Watch this behind-the-scenes video from our Bonang Matheba cover shoot and then read what our features editor Phila Tyekana had to say about the interview.
Why Bonang Matheba?
Bonang epitomises what it means to be young in today’s world, which is dreaming big and making those dreams a reality. She clinched the Revlon deal last year and kicked off 2014 with a bang, progressing even further with her lingerie line Distraction by Bonang at Woolworths, then came reality TV show Clash of the Choirs and her radio show, Front Row on Metro FM. Bonang is always so admirable with all her hard work. She embodies that working hard indeed does pay off. Since this is our June issue and it is youth month, we think Bonang’s the best person to be the face of the magazine during this month.
BONA has had Bonang on the cover before, why did you feature her again?
Our last cover with Bonang was in 2011 and before then, in 2010. Bonang has always managed to reinvent herself and because of that she has staying power in the entertainment and media industries. We wanted to celebrate her new achievements, and also give the reader insight into her world. This really is a scoop on how she manages to be the leader of the pack at all times.
What was her reaction to being on the cover of BONA magazine again?
Bonang is always so excited to be on our covers and she always shows enthusiasm as if it’s her first ever cover. At BONA, we always appreciate her passion to be the face of the magazine.
How was it like interviewing her?
Fun! Who wouldn’t want to have coffee with the Queen of Everything? She’s professional and has a calculated openness about her life, which is always admirable.
How was she at the photo shoot?
Her photo shoot mantra is always: “Give me Nando’s and champagne and I’ll be happy”. We delivered and everyone was happy.
What was the inspiration behind the June cover?
The theme for the photo shoot is “A day in the life of Bonang”. To an outsider, B* appears as though she’s living the life… she’s got money, a wardrobe to die for, fame and everything is top shayela. With the help of the design team, we played on that illusion of her life, which I’m sure is true. We shot the cover at 54 on Bath, one of Jozi’s prestigious hotels; dressed her in high-end clothing… this played even further on how the world perceives her everyday life.
What can readers expect from the story?
A scoop on how she’s making it, who she respects most, what she thinks of her competitors in Celebville and her future plans.
