Watch this behind-the-scenes video from our Phumeza Mdabe cover shoot and then read what our features editor Phila Tyekana had to say about the interview.
Why Phumeza?
Phumeza was host of SA’s most popular show, Our Perfect Wedding. As it’s presenter she became synonymous with the show. With the show gaining more popularity, intrigue surrounded the star. She looks coloured yet fluent in Xhosa, what she about? Where is she from and what does it really take to host such a popular show? The great thing about her is that she’d never been on a cover of a nationwide magazine like BONA even though she’d appeared on TV shows including Generations, Sokhulu & Partners and Cula Sibone. We saw an opportunity to break her story to the masses. And what a captivating story she has!
What was her reaction to being on Bona magazine?
Very excited! This was her very first mainstream cover; she grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
How was it like interviewing her?
I picked up Phumeza’s casual energy at the shoot, for our interviewed I admired her honesty and open willingness to share her story of raising herself, her mother’s passing and her biological father denying her at birth.
How was she at the photo shoot?
Easy, calm and patient. She’s funny and goofy too.
What was the inspiration behind the November cover?
For the cover and cover story images we used pastel colours and tulle material which are synonymous with weddings and since she’d hosted Our Perfect Wedding we played around with the wedding and romantic theme.
What can readers expect from the story?
An insight into this media-shy personality: her marriage to house musician, Shota, her children, her background, working, leaving Our Perfect Wedding and finally hear her speak of her German biological father.
