My Top Billing Dream Top 10

Khanya Ngumbela

If you’re a non-conformist at heart and love questioning conventional society and thought, you’ll get on with our off-beat beauty, Khanya Ngumbela.

Before pursuing a modelling and presenting career, Khanya had dreams of studying medicine or journalism – the former so she could help people and the latter so that she could expose the truth to the public. Now she has the opportunity to do both, while competing to be the next Top Billing presenter.

She came into the competition with the feeling that she had a distinct advantage, having been a former Zoopy presenter, but soon found out that was not the case.

“I’ve learnt so much, especially that there are all different types of presenting,” says Khanya. “Zoopy was very scripted. With this competition my creativity gets taken into account. It definitely tests you in a way that you can’t prepare for. So far I am loving it – I’m hungry to learn and grow.”

Khanya says it’s her positive, energetic, determined, passionate self that will give her the edge in the competition.

Lauren Wallet

Confidence and passion are things Lauren Wallet is unlikely to run out of. This AFDA graduate has been a go-getter since she could walk. She has never been afraid of a challenge, which is why she’s always gone after her dreams. Throughout her adult life she has owned her own business and been her own boss.

Lauren’s current business is called ‘Malva’ – a pop-up stall which showcases creativity from various designers in South Africa across fashion, household design, novelties and art. With her in every venture is her adorable pug Jozi Starr, who is something of a celebrity her hometown of Joburg, having graced the front page of several newspapers and magazines. Since receiving the news that she made Top 10 in the competition, Lauren has kept her head on her shoulders and remains positive.

“It’s been such a humbling, eye-opening experience,” she says. “I’ve learnt so much, but it’s also been terrifying, in a good way. I’ve never been put in a situation like this; all I can do is be myself and let my personality shine through.”

Zama Ngcobo

Zama is no stranger when it comes to working in media. She got a head start in her career when she became a continuity presenter for SABC 1 in 2007. Since then she’s aspired for more and hasn’t looked back, landing a role as a radio DJ for Ukhozi FM and most recently appearing on South Africa’s biggest soapie, Generations, as Tabitha Morris.

Zama is thrilled to be a part of the Top 10 and is grabbing the opportunity with both hands.

“I have a passion for the media,” she says. “Presenting comes naturally to me, and I’d love to grow in this medium. Top Billing is the epitome of what one aspires to in this business. It’s in a league of its own and I’m keen to learn the art of presenting.”

Jonathan Boynton-Lee

Jonathan has an incredibly calm air about him and an infectious energy that inspires just about anyone. After majoring in Drama and TV Journalism at Rhodes University, he began his journey directing, acting and writing for theatre before making the big transition to film.

Family means everything to Jonathan, who remains inspired by his adoptive parents and has a close relationship with his two-and-a-half-year-old nephew.

“My nephew actually broke the news to me that I made it into the Top 10,” he says. “While I was being interviewed he came into the room, sat on my lap and said something over and over. Eventually I realised he was saying top 10, top 10, top 10. I was so stunned. I looked at him and said, ‘really’? and he just nodded. That’s how I found out. I was ecstatic.”

The good news still hasn’t sunk in for Jonathan. “It’s been insane. It still doesn’t feel like I’m in the Top 10. My feet haven’t hit the ground yet.”

Kerusha Kisten

This bubbly Durbanite has always had a love for comedy that grew from prank calls as a young teenager, to writing and performing her own comedy show at age 19.

She credits her parents for her early fascination with comedy. “My parents are very funny,” she says. “My mom laughs at her own jokes, which is cute; and my dad is very loud and boisterous.”

Kerusha’s comedic talents lie in her incredibly accurate accents and impersonations, of which she has a variety including a coloured South African, a black South African, an Indian South African; three American accents, French, Russian, Chinese, Indian, Pakistani and British.

Since being named as one of the Top 10 contestants, Kerusha is determined to make her dream of being a Top Billing presenter a reality.

“Right now it’s about me; I’m ready to take on this challenge. I have the passion and desire for it. It feels as though I’ve been chasing a dream and now I have the opportunity to catch it.”

LynelleKenned 

Capetonian Lynelle Kenned is bursting to the brim with talent. As a trained opera singer, she poses the threat of hard work and dedication, not to mention the versatility card she says she has up her sleeve.

