Mzansi celebrities come out at Netflix's 'Bad Influencer' launch event
The cast of series "Bad Influencer" pose for a picture at the launch hosted at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Image: Supplied/Netflix
Netflix South Africa loves a little razzle and dazzle to celebrate any of their new shows and as with tradition they hosted a launch for upcoming series “Bad Influencer”.
Nelson Mandela Square was buzzing with famous faces that had shoppers turning into fans and screaming excitedly as they saw them. The fans braved the scorching Johannesburg sun as they waited to see Mzansi stars, and thankfully, there were a few stars.
“Bad Influencer” is a seven-part crime drama series that balances high-stakes survival with the glossy illusions of influencer culture.
At its heart is BK (Jo-Anne Reyneke), a street-smart single mom whose greatest hustle is protecting her son. Destiny puts her in the path of Pinky (Cindy Mahlangu ), a rising influencer with flair and chaos to spare.
Zozibini Tunzi blows a kiss to the camera and shows off her beautiful wedding ring.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
For the launch, the leading ladies of the series Reyneke, Mahlangu and Tunzi were dressed in boss lady power suits and slayed walking the red carpet.
Tunzi exudes star power; on every carpet, the forever Miss Universe walks on, she grabs attention, without even trying. “Bad Influencer” is Tunzi’s first major acting role and her character Naomi surprise audiences, as she is nothing, like the sweet pageant queen Mzansi adores.
Considering that the series title is “Bad Influencer”, I was expecting the guestlist to be flooded with Mzansi’s top influencers and not the rent-a-crowd micro influencers. Perhaps Mihlali Ndamase, Mohale Motaung, or Sarah Langa were not available.
Digital creators Lasizwe Dambuza and Primo Baloyi were both in attendance and dressed in black, despite the scorching heat. Dambuza, when asked about his outfit, said he was mourning his fictional character Nomatrequency.
Digital content creator Lasizwe Dambuza interacts with a fan at the launch of Netflix series "Bad Influencer".
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
The “Awkward Dates” host was in high spirits despite making headlines and blogs for his relationship with his brother Lungile Mcunu - the two have had a falling out over Dambuza's decision not to be involved in the family taxi business.
This was all leaked by someone on his Instagram Close Friends list, but at the event, Dambuza was all smiles with fans and cameras, putting the drama behind him.
Newly engaged couples, Prince Grootboom and Rorisang Mohapi, Shalate Sekhabi and Wanda Zuma, were in attendance looking loved up. Grootboom teased that wedding planning has already started and the big day could be soon. His soon-to-be wife gushed that she was still in disbelief that she was getting married.
The multi-talented Kamohelo Pule, popularly known as Kamo WW, for their outfit decided to be the ultimate baddie and went for an evening couture gown by Orapeleng Modutle.
Kamohelo Pule, popularly known as Kamo WW, decided to dress over the top for the daytime event and wore a couture dress by designer Orapeleng Modutle.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
Pule made sure to show up to the daytime event in an attention-grabbing outfit and trust everybody saw. The rising star has a role in “Bad Influencer” and her outfit may have been over top but in entertainment you gotta dress for the role you want not have.
Comedian Tsitsi Chiumya is having his moment in the spotlight; he hosted the red carpet experience and the panel discussion with the cast. When it’s your time to shine, it really is and Chiumya is enjoying every moment and every booked gig.
Chiumya co-hosted the panel discussion with Queen Baddie, musician, presenter, reality TV star and actress Anele Zondo, who nailed the baddie theme and left no crumbs.
Musician, presenter, reality TV star and actress Anele Zondo, who nailed the baddie theme and left no crumbs.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
The panel discussion, which was hosted live on TikTok had the cast breaking down their characters which they all swear they are nothing like in real life and how Reyneke was the protector of the cast, which is natural considering her years of experience.
“Bad Influencer” is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on October 31.