A couple of weeks ago, I interviewed my #WomanCrush Nomzamo Mbatha for COSMO’s June cover story.
Here are 10 things I learned that you need to know about South Africa’s sweetheart that will make you love her even more.
1 She’s the most confident person you’ll ever meet. It’s the sort of self-assurance you can’t fake – but, somehow, it isn’t even the tiniest bit intimidating. She completely draws you in, and even though you just met her, she makes you feel like you’ve been BFFs for centuries.
2 If she could emulate any international celebrity, she’d choose a combination of Meryl Streep and Beyoncé (of course). It’s the perfect marriage of sass and sophistication. And locally? Basetsana Kumalo and Thuli Madonsela, without question.
3 She grew up in KwaMashu, and she was raised by her grandmother. They had an extremely strong relationship but there were a couple of house rules, the most important one being ‘no boyfriends’. At school, Nomzamo was an obedient, A+ student – but she still loved being social. In fact, her classmates used to call her Big Mouth because she just didn’t stop talking.
4 She’s in the process of buying rights to two books – hopefully, to turn them into films. Even though she’s been in the industry for a relatively short amount of time, Nomzamo says she’s more excited about the ‘business’ side of show business now.
5 She loves the beauty and strength of black girls – and she’s extremely proud to be one. Nomzamo doesn’t appreciate the qualities of black women being commodified in a way that implies black features on white women are somehow ‘more desirable’. She loves the Black Girls Rock initiative because it reminds black women that they, too, with their natural hair, thick thighs and full lips, are absolutely beautiful – all of them.
6 She’d much rather talk about women than men. Don’t ask her about her dating life – she’s not one to give any juicy details away. But ask her about her relationships with women and she can talk for hours. She’s all about that sisterly support, and she credits the women in her life for helping her on her journey to the top.
7 She’s not into makeup. Nomzamo used to get into arguments with makeup artists because she was convinced they were applying far too much. She thinks a full face a la Kim Kardashian is unapproachable – and she much prefers to be the girl next door. Her beauty tip? Stay true to great skin and emphasis of your natural features, and you’re good to go!
8 Her biggest career risk was leaving Isibaya, the show that catapulted her into fame. Everyone assumed it was too soon, and that she wouldn’t make it. ‘I don’t want to leave the Titanic when it’s sinking, I want to leave while the party’s still going.’
9 She really loves Beyoncé. If a Bey song starts up, you know for a fact Nomzamo will start belting it out. Maybe it’s because Queen Bey is the epitome of that Black Girl Magic Nomzamo is famous for.
10 She was originally studying to be an accountant at UCT – and she stayed for four whole years. In her final year, she decided she was tired of being complacent, doing what was expected. She made the drastic decision to chase her dream. She entered the MTV Base VJ search, reached the Top 3, and the rest is history.
Now check out our BTS video of the cover shoot.
1 She’s the most confident person you’ll ever meet. It’s the sort of self-assurance you can’t fake – but, somehow, it isn’t even the tiniest bit intimidating. She completely draws you in, and even though you just met her, she makes you feel like you’ve been BFFs for centuries.
2 If she could emulate any international celebrity, she’d choose a combination of Meryl Streep and Beyoncé (of course). It’s the perfect marriage of sass and sophistication. And locally? Basetsana Kumalo and Thuli Madonsela, without question.
3 She grew up in KwaMashu, and she was raised by her grandmother. They had an extremely strong relationship but there were a couple of house rules, the most important one being ‘no boyfriends’. At school, Nomzamo was an obedient, A+ student – but she still loved being social. In fact, her classmates used to call her Big Mouth because she just didn’t stop talking.
4 She’s in the process of buying rights to two books – hopefully, to turn them into films. Even though she’s been in the industry for a relatively short amount of time, Nomzamo says she’s more excited about the ‘business’ side of show business now.
5 She loves the beauty and strength of black girls – and she’s extremely proud to be one. Nomzamo doesn’t appreciate the qualities of black women being commodified in a way that implies black features on white women are somehow ‘more desirable’. She loves the Black Girls Rock initiative because it reminds black women that they, too, with their natural hair, thick thighs and full lips, are absolutely beautiful – all of them.
6 She’d much rather talk about women than men. Don’t ask her about her dating life – she’s not one to give any juicy details away. But ask her about her relationships with women and she can talk for hours. She’s all about that sisterly support, and she credits the women in her life for helping her on her journey to the top.
7 She’s not into makeup. Nomzamo used to get into arguments with makeup artists because she was convinced they were applying far too much. She thinks a full face a la Kim Kardashian is unapproachable – and she much prefers to be the girl next door. Her beauty tip? Stay true to great skin and emphasis of your natural features, and you’re good to go!
8 Her biggest career risk was leaving Isibaya, the show that catapulted her into fame. Everyone assumed it was too soon, and that she wouldn’t make it. ‘I don’t want to leave the Titanic when it’s sinking, I want to leave while the party’s still going.’
9 She really loves Beyoncé. If a Bey song starts up, you know for a fact Nomzamo will start belting it out. Maybe it’s because Queen Bey is the epitome of that Black Girl Magic Nomzamo is famous for.
10 She was originally studying to be an accountant at UCT – and she stayed for four whole years. In her final year, she decided she was tired of being complacent, doing what was expected. She made the drastic decision to chase her dream. She entered the MTV Base VJ search, reached the Top 3, and the rest is history.
Now check out our BTS video of the cover shoot.
Source: www.cosmopolitan.co.za