Life in the limelight can be as harrowing as it can be glamorous.
Your life is under constant scrutiny and anytime you put a foot wrong, the media are right there, waiting to immortalise your folly.
Celebs must contend with those strains while also ensuring they continue to be entertaining and relevant.
An astute artist or entertainer will always be able to suss out when it is time to pivot. Finding a new challenge, adding to their artistic arsenal or a complete reinvention.
Tebogo Thobejane is an influencer with a background in acting. She studied in the realm of the latter and is best known for her work on the SABC telenovela Muvhango and in more recent times the second season of the drama series Ayeye. She has since put her acting career on hold in favour of her vocation as both an influencer and now podcast host.
Her viral appearance on Podcast and Chill sparked the idea for Tebogo to pursue a podcast of her own.
“I harnessed the power of my voice to challenge stereotypes linking physical appearance to intelligence,” she explains.
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Currently, she has a few projects on the go including authoring a book, “contributing to movies, and venturing into Hollywood”.
“I am embracing life's brevity and actively seizing opportunities to travel, teach, and relish the journey with a spirit of fun and adventure, she says with passion filling every syllable.”
This move to podcasting does not mean her career in front of the camera as an actor has been put to the side.
“I have remained active in my acting career, and I am presently engaged in shooting the City Girls with Tebogo Thobejane Podcast. As an AFDA graduate, I am involved in various projects in Nigeria and America. Although auditions have been infrequent in South Africa, I contributed to the show Ayeye where I served as a scriptwriter, narrative writer, and supervisor," the proud mother of one says.
Her podcast City Girls is hosted on the Podcast and Chill Network which she finds to be a fortuitous arrangement.
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“I now have the chance to shoot internationally. Our episodes delve into crucial women's issues, emphasizing topics such as beauty, anti-ageing, business, weight loss, and surgery, with a strong focus on featuring women prominently.
“My dedication to candid communication and addressing current issues without hesitation is at the core of City Girls, pushing boundaries in the podcasting realm.”
She has a few influential figures that she will be speaking with on her pod like Lebogang Motsumi and Kirsten Botha, who are dedicated HIV activists. Phuti Pala, a young woman excelling in club hosting and leveraging social media for financial success, will also join.
Tebogo famously came out to announce her departure from South Africa and she now resides in Dubai and a few other countries around the globe.
“Filming in Dubai, I showcase diverse opportunities beyond South Africa and highlight global surgery trends. Additionally, we plan to welcome back some familiar faces, offering glimpses into the enjoyable aspects of life after City Girls," the 39-year-old explains.
Her podcast emphasizes women's health, careers, relationships, empowerment, and societal issues.
“We will also tackle issues that women are going through in their daily lives, such as GBVF, mental health, cyberbullying, substance abuse, financial abuse and any other issues affecting our country right now.”
2023 a year of heavy headlines
We couldn’t speak with Tebogo without asking about the very public falling out or altercation she had with media personality and socialite Inno Morolong which involved a large degree of cyberbullying, defamatory statement, litigation and a generally unsavoury time in Tebogo’s life.
“This year I am putting my past behind me. I am shifting away from previous narratives. Despite enduring bullying and name-calling, I've gained valuable insights into setting boundaries. Looking ahead, I aspire to engage in public speaking, concentrating on educating individuals and parents about legislation supporting victims of such experiences.”
Her love for South Africa is unwavering but living elsewhere has shifted her perceptions of the world.
“I’ve found solace in having homes in South Africa, Ghana, and Dubai. Living in these diverse places provides a break to address and heal from my traumas. Despite challenges, nobody can force me out of my own country. The Sandton police have been supportive in addressing ongoing matters, and I'm committed to resolving the case and forging ahead into my promising future.”
Tebogo was also involved in an attempt on her life last year which was reported to be a failed assassination which may very well play a part in her now residing elsewhere. The experience remains with her and Tebogo is still dealing with the trauma that invoked.
“Fortunately, I escaped unharmed, but the woman who was with me that night sustained serious injuries. We're rallying together, currently undergoing therapy. The alarming crime rates and daily incidents of violence against women in South Africa are distressing. Grateful for making it through, and I pray for strength and support. Despite the challenges, we persevere.”
Last year was a tumultuous year for Tebogo as the headlines attached to her name and brand were always hefty and intense. Reports surfaced last year that the bank was looking to repossess her car which as you can imagine was a strenuous situation for her to combat.
“As a self-employed individual, my financial matters are my own and being an influencer and freelancer isn't child’s play. Most of us are going through financial strain right now, look at our economy it's doing great, and as a result, companies are shutting down and people are losing employment every day. Covid put a strain on our livelihoods. Even post Covid we are still recovering-it's still a long road of recovery.
“People should respect the privacy of self-employed people and understand that everyone manages their finances independently. It's time for everyone to take a step back and chill.”