“I come from humble beginnings, and the fact that so many people can relate to that makes me more accessible to a wider audience. It gives such purpose to your life to know that what you do makes an impact, and that you are able to inspire others to follow their dreams too.  My inspiration has always been my mother. She’s been battling a severely aggressive form of cancer for the last eight years, despite being told she had three months left to live in 2004. Her faith and love of life has given me the motivation to live the fullest life possible, meeting any adversity with dignity and strength.”

Lynelle has always had a love for music and it was this passion that motivated her to enrol at the UCT Opera School in 2007. Since then she has not looked back, taking her music career to new heights when she was chosen as one of five opera divas that make up the South African Sopranos, launched in May 2012.

I love opera because it’s a skill that you hone. I have so much respect for anyone who practices the art form; the discipline that is required is admirable.”

Zama Mtshali

 

This young, adventurous and fun-loving Sharks flasher is out to take the world by storm! Zama Mtshali has an insatiable curiosity about the world and a great love for meeting and interacting with new people – two qualities that will stand her in excellent stead as a TV presenter.

“When I started watching Top Billing, I realised that this is what I wanted to do. Top Billing is different, it’s not totally scripted. It’s about personality and creativity, so I’d be able to show my quirky side on camera.”

Appearing on TV is nothing new for Zama, who can regularly be seen on the sidelines of the Shark Tank in Durban, spurring on her favourite team with fellow Shark flashers. However, she feels there is more to life for her.

“I want to a role model, especially to other youngsters who have not come from wealthy backgrounds – to show them that they can succeed regardless of their circumstances through continuous hard work and prayer, and perhaps even one day  have the chance to live the ‘Top Billing dream’.”

Chamendran Naidoo

Chamendran is sure to melt your heart with his charm, humour and dashing good looks. This young doctor has started realising his dreams since being chosen as part of the Top 10, but it’s not all been fun and games.

“It’s been a lot of hard work. You’ve got to know how to take criticism, learn how to enhance your strengths and work on your weaknesses. If you can do this, you can achieve all your goals.”

As someone who is always trying to be the best person he can be and help his fellow man, Chamendran assists sick children after hours at the Red Cross children’s hospital and has provided first aid for major sporting events such as the Super 12 and the Cape Argus Cycle Tour.

Originally from Durban, he couldn’t resist the charm of the Cape and started work as a doctor for the South African Navy this year. In his spare time he takes French classes, to add to his impressive array of languages that include English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Portuguese and Mandarin.

Greg Kriek

With a degree in Global Business Leadership and a postgraduate qualification in film and television production, Greg has been working hard in developing his practical skills set as a producer, writer and actor, while social development work in South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi and India has kept him inspired to reach the nations in a practical way.

Selected as one of South Africa’s Brightest Young Minds in 2010, one of the first selected protégés for The Chosen Leading CEO Council and a member of the International Golden Key Academic Honorary Society, he is adamant to reach his full potential as a leader to impact those around him.

Never afraid of jumping into projects and getting his hands dirty, this creative and passionate individual aspires to help others and give back to the community.

Being part of the Top 10 has been exhilarating for Greg so far. “It has been a dream, completely overwhelming. There’s this excitement of not knowing what’s coming next. It keeps you on your toes. In this scenario everyone is on an equal footing; no one has a head start.”

Lauren Blackwell

Edgy drama student, Lauren Blackwell impressed our judges with her alternative image and husky voice, not to mention her natural ability to hold the attention of a room without even trying.

One of Lauren’s many passions is dancing, which played a large part in her early years. She is trained in ballet, hip hop and contemporary dance, but has now focused her ambitions on the art of television presenting. “I’ve always wanted to be involved in the showbiz industry, whether I am presenting, acting, writing or fetching coffee for the assistant of the assistant director.”

Lauren is close to her family and says she’s a ‘daddy’s girl’. “I owe my mom the world for teaching me the importance of having thick skin and to never be satisfied with being average or typical. Without my dad I would never have had the courage or opportunities to follow my dreams. My sister is the reason I know what ‘Vogue’ is and my brother is the craziest little man to hit this planet.”

Making the Top 10 has been a dream come true for Lauren, one that she is not going to give up easily. “I really, really want this. I’m not easily intimidated by people and I have the confidence. I want to give the audience something fresh. I have a different image and look to offer, something that’s edgy with a bit of rock.”

 

My Top Billing Dream is on Tuesdays 8pm on SABC3

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