Johannesburg, 18 December 2019: Mzansi’s internet sensation, Lasizwe Dambuza famously known as Babes Wamaleyvels, is finally getting his own reality show, @Lasizwe: Fake It till You Make It, which is set to premiere on Monday, 21 January 2018 on MTV (DStv channel 130) at 22:00 CAT.
@Lasizwe: Fake It till You Make It, is the first local reality television show to be hosted by MTV, with this story showcasing authentic and unfiltered South African experiences. The storyline is full of contrasts amplified by the locations it is set in; from the township of Soweto where he grew up to Sandton where he lives and all the way to his families’ KZN township home.
The 20-year-old Lasizwe, who also featured on MTV’s comedy prank show You Got Got, boasts close to 1,2million fans on his social media pages and is certainly not one to shy away from the camera. His arsenal of flamboyant online characters has entertained thousands, making him a household brand in many homes but many still question if they know the real Lasizwe.
Said Monde Twala, Vice President for Youth, Music and BET at Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa): “MTV is all about entertaining the youth and serves as the cultural home of the millennial generation. We are excited to be working with Lasizwe, the multi-talented Instastar has proved to be a pioneer in creating innovative entertainment that appeals to young people. This is in line with our commitment to produce content that appeals to local tastes and popular culture. His story and multiple personalities resonate deeply with many young South Africans online. MTV is thrilled to bring this fresh local showcase to screens across the continent. Tune in to see Babes Wamaleyvels, on another level.”
Through the six episodes of the reality show, the cameras will delve into his true diversity as his family calls Siphiwe while his friends refer to him as Thulasizwe and to his adoring fans proclaim him as the Babes WaMaleyvels – revealing he surely does wear many hats. The 30-minute weekly broadcast will also showcase his life in the spotlight as he rubs shoulders with SA’s top celebrities at some of the best parties in Joburg, while he also shares challenging moments as he seeks his family’s acceptance and understanding of his sexuality.
His fans will be exposed to his rollercoaster journey in the entertainment industry as he attempts to balance being a modern millennial in a traditional Zulu family while juggling an exciting, but extremely unpredictable love life.
Lasizwe Dambuza commented: “I am tremendously excited to be working with MTV and VIMN Africa for the second time. The first time I worked with the brand was with You Got Got which was the biggest highlight of my whole career because that is when MTV gave brand “Lasizwe the internet sensation” a shot. I am grateful again to MTV for choosing me, my show and for giving their viewers an insight on my personal life which will see the audience sharing a lot of laughter, tears and mixed emotions.”
Main characters in the show will include Lasizwe’s partner in crime, radio personality Ayanda MVP; his best friend, Ofentse Keswa; his brother, Lungile Mcunu and actor Cedric Fourie will also make cameo appearances.
Don’t miss the premiering episode of @Lasizwe: Fake It till You Make It on Monday, 21 January 2018 on MTV (DStv channel 130) at 22:00 CAT.
For more information about @Lasizwe: Fake It till You Make It, visit the MTV website http://www.mtv.co.za/, LIKE us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @MTVAfrica and Instagram @MTVZA and share your thoughts using the hashtag #MTVLASIZWE.
About MTV
MTV is the world’s premiere youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of nearly 785 million households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people. MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile. Outside of the United States, MTV is part of Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all platforms.
About Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa)
Multimedia entertainment powerhouse VIMN Africa offers the most comprehensive international broadcast portfolio on the African continent, reaching more than 100 million viewers across 48 territories in Africa. VIMN Africa currently comprises 10 separate TV channels and 5 consumer websites, as well as multiple mobile and social media sites. The company’s African business interests include content production and distribution; spot sales, 360-degree sponsorships, events, mobile, digital and consumer products.