The Best Is Yet To Come
Drum English|14 November 2019
She’s just bagged her second international award this year but the hustle to be great isn’t over, Bonang Matheba tells us
Siya Tsewu
The Best Is Yet To Come

THERE’S no doubt South Africa has some of the hottest exports right now – Trevor Noah, Charlize Theron, and Nomzamo Mbatha are just some of the homegrown talents blowing up in Hollywood.

And if her latest award is anything to go by, Bonang Matheba is adding her name to the long line of locals who are flying the flag high overseas. The popular presenter became the first winner of the African influencer of the year gong at the recent E! Entertainment People’s Choice Awards in America.

It’s a few days after her big victory and she still can’t believe she beat rapper Cassper Nyovest, fellow TV presenter Minnie Dlamini Jones as well as Nigerian stars Davido, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage by public vote. “When you are up against the people in that category, you cannot help but feel honored,” Bonang tells DRUM.

“I was more than happy to be nominated. Some of these people have triple the following I have, which means my people had to do three times as much work for me to get the award.”

Her fans, known as the force on social media, made a beeline for the voting site, bagging her the award.

We take a look at how Queen B is dazzling fans all over the world.

FROM SOWETO WITH LOVE

Born in 1987, Bonang Dorothy Matheba always wanted to be a star. In 2007 she launched her showbiz career as a Live Amp presenter. A year later, she branched into business when she started her Just B clothing range with Legit.

This story is from the 14 November 2019 edition of Drum English.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the 14 November 2019 edition of Drum English.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DRUM ENGLISHView All
Homegrown Heroes
Drum English

Homegrown Heroes

Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
The Big Clean Up
Drum English

The Big Clean Up

Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I'm Back & Better!
Drum English

I'm Back & Better!

Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
Not An Easy Ride
Drum English

Not An Easy Ride

Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Drum English

Mam' Mary Bows Out

Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
‘They Lived For Each Other'
Drum English

‘They Lived For Each Other'

This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too

time-read
6 mins  |
9 July 2020
Stranger Than Fiction
Drum English

Stranger Than Fiction

For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I Was Raped By A Pastor
Drum English

I Was Raped By A Pastor

His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
My Fight With Life And Death
Drum English

My Fight With Life And Death

More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
I AM ENOUGH
Drum English

I AM ENOUGH

Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020