NEW ON TV: Star Gist Starts June 11 on Africa Magic Entertainment

Meet the hip presenters of STAR GIST, the continent’s very own answer to showbiz buzz, up-to-the-minute entertainment and trend news. This glamorous new show, with equally hip presenters, 25-year-old Vimbai Mutinhiri who hails from Zimbabwe and South African Lawrence Maleka, 22.

Lawrence is a 22-year-old South African man who still loves his mother’s cooking. His mother once told him that his talent would pay him – prophetic words. His career started as a presenter on the Soweto TV’s highest rated youth show, ‘1st’. He went on to do an additional three shows on the channel. He’s also been back on Soweto TV hosting ‘Sowetop10’, a music show.

Lawrence auditioned for STAR GIST because he needed a new challenge. “STAR GIST is an amazing show that celebrates our own, showing that we are just as good if not better than our international counterparts. The crew is made up of a vibrant group of people that LOVE their work.” His proudest achievement? “My first television show, I had the highest ratings for the channel”, he says.

When he isn’t charming the cameras he listens to music to relax. “I listen to all kinds of music ranging from Abdulla Abraham, Jay-Z, Florence and the Machines, Crash Car Burn, Musicians to icons such as Hugh Masekela. He cites ‘Capitalist Nigger’, ‘Arqutacts Of Poverty’, ‘The Art Of War’ and ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ as his favourite books and enjoys watching series such as ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, ’The Good Wife’ and ‘Private Practice’.

25-year-old model, Vimbai hails from Harare. Also known as ‘Miss Vee’ , she started her career as an actress in Zimbabwe at the age of 15. She went on to model in Cape Town while she was at university; and soon found herself in Johannesburg and on Big Brother’s sixth season, Amplified, in 2011. She has since hosted several events across the continent as a live MC, modelled in several Fashion Weeks and graced some of Africa’s largest publications.

She auditioned for STAR GIST because she felt it was time to get back on continental television and is passionate about entertainment “This was the perfect opportunity to get deeply involved in the industry. STAR GIST is a watershed for African entertainment- it’s about finally giving our artists a platform to be celebrated and appreciated! This is the first time viewers will be able to step into the lives of their favourite African celebrities daily. If we do not celebrate our own, who will,” she says. So far she says she is loving learning more about her favourite African personalities. “We have so many more success stories than we give ourselves credit for”.

When she’s not working hard, she enjoys spending time being pampered at the spa, eating Thai food, sushi and red velvet cake. The best advice she’s ever received was from her mentor TB Joshua – ‘In order to know honour, one must know humility. In order to know wealth, one must know poverty.’ As for what drives her? “Hearing success stories and testimonies. If they can do it, why can’t I?”

STAR GIST launches on Monday 11 June at 6:30pm WAT on AfricaMagic Entertainment (DStv Channel 129).

For news and information on STAR GIST, log onto www.africamagic.tv.