Naledi M takes the reins as host of ‘Spills with Biggie’

South African award-winning content creator Naledi Mallela, popularly known as Naledi M, is the new host of “Big Brother Mzansi” season six's new spin-off, “Spills with Biggie”.

Naledi M made a name for herself through her YouTube videos, and she also carved a path for herself on traditional TV, hosting multiple shows for Channel O, such as “My Top 5”.

Now, Naledi M is spilling the tea on everything juicy: the twists, the shocks, the chaos, the cuddles, the blowups and the alliances that have shocked the “Big Brother” house.

Being able to work on such a big platform, such as “Big Brother Mzansi,” has Naledi M in awe and honoured by the achievement and opportunity.

Naledi M, like many hopefuls wanting to be on television, has been on numerous auditions, but when it came to “Big Brother Mzansi”, she was pleasantly surprised to be scouted.

“I was scouted and I think a large reason for it is because the kind of presenter that they were looking for was someone who was still kind of connected with the youth and someone who brought a different vibe to the energy.

“Presenters are usually very much formal, and I am more on the rough-around-the-edges side. I've worked with Smash, we've done a lot of, you know, events that are centred around the youth.”

Being scouted for such a big project is a big deal and comes with the pressure of wanting to do your ultimate best while still being true to yourself.

“I think the most important thing was me bringing my authenticity onto the show, which is very difficult to do when you're dealing with such a big brand. You always want to make sure that you're correct, professional, and they were like, ‘You know what, we just wanted you to be yourself, in a professional way’".

Big blessings

Naledi M has been blessed with numerous opportunities, which she credits to “understanding the value of hard work”.

“For me, the most important thing was that there was something people saw in me that I didn't see in myself. I think I never had or I never envisioned myself being a TV presenter.

“The goal for me was to be a content creator, share insights, share knowledge, and when someone saw that you really do have this quality and you should nurture it, I did.

“I went to auditions, and I realised, wow, I actually do have a talent. It was just me spending all this time learning from the higher-ups, being given an opportunity, taking any opportunity, no matter how small or big, and finally getting to a point where people thought of a new segment, and it was my name they put forward. That for me will always shock me,” Naledi M said.

The “Big Brother” phenomenon has really taken over; the show brings millions of viewers, and on social media, the show is always trending. Naledi M jokes that the fans are like a “cult” because they are very dedicated to their favourite show.

Chatting about the show

“Spills with Biggie” is an interactive show format that brings fans to share how they feel about the housemates and also have conversations about the different strategies playing out inside the Big Brother house.

“The show is light-hearted, bringing some of the fans onto the show, some of the media personalities onto the show. Former housemates share their experiences in the house and what they think of the new housemates and maybe predictions on who they think is going to win," Naledi M said.

“It's meant to just be a fun, casual conversation, also, spilling things that people may have missed.”

“Spills with Biggie” offers viewers a roundup of everything that has happened in the week on the show, which airs every day, with even a 24-hour channel.

“Big Brother Mzansi” is a firm favourite among viewers. In 2022, the reality show returned to screens after a six-year break, and with every season, there has been a demand.

The show is not only popular, but it has also been a catalyst for housemates’ careers outside of the house.

“Being in the house by itself, because of the large audience across the continent that Big Brother can affect, automatically, when you leave the house, you've developed an audience of people who really love you, who want to get to know you,” Naledi M said.

“It's like an exposure thing. That's the beauty of the Big Brother franchise. Even if you don't walk away with R2 million, how you play the game in the house, or how you are admired or loved, ultimately puts you in a position to still make money,” Naledi M noted.

“Because people want to get to know you, I think that's why it's become so popular.”

“Spills with Biggie” airs on Fridays at 19:00 on Mzansi Magic.

-IOL