Popular South African media personality and model Shamiso Mosaka says she does not consider herself a nepo baby because she has the skills to back up where she is in life right now. The daughter of veteran broadcaster Azania Mosaka, Shamiso says she has had to work hard to be where she is. She is also popularly known for being the host of various MTV music shows over the past few years to date.
Nepo baby is derived from the word nepotism. The phrase loosely refers to kids who easily climb the career ladder due to having influential parents in the sectors they choose.
“The spaces I have worked in have always been where my bosses and people can see that this girl is dope. My talent has always come forward. So no, I would not consider myself a nepo baby. But I do know that people who aren’t as impressed with my talent will feel like I am where I am because of my mom,” says Mosaka.
Worked hard to be where she is
Mosaka shares that she did not plan on being in the industry. She had always wanted to keep herself away from her mother’s image because they look alike.
“I wanted to do different things where my skill set and talent cannot be compared to hers. Because I just never wanted to be in her shadow. Now that I have found my way here, everything I have done in the industry has not had anything to do with my mom.”
“I am not saying it hasn’t affected people knowing me. But in terms of me walking in a room and using my mom, that has not happened. I am very proud of myself because everything I have done has been on my own merit. Despite what people may think.”
Mosaka is part of the new Showmax show Born Into Fame, which follows the lives of youngsters whose parents are famous. The cast includes siblings AJ and Owamie Mafokate, who are Arthur Mafokate’s children. Phila Madlingozi, who is Ringo Madlingozi’s son. Also Robbie Malinga Jr, who is the late Robbie Malinga’s son. And DJ Tira’s son, Tank The Rockstar.
Joined the new show for the love of reality TV
Mosaka said she joined the show because she loves reality television. She is a big fan of The Real Housewives series and sometimes has ideations of being a real housewife.
“I am quite private but it came in a year where I told myself that this would be my ‘yes’ year. This is an out-of-my-comfort zone year. The year that I wanted to challenge myself in what I do in the industry. So Born Into Fame aligned with that.”
Open about her struggles
Mosaka says naturally she is a private person but is also transparent. She has been open about her struggles, her mental health and her sexuality.
“I am not really shy about a lot of things. There is very little that you can shame me about. The opening up was not the hard part. What will be hard is probably how people will perceive me. But the journey has taught me a lot.”
