Last weekend, popular radio presenter Mmangaka Tumagole became the first ever Southern Africa personality to win a MAYA Award in the event’s six-year history.
The 27-year-old walked away with the Entertainment Personality/Talent Manager award.
The Duma FM ‘Kgatelo Pele’ host is a former Miss Plus Size Universal Botswana and boats a large following on social media largely because of her larger than life persona.
How have you been keeping busy during the lockdowns?
The lockdown phases easily pass as the most precious moments of my life.
I got to learn and appreciate a lot about myself, the people around me and, most importantly, God.
I found myself working out and dieting to get into shape, which was something out of the ordinary for me.
With time, I started a small business, THE KOTA PLUG, selling KOTAs.
At another point I found myself connecting with God on a whole different spiritual level than I had ever been on.
What bad habit did you pick up during this time?
Thankfully, the habit was short-lived!
A trait mama rubbed off on me was forgiving people regardless of the magnitude of pain I suffered at their hands and allowing them room back in my life.
I was allowing people who had done me wrong back into my life and that was a contributing factor to the list of ‘DON’Ts’ that drained the life out of me.
I have since learnt it’s okay to forgive people who broke your trust and move on with life without them, while wishing them well.
Congrats on your MAYA award. Tell us about its significance?
Wow, trust me I’m still in shock.
The first time I got nominated for the MAYA Awards was in 2019, unfortunately I didn’t get the win.
I was happy though that I became the first Southern African to get the nomination.
2020, the year that seemed to be the pits for all of us, was a blessing in disguise for me.
I got nominated under two categories and walked away with one.
I have worked really hard to be recognized internationally.
It is safe to say, I have made a mark beyond the borders of Botswana and there is no stop in me.
Winning this MAYA award has opened doors for me in Nigeria, which tops the list of countries I am soon relocating to.
Even so, this award to me, proves everyone who ever doubted me that ‘I MADE IT!’
Being a woman in radio must come with its challenges, what is the hardest thing about being on radio?
It differs per individual.
Being a talented woman in radio has been difficult for me.
I used to host a late night show at Gabz FM and achieving so much while I maintained a great listener-presenter interaction was an elephant dart on a some people’s faces in that place, more so that life was made hell for me.
Doors were closed shut and I ended up losing out on opportunities, losing myself in the midst of fighting for my ‘graveyard’ show position there.
I had become a threat to people who got double, maybe even triple my salary.
I had to save myself and my passion.
So I resigned and I haven’t been happier.
Have you ever been bullied on social media?
I speak my mind and truth and I can be mean if the situation calls for it.
In the past though, me having a voluptuous body seemed to be entertainment for empty vessels.
Empty vessels who make themselves feel good about their miserable lives by making fun of the shape of my amazing body.
The body that has been to more countries than their dull imaginations will ever take them!
What are your future plans?
I have since learned not to overshare because not everyone who claps for you is rooting for you.
I will let you know though that my next chapter in life is so near!
For now, let’s celebrate the award.
Five things people don’t know about you?
1. I am fascinated by dating younger guys
2. My big bums and dance moves got me my fame internationally. I rode on that wave to showcase my actual talents and I am winning
3. I am not a fan of large crowds so I would rather have less than 10 people around me all year round
4. I am overly emotional, with a thick skin
5. I am nicer than people think. Apparently I look very rude! (laughing)
