IT'S NOT ALL DRAMA, DAHLING!

They’ve gone from starring in a reality TV show to being the stars of their production. Evodia and Mercy Mogase dish on their new show

- QHAMA DAYILE

THEY’VE always wanted to be like the hugely popular Kardashian family. Long before they appeared on the Real Housewives of Johannesburg, Evodia “Madam” and Mercy Mogase discussed having their own reality TV show.

So when the chance came along, mother and daughter jumped at the opportunity. The pair star in Madam and Mercy, which premieres on Mzansi Magic this week. The spin-off show will give audiences a glimpse of who they really are, they tell DRUM. “I would sometimes exaggerate the drama on RHOJ, but on Madam and Mercy we show real conflicts,” Evodia says.

“It’s African drama – respectful. In real life people don’t scream and fight like in reality shows, we talk respectfully.”

The breakout stars became the talk of the town for their lavish lifestyles and love of designer fashion in the first season of RHOJ. At one point, co-star Christall Kay christened Evodia the “queen of Versace”. Yet there’s more to them than shopping, champagne, and catfights.

“On Real Housewives I was viewed as dramatic and always involved in fights, but I am loved by many people,” she says.

“I don’t always fight and cause drama.”

Mercy tells us she can’t wait for people to see the “real” her.

“People usually think I’m unapproachable because of what they saw on the Real Housewives of Johannesburg, but that show stole my identity.

“There, I was always protecting my mom and I would claw anyone who came for her. But on our show, people will get to see my true character.

“I am loud, happy and bubbly, and I also have a soft side,” she says.