Owami, Mafokate AJ Mafokate, Tank, Phila Madlingozi, Robbie Malinga Jr and Shamiso Mosaka make up the cast of ‘Born Into Fame’. Picture: Supplied
As much as celebrity-anchored reality shows à la BET Africa’s “DJ Zinhle: Bossing Up” and S3’s “B'dazzled by Bonang” continue to proliferate on streaming and TV platforms, the next generation is also edging into the space.
Aside from “Rich Kids”, which aired a while back, Showmax’s “Born Into Fame” offers streamers a fly-on-the-wall glimpse into the lives of six of Mzansi’s “nepo kids”, who either know each other or have heard of one another.
The first episode introduced viewers to the youngsters as they try to carve a career, away from the shadow of their parents.
Of course, growing up in the spotlight came with its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. The former aspect meant they had access to the right people to make a name for themselves. Also, they grew up learning the ropes of stardom as well as the inner workings of the industry.
The pitfall of fame wasn’t lost on them either, especially in this cancel culture era of social media trolling and doxing.
As the episodes played out, South Africans gain insight into some of the star kids.
Robbie Malinga Jr, the son of the late Metro FM Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award winner Robbie Malinga, took great delight in flashing his wealth.
His lavish lifestyle with luxury cars and a wardrobe to match forms the cornerstone of his narrative, which touches on him following in his father’s footsteps as an artist. He brags about his entrepreneurial ventures.
He is joined by his manager on the show. Malinga Jr also crushes big time on Shamiso Mosaka, who is radio legend Azania Mosaka’s daughter. Shamiso is open about her bisexuality as well as mental health battles.
A ravishing beauty, she has many of the guys flirting with her, not that she encourages it. She is all about the hustle and exudes passion as a TV host amid her other gigs.
Arthur Mafokate’s kids, AJ and Owami, are inspiring. AJ, who is a DJ with plans to take over the reins from his dad, is overprotective of his younger sister, who is also a DJ with a huge TikTok following.
The close bond between the two is heart-warming. Both come across as big-hearted, especially with their close circle of friends. As a dad, AJ is also very present in his daughter's life.
In the series, their collaboration with “Idols SA” season 9 contestant Sonke, is also shown.
Then there is Phila Madlingozi, who is based in Gqeberha. The son of Ringo admits to not having a good relationship with his father. That said, he did inherit his dad’s talent and has been trying to make his name as an actor and singer, appearing on “Idols SA” as well as “Intersexions”.
However, a name only gets you so far. And Phila, who comes across as arrogant at times, has weathered his fair share of ups and downs in landing work.
Although he is known for being a bit of a ladies' man, he admits to being off the market on the show - not that AJ takes him seriously. However, AJ’s matching skills fall by the wayside when he throws Phila a welcome-back party.
Lastly, there is Tank, son of gqom pioneer and record label boss, DJ Tira. Aside from dating his manager, who isn’t as open about their relationship, he doesn’t really stand out on the show.
We get to see him hustle his dad for a new car as he is tired of depending on e-hailing services. An aspiring rapper, producer and actor, his scenes are pretty forgettable.
Overall, “Born Into Fame” is a great concept but an average watch.
Only one or two of the celebrity kids stand out. There isn’t much drama, which is a necessary evil of a reality show. Also, the series feels like everyone was playing it up for the camera. It didn’t feel raw and organic.
Watch this series only if celebrity culture piques your interest.
Personally, I think Shamiso deserves her own reality show. She has gravitas, beauty and a personality to carry it.
∎ “Born Into Fame” is streaming on Showmax.