Up Close And Personal With Simphiwe Ngema

Up Close And Personal With Simphiwe Ngema
Up Close And Personal With Simphiwe Ngema

Simphiwe Ngema made a name for herself after she made her debut as Thuli on SABC 2’s hit soapie ‘Muvhango’ and has effortlessly proven that she is a triple threat. She has become an exciting new face in the local entertainment space and continues to surprise audiences with her endless list of talents. Ahead of her appearance on the upcoming ninth season of Tropika Island of Treasure, the star gets candid on life, her fanbase and appearing on the show’s upcoming season.

What attracted you to sign onto a show like Tropika Island of Treasure?

It’s the perfect holiday! I am really looking forward to spending time on the beach and challenging myself in the challenges the team has planned for us. I am also hoping more people get to see the real me and not the version of me they think they know. This show certainly puts you on the map.

How do you plan on out smooothing your competitor throughout the season and get your hands on the shared R1 million grand prize?

I am going to try my best to remain calm and think strategically before going all in during a challenge. It’s so important to work well under pressure and allow yourself to think critically during these challenges and I hope that that will help me beat out my competition.

What do you think makes a great team mate?

They have to be the opposite of me. My weakness should be their strength and vice versa. I need a partner who is patient, balanced, and fit. A lot of past challenges on the show have been really physical so having someone who can withstand that would be a great addition to my team.

What do you plan on doing with the shared R1 million should you win this season of Tropika Island of Treasure?

Save up! R500 000 is a lot of money, but it’s not a lot of money, if you know what I mean. I have just bought a new car and a house so I want to spend a little money furnishing the place and the rest I would save up and let the interest do it’s thing.

What has been the biggest challenge throughout your career and how have you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I have faced throughout my career is fitting in. The minute that you are pretty, people think you are shallow and you always have to prove yourself. Unfortunately, the entertainment industry is riddled with shallow people so it doesn’t make the task any easier. For me, I have had to prove myself time and time again to show the country that I have the brains to accompany the beauty.

What five items would you pack for a day at the beach?

Sunscreen, water, a towel, a shawl to wear over my bikini and music!

What’s been your most embarrassing moment so far?

I think we’ve all had those generic embarrassing moments but I am yet to have a scenario which leaves me red in the face publicly, if you know what I mean. I am someone who laughs at myself a lot so if I had to fall in public, like I did in high school, I would be the first person who laughs. I guess my skin wasn’t that thick though, back then…

Why do you think so many people around the country identify with you and your work?

I’ve remained authentic. I’ve always been myself. There is so much fakeness in this industry and in society in general. We live in a social media world where people want to show you what they own and present a fabulous life but no one wants to show you their challenges or their souls or even to be vulnerable. People always relay a message that everything is great while I am not afraid to admit that my life isn’t perfect. I have gone through some really difficult situations over the past few years and being authentic has helped me to be strong and, eventually, accept fate and move on.

What’s your ultimate travel destination?

I would love to go to Hollywood. I am an actress so that would be the perfect destination for me. I would love to meet, speak and interact with actors and actresses I have looked up to my entire career and grab some pearls of wisdom from them.

What does 2020 have in store for you?

More music, more music videos and so much more. 2019 taught me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to so I am looking forward to exploring and expanding my brand.

Catch Simphiwe on Tropika Island of Treasure when it premieres on SABC3 on Tuesday 3 March at 19h30.

 

TIOT9 logo.jpeg

 

Connect with #Tropika and follow the latest Tropika Island of Treasure news online:

Facebook:             https://www.facebook.com/tropikaisland

Twitter:                  https://twitter.com/mytropika

Instagram:            https://www.instagram.com/mytropika/

YouTube:              https://www.youtube.com/user/TropikaIsland

Website:               https://www.tropika.co.za/