Sonia Mbele. Picture: Instagram.
Following several successful stints in the entertainment industry, Sonia Mbele has added another feather to her cap with her podcast, “Woza Nazo”.
The first episode of the acclaimed actress, producer and entrepreneur’s podcast aired earlier this week on Reason TV’s YouTube channel.
Mbele chatted with relationship expert and life coach, Coach Noni, about matters relating to the LGBTQIA+ community.
The former “Generations” actress explained to “Zimoja” that she wants her podcast to empower listeners.
"We are not coming up with frivolous stories and topics … this will be empowering,” she was quoted as saying.
She also insisted that she doesn't shy away from tackling uncomfortable topics and that her guests will range from prominent figures to ordinary people.
“It will cater for everyone. I am not limited to just celebrities, just like our topics.”
She told the online publication that she decided to start this new venture after she hosted Netflix’s “The Panel of Love Podcast”, which was inspired by the local movie on the streaming service, “A Soweto Love Story”.
She explained: “People really like it and they were praising it. I thought, 'Why not try something like that’.”
After becoming a household name for her role as Ntombi Khumalo on the SABC1 soapie, Mbele also starred in several local productions such as “Blood & Water”, “Savage Beauty”, “Mr Bones” and “God is African”.
Her venture into the world of podcasting comes after Multichoice decided to cancel her “The Real Housewives of Johannesburg” franchise in May.
The reality show, which chronicled the personal and professional lives of several Johannesburg-based women, aired for three seasons where it served up scandalous drama, fabulous fashion and jaw-dropping moments.
And while many applauded her for “Woza Nazo”, others weren’t impressed with the first episode.
Scores have since taken to the podcast’s comments section on YouTube to weigh in on its content.
This included @TiisetsoMokoena-o7d, who wrote: “What a mess of a podcast!! Poor representation of us as the lgbtqi community.”
@lebogang7600 added: “I felt like I was watching a TV show not a podcast.”
@dipuomagane894 posted: “I'm here woza nazo . Re fihlile My girl Sonia looks good guys yoh.”
@MaBongis-q3l also wrote: “Good Content, Congrats ladies ... ”