For someone who was never in the limelight before going to Big Brother Mzansi season three, tattoo artist and musician Themba Mabaso (30) has adjusted well to fame.
After 10 weeks in the Big Brother house, he joined DJ Tira’s record company Afrotainment and released the single with DJ Tira Uyangifaka featuring Skye Wanda, Prince Bulo, and Q Twins, followed by his album titled Ghost.
Working with DJ Tira was a dream come true for Themba.
“DJ Tira has been a motivation and a mentor to me. Almost like a big brother and a positive force in my journey in this industry. He flew me down to Durban, we recorded the Ghost Ep in a matter of two days at his Afrotainment studios and it was nothing short of amazing,” he tells Drum.
With all the wins and success, Thamba says being recognised everywhere he goes can get a little overwhelming at times.
“Being famous is a bit overwhelming, however the love from Ghostnation and people has been amazing. I truly appreciate the love. I still find it weird that I'm famous.”
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One of his plans when going into the Big Brother house was to walk out with the prize money so he could rebuild his tattoo studio.
“I'm in the process of rebuilding my tattoo studio. I would love to build a tattoo studio in Alexandra so that when you come in to get a tattoo, you will feel like you are in the suburbs and receive top-tier service. I also plan on branching out and having tattoo parlours all over Mzansi, maybe Africa too.”
When he left the house without the prize money, his fanbase raised R400 000 in a virtual wallet.
“The Ghostnation managed to raise to 400k and from what I know they intended to reach R2 million and then hand it over to me. I am blessed to have people who believe in me. They also gifted me with an apartment that was rented out on their behalf to me, until I can generated my own income outside of the house,” he says.
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Upon leaving the house, Themba maintained the friendships he built in the house and kept in touch with most contestants.
“I have maintained most of my friendships with housemates outside the house.”
He and the winner Michelle Mphowabadimo Mavundla (27) have become quite close.
“Mphowabadimo and I have been good friends since the day we walked into the house and we are still going strong," he says.
“Yes, we are currently dating. But it took time to get our friendship to this point. She is a very beautiful soul, an intelligent and supportive person. I enjoy being around her because she builds me to be a better person, father, and a brand,” he says.
A few months ago, the mother of Themba’s child Nqobile Khuzwayo took to social media after seeing video of Themba and Mphowabadimo going live on social media from what looked like a hotel room.
“Guys, stop shipping me with Themba. He was happily in love with Mphowabadimo yesterday at the hotel and I am happy for them. I respect Themba with my life. It just broke my heart that yena uselala ema hotel no Mphowabadimo, going live and it’s lovely, even if we weren’t together I’m really shattered,” Nqobile wrote.
But he says the two separated before he even went into the house.
“My baby mama has been a very supportive person when it comes to raising our children with love and never looked down on me even when I couldn't provide for my kids,” he says.
“I have never said anything bad about her and I will continue to maintain my respect for her, she is the mother of my children. We weren't together before I went into the house and I have vocalized that even in the house, we had separated way before I went into the house.”
Having been out of the house, right now Themba’s main focus is his music career and family.
“I plan to grow as a person and grow my brand. I would like to make lots of music that will reach my supporters and send healing, love, and light. Expand my tattoo shop and eventually become a businessman and build my family a house.”
