Rhythm City’s Relebogile Mabotja

First of all, Bungee Jumping!!?? That’s awesome! Would you tell us a little about that.

I discovered my love for crazy “white people” behaviour, as they would call, it in 2006 while traveling in Europe, exploring the west, backpack style. There I was in Switzerland, Interlaken. Decided, why not. When in Rome… Took the plunge.

The Soul Magazine asked me to do the Bungee Swing and I couldn’t say no! I mean, who doesn’t want to jump with Mandela and Bra Hugh watching right next to you on the other tower? And it’s always great to celebrate home!

Do you consider yourself an adrenalin junkie?

Now I do. I am an extremist. When I work hard, I work really hard. So when it’s time to let my hair down…er, I mean, pick my fro up, I really want to go all out. Life is short and there’s no better way to appreciate your life than with a little adrenalin. This doesn’t mean that I condone any dangerous illegal behavior that can put other people’s lives as well as your own in danger, like drinking and driving, drugs etc. There are other beautiful natural ways to get high on life.
Do you come from a Christian family or was it a path you took on your own?

Yes I do. But as I grew older it was a choice I still made for myself. Not something I was forced into and also not a habit or just a routine. I am where I am because of God and I am going where I am supposed because of Him. It cannot happen any other way.

At what age did you realize you were a performer.

Honestly, I cannot remember not being a performer. My mom tells me I performed all the time…with my tantrums as a child. I have a clear memory of threatening to run away from home. I packed my little pink suitcase…Panties and all, and walked out the front door…and waited. No attention…So I guess I had to find my way onto the stage, at 5 years old in primary school, where I could get that attention for what I loved to do without “running away” from home.

Please tell us about your first TV break.

Well, I cannot speak about TV without speaking about theatre. That is my true home in this business and where I grew up performing. I got my break in the middle of my matric year after auditioning for Fame-The Musical at the State Theatre. From there things took off for me. I then began presenting for CrazE after convincing the production company that I was the next big “hit” idea engineer of youth television shows.

When the agent scooped me up, Home Affairs was my first acting television role. I was ecstatic and extremely grateful. I could not believe that I was going to work with Mr Chinwag (Strini Pillay) after growing up watching Kideo!

You also have mind-blowing vocals. Any plans on going pro in that field?

Mind-blowing…that I don’t know. But music is my forte. I got my first role in a musical and I sing every chance I get to. Some may have noticed that I have sung in all TV acting shows I have done. I have thought about releasing, but all I can say is: watch this space. It’s all about timing.

You’re really a woman of many talents. Between acting, TV presenting, singing and theatre; which one would you say is your 1st love?

Music…Definitely. I love to sing, especially live with my band, The Wine Collection. These are the moments I feel most fulfilled.

Are you planning on growing into Rhythm City or are there other things on the pipeline.

I never rule out any possibilities. I am loving Rhythm City and the journey my character Mpumi is taking and the way she is growing. Zone 14 is back and it’s exciting to be working on it after 3 years. It’s been a long time coming.

There are many projects in the pipeline for my career in general, not just on stage and in front of the camera because I do have a company and produce tv, music videos and commercials and there is much more that can be done out there with the ever-changing mediums of entertainment that can be enjoyed. For now, I am grateful to have been working and doing what I love to do for the past 8 years in this industry; and am looking forward to what’s to come.

Your braids are always on point. Who braids your hair?

We are fortunate enough to be sponsored by Le Looks, so I have my hair done at Eastgate. They have mean skills those hair stylists.

The first time I saw your hair I was shocked that you had an Afro and that it was that huge. When did you start growing it?

In Grade 10, about 8 years ago, I was in hostel and my growth was showing through my push back. There wasn’t time to get it done and I was frustrated and teased, so I got a pair of scissors from my space-case and asked my friend to cut it. We removed the “fluff”. Felt amazing! That’s where it all began! Never looked back since.

Dreadlocks are quiet common in SA; more like the ultimate natural look. Are you also considering that route?

At this stage, no. My body belongs to this business as long as I am in front of the camera and dreads can be restrictive. For now, I am sticking to my fro. Funny enough, all of my friends with mad long dread just woke up one day and decided to “chop chop”!

Have you met any challenges in your line of work & in life because of your hair?

Actually not. I always say, I am versatile and can get past anything with a great stylist. As long there are no chemicals involved. And voila, I have been right. I can wear a weave, have my hair blow-dried straight, braid it, cornrow, sew dreads in, wear wigs… And the best part of it all, is that everyone else without a fro cant mimic a real one…hehehe!

Do you maintain your own hair, have a personal stylist or got to a salon?
Generally the stylist does, but there are many small things I have to do myself that keep it the way it is.

What’s your haircare regimen?

• Always plait before going to bed. Even if its 4 “ma-pondo”. Just so that your hair has some body and volume and “puffiness” to it in the morning.
• Hairfood for your scalp
• Regular treatments
• Wash and conditioning
• No Chemicals whatsoever – not even a little to “soften” the hair
• Sleep ka “tuku”
• Give my hair a break when I can from the strain of plaiting. My hair style’s are dictated by work, depending on the character I am playing and where we are in the shooting schedule. So when I have freedom, I let my hair down…I mean, pick my fro!

What hair & make up products do you swear by?

Hair products: Organic olive, Ladine – hair renewal and Sta- Sof-Fro braids spray

Make-up: Mac, Eddie Funkhouser, Revlon, Sacha – (I’m an addict and no, I don’t want to quit)

Any tips on:

• Hair – Keep moisturized, protect hairline, sleep with a doek, wash and condition regularly (smells good and keeps your hair healthy), try different things (experiment) but also find what works for the shape of your face. When in doubt, research, don’t just copy the trend.
• Make up – NEVER EVER EVER SLEEP WITH IT ON!!! Bad for your skin. Practice when you have time at home. Blend the colours of your eyeshadow. Less is always more. The natural look is in and you don’t always need to wear eyeliner. As a lady, carry an emergency tiny makeup kit in your hand-bag  (mascara, blush, natural colours palate, brow pencil and brush, eyeliner and natural gloss). When in a hurry: do brows, mascara and blush and lips and you’re good to go! Most importantly, bad skin cannot be completely covered. Take care of your skin first!
• Life in general (for the youth of Africa) – Nothing is out of anybody’s reach. I am sure many people laughed at Mandela when he said he would change South Africa, and then he changed the world. We are always more capable of what we think we are, and you’ll never know until you try. What’s the worst that can happen? The pains of rejection are so much lighter than the feelings of regret and the knowledge that we cannot turn back the hands of time…