It’s hard to believe that Nonhle
Thema, popular TV host on Channel O,
is only 26-years-old. Her achievements are astounding, yet one gets the feeling
she has only just begun. Nonhle has travelled the world, meeting some of the
world’s hottest stars, while building her international brand, and living her
best life.
Last year, Nonhle was chosen as one
of COSMOPOLITAN Magazine’s 30 Awesome
Women 2007, she came in at number 17 in the FHM 100 sexiest woman in the
world list of 2008, and was named named Sexiest
South African Woman by SOWETAN readers recently.
But she insists none of this gets
to her head, instead preferring to pray often to remain focused and dedicated.
Nonhle is a private person and doesn’t allow her life in the public eye to
dictate who she is.
This super stylish young woman, who
is proud to call South Africa home, is Channel O’s African Ambassador, and is
currently spending time in Los Angeles filming for her two shows, O Access and Street Bangers.
She describes her personal style as
classy yet funky. Over the years she has learnt how to dress to make herself
happy, and nobody else. Nonhle is certainly no fashion follower. She admits
having a former beauty queen as a mother has helped. She told gsport that she
learnt from her her mother, Cynthia Shange, how to apply makeup and how to walk
in heels. "She’s the epitome of style and class".
Nonhle’s favourite store is BEBE in
the US
where she often picks up stunning dresses, jeans, shoes, and the like. Her
favourite accessories are earrings which she says makes a simple outfit look
glamorous.
Aside from her Channel O commitments, Nonhle has her own website nonhlethema.com
and she also has a Nonhle Thema Angels
Programme named after her late Aunt, which
is aimed at providing support for youngsters who feel lost and alone.
Nonhle leads a fabulous life,
hobnobbing with celebrities, travelling to the best worldwide destinations, and
shopping at the best stores. What is clear is that she also works hard, and strives
to be the best she can be at all times. There is no doubt that she with such a
positive attitude and clear vision, Nonhle will achieve her goal of continuing
her mother’s legacy, while looking drop dead gorgeous, whatever she wears.
Introducing gsport’s July Style
Star; Nonhle Thema!
Nonhle, how does it feel to be recognized as one of SA’s most beautiful
women?
It’s a real honour for me to be
seen in that light. I always say my mother is the most beautiful woman inside
and out. I thank her for sharing her genes. But more than anything, beauty
shines from the inside. I think people love my personality and spirit more than
my looks. That’s important for me. Looks do not guarantee you success but
personality provides longevity.
I also believe my Master and
Creator "God" shines through me.
How are you enjoying your role on Channel O?
I’m having a great time being an
"African Ambassador" It’s a blessing. Its all God’s work. I’m blessed to have
people like my boss Yolisa Phahle and producers like Thomas Gibson and Colin
Gyale who totally believe in me and my talent. It’s been so amazing, I Thank
God for the support from my fans who make me wake up every day and continue
doing what I do. Its not easy but with that much love and support, the
impossible can become possible.
The Channel O gig has taken you many places; tell us about your travels
and some of the stars you have met.
I’ve been all over the world like
Portugal, Miami, Jamaica, Canada, London, Atlanta, San Diego, New York, Los
Angeles, and so many more places, interviewing celebs like Pharell, Tyresse,
John Legend, Mary J Blige, Kelly Rowland, Rihanna,Chris Brown, Neyo, Nelly
Furtado, Eve, 50 Cent, G Unit, Akon, Beenie Man, Bob Marley’s sons, Chante
Moore, Kenny Latimore, Fantasia, Lil Wayne, J Holiday, Soulja Boy, Jermain
Dupree and so many more.
What are your other current projects?
I just started a new countdown show
on Channel O called Street Bangers and I’m also head writer for for O ACCESS now,
so I’m also doing producing and behind the scenes. I’m just spreading my wings;
I’m also doing Channel O radio where I report weekly on what’s happening in America. I also
have a blog on the Channel O website. I also have my own website
nonhlethema.com and also have a Nonhle Thema Angels Programme named after my
late Aunt, aimed at providing support for youngsters who feel lost and alone.
When did you move to the US,
and does it compare to South
Africa?
I come to LA to shoot my shows O Access and Street Bangers once a year. I stay for 3-4 months, and then I go
back home to South Africa.
I have not moved here. SA is my home and will always be, but I must confess
life is different this side of the world.
When do you plan to come back home?
I’ve been here since April I should
be back home as soon as I finish shooting my show O Access Season 3.
