MTV BASE’S NEW VJ

23 Oct 2012
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On Saturday evening, the 20-year-old Benoni-born Nomuzi Mabena became MTV Base’s new VJ. This means that come Friday, the communications science student will join MTV Base presenter Sizwe Dlhomo and will also become a regular cohost of e.tv’s music show, Club 808.

ELLE’s Refilwe Boikanyo interviewed the newly appointed presenter to find out more.

For those readers who don’t know what it is, please explain what the MTV VJ Search is?
The MTV Base VJ Search is… the story of my life! (lol:). No, seriously, MTV Base basically searched for a fresh new face with killer presenting skills who embodies the culture and the lifestyle of African music. It was filmed over two weeks and shown on Base and e.tv as a reality show. Winner gets to present on MTV Base and Club 808 on e.tv.

What made you enter?
Everyone who knows me knows that I am passionate about media, music, people and being a VJ lets you explore all those things – and to be able to do it on a huge platform like MTV Base is super-crazy. So I guess I entered because I believed that I could do it and I just felt like it was my time. I’ve been working toward this for a while and to me that was reason enough.

What does winning mean to you?
Oh, wow… Where do I begin? Everything? That seems to cover it. I’ve wanted to be a presenter for a while now and I really have been trying very hard to get into it. To finally get my shot is very exciting. I feel like it’s bigger than me. So many people support me and this is a win for them too. I also love that I can help change the perception of Africa around the world. The images that are projected are very negative; it’s all about poverty, war, corruption. MTV Base pushes a different image; one of success, of overcoming your circumstances, of coming together and working for a better tomorrow. It’s just an amazing time for me and I’m very excited to share my story.

How would you describe your personal style?
I don’t really have a specific style. I could rock a different look every day of the week. I have quite a few influences, namely blogs, my aunt’s old-school swag and a lot of Africa. If it feels right, I’ll wear it.

What can’t you live without?
My family and friends. I am the sum of little pieces of them. I would probably perish without them. No long story needed here.

What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve done for the love of fashion?
Hm… I don’t really know. I’ve spent crazy amounts trying to duplicate outfits I’ve seen on blogs and in magazines. Like the shorts Solange is wearing on your cover. Yeah, those are next. In fact, I already have someone making me a pair. Congrats to you guys on another classic cover.

What fashion item are you lusting after this summer?
Those Lady Gaga shoes without a heel… give me, give me, give me! I think I only have one pair of flats, so I’m a sucker for heels.

What songs/artists are on heavy rotation on your iPod/play list?
As a Base VJ it’s important to have your finger on the pulse of what’s hot and happening and I listen to a lot of different stuff from many different countries. But the past few months have been an emotional rollercoaster and I have been listening to music that soothes my soul. But in terms of singles, Take Me To My Love by Ralf Gum ft. Monique Bingham and Back When by Davido ft. Naeto C. I love Toya Delazy, AKA, Frank Ocean and MiCasa.

Where will you be on New Years’ Eve? Is MTV Base throwing a party? Because that’s definitely where I’ll be. Ha ha. I actually haven’t decided. I try to do something different every year. I have a silly little superstition that the way you spend your New Year’s Eve is how you’ll spend you year.