New 'BBM' host Smash Afrika unfazed by fans pitting him against fan favourite Lawrence Maleka

New host plans to steal viewers' hearts with his unique flair in new season

26 November 2024 - 13:34
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Smash Afrika is ready to grow his footprint as the new presenter of Big Brother Mzansi.
Smash Afrika is ready to grow his footprint as the new presenter of Big Brother Mzansi.
Image: SUPPLIED

As he prepares to take on his role as the new presenter of Big Brother Mzansi, Smash Afrika has revealed to Sowetan SMag he does not intend to replace outgoing host Lawrence Maleka.

Instead, he aims to bring a unique flair to the show. 

The media personality, whose real name is Afrika Mdutyulwa, said he is aware of the ongoing competition fuelled by fans of the show who claim he has “big shoes to fill” as Maleka makes his exit. 

This, however, hasn’t discouraged Smash, who believes he's the right man for the job. 

“I don’t feel any type of pressure when the public pits me against Lawrence. I don’t think all that’s happening is personal because life is a competition,” said the 5FM radio presenter. 

“I’ve known Lawrence since 2012, most of my career in the entertainment industry. We’d often bump into each other and he’d say: ‘Yo, man. Congratulations on that gig, I was eyeing it.’

“At times I found myself auditioning alongside him and he’d get the gig. We’d often laugh about it and reflect. I’d even joke and tell him he’s lucky he came dressed the way he did because that’s the only reason he got the gig. That’s just it: pure, fun competition.

“Also, imagine if I were to take all of it to heart — I’d be a sour person. Competition is good, it keeps us on our toes. I’ve also realised I’m only in competition with myself.”

The 36-year-old will take over from the fan-favourite TV presenter and actor in the fifth season, which is set to air next year.

“The Big Brother franchise has been in the country for a long time. From the first presenter Mark Pilgrim to Lungile Radu and recently Lawrence. In mentioning all these names, you've got an array of talent that was made for TV,” he said.

“I also believe the producers wouldn’t get someone bad for the job to take over. This is why I don’t feel like I’m replacing Lawrence; I feel like I’m going to bring a different dynamic. I want to be the viewer’s mouthpiece — in the same breath as I will be Biggie’s snitch. I will watch all these housemates closely but not forget to be their safe space because I’ll be the closest thing they have to the real world.” 

In the past two years, Smash's public image has been marred by infidelity and abuse allegations that have seen his TV and public appearances take a back seat, as well as social engagements with people — a period the Bloemfontein-born media personality said was a time of “reflection and finding” himself.

“Life is a valley, there are highs and lows, there are ebbs and flows. Going through such, all you can do is see yourself on the other side.

Seeing that all I do is in public, people feel they have the right to my personal life and what’s happening in it. It’s one of those things you have to take in your stride, it’s not personal – it’s just that my profession keeps me under the spotlight.
Smash Afrika

“Seeing that all I do is in public, people feel they have the right to my personal life and what’s happening in it. It’s one of those things you have to take in your stride, it’s not personal — it’s just that my profession keeps me under the spotlight.

“People will say, ‘Ah, this is his comeback because he has been quiet’, which I disagree with. I intentionally took a break from this space because my personal life needed attention. Now God is saying, ‘You’ve done the work, it’s time to head back in’.

“I say this because the work I do is purpose-driven and I don’t think I’m here by chance, nor am I doing radio or TV for clout. I’m here to cater to people and the culture — the list is endless.” 

Smash said he's dusted himself off from the scandal around his personal life and is ready to continue his journey in the entertainment industry. Having hosted popular music shows such as Massive Music on Mzansi Magic and Channel O, he is ready for this new challenge.

“The experience I have on radio and TV has built me for this. I trust my craft. I’m big on being authentic and living out your dream. I can’t wait. I feel like I worked all my years for this.

I found out I got the gig on my birthday, October 30. This is a win for me, considering how I auditioned for the gig. I had to do an online screen test. I was in Gqeberha and the producers of the show were in Johannesburg. They told me how much they loved my energy and were amazed that I got to do what I did remotely.

“When I came back to this side, I went in for a physical audition two days before my birthday — and the rest is now history.” 

SowetanLIVE


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.