Why do you think society is so obsessed with celebrities?
People love celebs because they
aspire to be like that too. Here in LA its really crazy when it comes to
celebs. They are worshipped, paparazzi is everywhere trying to capture the
celebs. They park outside restaurants, malls, anywhere, just to get a glimpse
and the gossip mags sell millions of copies just for celeb scoop. It’s another
world.
How do you deal with life in the public eye, the good and the bad?
I’m a very private person. I don’t
allow it to dictate who I am or what I should be. I’m very simple. I also Pray
a lot to remain focused and dedicated to this journey that God has chosen for
me.
What have been some of your biggest career highlights to date?
Being chosen as one of The Most Awesome and Inspiring Women by COSMOPOLITAN Magazine 2007 and being number
17 in the FHM 100 sexiest woman in the
world list of 2008, and being named Sexiest
South African Woman by SOWETAN
readers and also having my own website, and doing the 3rd Season of my hit show
O ACCESS and being appointed head writer for the show and my Angels programme.
All this at just 26 is a blessing.
How do you deal with challenges that come your way?
I have an amazing mother Cynthia
Shange, who is my pillar of strength I can’t comprehend life without her. She’s
the most amazing part of my life. I call her always no matter where I am in the
world. She will pray with me and remind me that I’m God’s Child and even if I’m
alone in a foreign country, God is always there with me. I wish all girls and
boys felt this way about their parents; also I have a great team of people who
support and believe in me.
What is the best career advice you’ve received?
I love this saying " Never ask
your self what the world needs, Rather ask yourself what it is that makes you
come alive, THANK JUST DO IT. Basically, just be yourself and do what you love.
Then you’ll be a true success
What five words best describe you?
Addictive, passionate, charismatic,
leader, intoxicating
What are your favourite sports?
Golf, Basketball, Soccer, Baseball
Do you play sport?
Not really. One day I’ll play golf
it’s a really sexy and sophisticated sport. When I’m older and married I’d like
to play it. He.He.
Who are your favourite sports stars?
Basketball star Cobey, David
Beckham, and a few SA soccer players.
How do you keep fit?
I try to go to the gym when I’m
free here in my place. Thank goodness they have one for the complex.
How would you define your personal style and how has it evolved over
the years?
I never know how to describe my
style. I’m classy and very funky at the same time. Over the years I’ve just
realised how important it is to dress for you and what makes you feel good and
comfortable. I never follow other people I like to be JUST ME.
Where do you enjoy shopping for clothing?
At my favourite store here in the US called BEBE.
They have the best sexy dresses, shoes, bags and jeans. I love skinny jeans.
Who are your style icons and why?
I don’t really have. I just like
people that are real and honest to themselves. I’m not a follower I like people
who break boundaries.
How has having a mother as a former beauty queen influenced your style?
Oh wow, my mom is classy and very
sexy at her age. I learnt how to apply makeup and how to walk in heels from
her. She’s the epitome of style and class.
What is always in your handbag?
Since I’m here in the States I carry
my passport, my house keys, cell phone, camera, and lots of lip gloss…
Do you have a beauty routine?
I just cleanse my face with Dermalogica
products morning and night. I also use Bio Oil for my skin. It’s the best and I
use Palmers Cocoa Butter for my lips at night.
What are your favourite accessories?
I love earrings I have so many pairs.
I believe they can make a simple outfit look glamorous
What is your style advice to women
who are struggling to find their groove?
Don’t ever follow, do and wear what
makes you feel like a princess.
gsport strives to celebrate femininity. How would you define femininity
and what role does it play in your life?
Femininity is about woman power and
being proud to be female and taking over the world. I reflect that in my work, my
style which is very classy and sophisticated and sensual.
Who are your role models?
My mother is my role model. I can’t
think of anyone better. She was the first Black woman in South Africa allowed
to enter the Miss World Pagent in
1972. Black people were not given such opportunities. She opened doors for many
Black women, including me. That’s why I’m able to do my job in America today;
she fought the struggle for us all. Big Ups to my Mother, actually all mother’s…yeah!
What inspires you?
People and the desire to inspire, encourage
and uplift others. With the blessings that God has blessed me with. My mother
also inspires me to continue her Legacy. I believe that’s the reason I was
born.
What is your greatest ambition?
To be the best at what I do, to
continue my mother’s legacy, and to live a purpose driven life. I always fear
just mere existence. I believe we are all created for more than just that.
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