york is 16 hours nonstop. You’re kinda forced to. LOL!
- Have you ever broken a bone?
Broken a bone?! Like a bone bone? Orrrr????
- Have you ever had your heart broken?
Only once.
- Ever stayed up for 24 hours or more?
Yes I have.
- The thing you love most about travelling is…
Meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, sampling new food, shopping, making memories, relaxing, drinking cocktails, packing… everything!!!
- The thing you hate most about travelling is…
The jetlag
- Where’s next on your bucket list?
Croatia then Frankfurt for the Beyonce World Tour in July 2016
- Do you still have your wisdom teeth?
Yes I do.
- Who’s your favourite rapper?
AKA
- Do you think Kanye West is a genius or crazy when he goes on a Twitter rant?
He’s misunderstood.
- If money was no object, what would you do all day?
I’d fix schools all over SA, buy texts books and technology for the classrooms, get the school some transport, buy uniform and school shoes- then set up kitchens so kids can have free lunch at school.
- What is the one thing that should be taught in school that isn’t already?
Social Media skills. How to deal with cyberbullies, how to take care of your online reputation and how to stay away from trouble on social media.
- What one thing would you change if you had to do it over?
Nothing. Because at THAT VERY moment, it was excactly what I wanted.
- How would your friends describe you?
Kind. Funny. Loving. Nurturer. The “Mom”. Generous. Stylish. Impatient.
- If you could bring one musician back from the dead, who would it be?
Michael Jackson
- Why?
I feel like he still had so much to offer the world.
- If you could live in a book, TV show or movie, what would it be?
Sex And The City
- If you could get away with any crime – would you?
I wanna steal the entire inventory at the Netaporter offices.
- Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Owning content. Producing shows both online and on TV. Hosting my own Talk Show and or working with E! in LA.
- If you could live forever, how would you spend eternity?
I wouldn’t wanna live forever. I’d get tired after year 300. If I had to, I’d wanna live in Bora Bora with my family.
- In what ways do you hold yourself back?
I’m careful with what I say to whom and on what platofrom. I hold myself back very often, almost all day everyday- especially on social media. I’ve mastered the art of silence- it’s won me many wars. It’s an incredible characteristic and it’s one of the many things I LOVE about myself.
- What’s the first thing you’d do if you were president of SA?
I’d fix the public transport system, give children in SA free tertiary eduaction like they do in Botswana. Then make sure every household has free DSTV, wifi and electricity!
- How do you want to be remembered?
As a hard working African girl, with global dreams- who weathered every storm to come out on TOP everytime. An ambitious little girl from Mafikeng who worked super hard to make ALL her dreams come true.
- In what ways are you a leader
Everyday when I am on radio, social media or television, what I have to say, or look influences people and thats a form of leadership.
- In what ways are you a follower?
I am follower because I too look and listen for guidance from my environments
- If you could change one law, what would it be?
Its not a law really, but the Fees Must Fall campaign really showed me that as government, business – an easy & even free way to education needs to be found.
- Which are you more likely to fight for, love or money?
-
- Why?
I’m a lover not a fighter.
- If you could speak another language, which would it be?
It would definitely be three, French, Spanish & Portuguese.
- Why?
As a world traveller one needs these languages.
- What fashion fad do you wish would come back?
More like what fashion fad hasn’t been cramped into the 2000s? We’ve had so much freedom with fashion expression that it feels like we live in a multitude of fashion fads at once.
- Which one do you wish would disappear forever?
None really as they all cater to one’s individual taste. For me there’s no such thing as bad fashion.
- What’s something too serious to be joked about?
Money. No serious, you can’t joke about money people take it way too seriously, understandably.
- Would you rather explore a new planet, or the deepest parts of the ocean?
Definitely the ocean.
- Why?
I love nothing more than escaping to an island and being surrounded by the ocean. On my last trip I went snorkeling and I plan to dive soon…
- Do you believe there’s other life out there, that’s not on earth?
I believe there’s more to the planet than earth and with that anything is possible.
- In what ways are you the same as your childhood self?
I still love nothing more than to dance and laugh.
- What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
Mrs Carter World Tour at the O2 arena in London and the Watch The Throne Concert in Burmingham
- How long do you think you would survive during a zombie apocalypse?
You guys are freaking me out now… Not long at all
- If it were possible to colonise Mars in our lifetime, would you go?
Definitely!
- Tell us more…
I’d probably see it as this biggest adventure and go into it with no fear or expectations either than an explorative mind.
- If you could abolish one piece of modern technology, what would it be and why?
Am shooting myself in the foot here, but the smart phone.
- Why?
Yes its useful in so many ways, but has rendered us socially inapt
- If you could, how would you choose to die?
Peacefully in my sleep, surrounded by my loved ones.
- If you could speak to everyone in the world at the same time, what would you say?
We don’t have lions roaming the streets in Africa, stop with the ignorance- come visit our incredible continent yourself and stop with the bullshit!
- If you could use technology to do one thing, what would it be?
To make people get along a little better. Spread a little bit MORE love and not the opposite.
- If you could have the answer to any question, what would that question be?
Who invented sleep! Yes sleep not rest!
- What are you most grateful for?
My life. My health. My pure heart and my family.
- What words of wisdom would you pass onto your childhood self?
Baby girl, hold on to your dreams as they’re about to be realized just around the corner!!!
- How do you define love?
Love is a beautiful feeling that places you on higher ground as it gives fulfillment and happiness. Love has its own language that just tunes all other languages out. It’s beautiful.
- How did it feel answering 200 questions about yourself?
It was long but fun.
#NewYorkNewYork #MinnieMadibaTakeOver
