Bonang Matheba, south African Tv host of the E! Beyond the Red Carpet
Internationally renown E! entertainment TV that is home to reality TV show Keeping Up with the Kardashians and covers all major red carpet events in Hollywood shall be in Uganda tomorrow. South African TV personality and host of E!’s “Beyond the Red Carpet”, Bonang Matheba, who is rated the continent’s most powerful woman in entertainment will cover the UEA Red Carpet.
UEA makes E!’s hit list for the red carpet after South Africa’s Saftas in March 2016. These awards are going to set the bar for Uganda’s fashion and entertainment. Malaika Nyanzi who shall host the awards with Salvadore Idringi said “From the moment I got the job, I have been prepping. I have had a good number of shows to host this year so that in itself was helpful.”
“The red carpet is such a big deal and I am having sleepless nights…” she said. But like Nyanzi, several other fashion fanatics across the country are in a frenzy ahead of the awards. Local designers are having a bounty as clients are making bookings for outfits. Joshua Chenko, designer at House of Chenko says he has a stream of orders from individuals prioritizing what they’ll wear for the awards.
Celebrity stylist, Kaijuka Abbas says he is also excited about the red carpet because E! is covering it. “I am actually working on my outfit, wait and see…” he said, revealing that lots of fashionistas have reached him for what to wear for the red carpet. He shall be dressing Malaika Nyanzi for one of her multiple outfits.
Solomon Tazibone, also celebrity stylist affiliated to Sylvia Awori who will also be dressing Nyanzi said two more ladies; a songstress and dancer reached him for outfits. Ironically, he intimated that he has no idea what he will wear but “I’m pretty much a last minute person but trust I will come up with a head turning ensemble.” he concluded.
“I feel like just wearing a pair of jeans and T-shirt…this pressure is for world cup. But on a serious note, I will be rocking ONLY Ugandan Designers.” Nyanzi said resounding the emotional anticipation of many other fashionistas.
Nigeria’s Yemi Alade will also grace the UEA stage
E! covering the red carpet is such a big deal for many fanatics and celebrities across the world. E! is also the biggest franchise of pop culture that made shows like Fashion Police which NTV’s style Project pretty much borrowed a leaf from; with hosts Sylvia Awori and Tazibone.
News of E! Beyond the Red Carpet coming to Africa was first announced in May this year, when Minnie Dlamini was to host them at South Africa Music Awards (SAMA’s). On 4th June, the Durban Conventional Center was awash with local celebrities for the red carpet and the first behind the scenes special aired on 7th June at 8pm.
So, majority of Uganda’s celebrities, socialites, artistes, and revelers are looking forward to rocking the red carpet at Kampala Serena Hotel on Friday 19th August. Many are planning to wear custom made local designs.
Debie Kagisha, model and budding socialite said “Whatever I’m going to wear has to be breath taking. I have to be there and slay”. The optimism is also evident on social media as former Big Brother contestant Stella Nantumbwe aka Ellah is set to be there along with Sauti Solwho shall be sharing stage with Nigeria’s Yemi Alade.
Tazibone believes E! coverage is good exposure for not only Ugandan red carpet fashion but for whoever is nominated and will be interviewed. “I think it will drive attendees to bring their A-game since E! is a legacy brand.”
dsebamala@ug.nationmedia.com
