INTERVIEW: South African born Actor, Model and Fitness Trainer, Bongane Malele talks Bongz Fitness, Healthy Tips, How He Was Scouted, Appearance in Naeto C’s Tony Montana Music Video and more…

Meet South African based model, fitness trainer and actor, Bongane Malele aka I am Bongz, the guy with the desire to become a household name in the modelling/acting industry in Africa and establishing himself in the public eye.

I recently had the opportunity to interview him and he talked more about how he was scouted, featured in the remix for Naeto C’s Tony Montana music video, fitness dos and Don’ts and much more.

See below for more:

Hey Bongz! Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
Thank you for having on your great online platform, I’m humbled.

Talk me through an average day in the life of you?
Well I wake up everyday around 6am, have a glass of water 1st thing before I have my breakfast, water is very important to clean my system. To cut the long story short I go to the gym around 10am for 2 hours, come back and take a nap for an hour and a half for rest, either I attend castings or do shoots and later I’m back at gym as I train a few guys and I do my workouts too. It becomes very busy at times but I’m used to the pressure.

What institution(s) did you attend and what did you study?
I attended at Unisa enrolling in Bcom Economics but I dropped out due to lack of finances.

Tell us more about “Bongz Fitness” (I am Bongz)?
I am Bongz is a name that represent my Brand in the Fitness Industry.

How did you come up with the name?
I came up with the to be unique and to be known as Bongz the fitness guy.

You are signed to “Alushi Models”, how were you scouted?
I was referred to Alushi through my Acting Agent Legends Performers Management.

Why the interest in fitness and modeling?
My interest in modeling started way back in High school when my Science teacher asked me to take part in the School modelling contest and since then the dream kicked off. Fitness came along the way as I was already a professional model and I felt the need to start training because it was very important for my image.

How would you describe the modeling and fitness industry in South Africa?
The modelling and fitness is very tough as you get rejected many times. You really need to be tough to carry as the competition is very high out there.

You are very active in the fitness business, why do you feel need for this?
I needed to inspire a lot of people to take care of their bodies and to live a healthy lifestyle.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?
To be honest I give 100 percent to my professional life, but I also give sometime for my personal life.

Looking at your photos from 2013 to now in 2016 there as been massive changes. What will you say motivated/inspired you to go into fitness and stay dedicated in it?
At first it was hard but I looked for inspiration from other guys who were already in the industry and it helped me very much.

How often do you go to the gym and how many hours do you spend while you there?
I go to the gym 5 days a week for 2 hours.

Do you think Africans take health and fitness issues seriously?
I would say 50 percent take it seriously and the rest are still finding their way in.

You made an appearance in Naeto C’s Tony Montana (Remix) music video ft. D’Banj and Big Brother Mzansi plus recently Mzansi Insider on SABC1. How did you make it on to those projects and what was the experiences like?
I was on D’banj music video and Big Brother through my modeling agency, I was referred to Mzansi Insider through my friend in fitness.

What’s your 5 Dos and Don’t when it comes to fitness?
Here is a list:
Do’s –
1. Be hungry to achieve your goals
2. Work hard
3. Be consistent
4. Stay positive
5. Be patient

Don’ts –
1. Do not give up
2. Do not entertain critics
3. Stop being negative
4. Don’t follow wrong routines
5. Never try to compete with others

What would you say is the main misconception the public have about fitness?
The main conception is that all fit guys use steroids, I hate that misconception.

What aspect surprised you the most once you started as a model?
The aspect of having to fail more than 100 times with no any booking, I thought it was gonna be a walk in a park.

I heard you now venturing into acting, how’s that working out for you?
Its going great and I’m dealing with the challenges that comes with it.

KFC Ad

Which brands, designers, clients and models have you worked with?
I have worked with brands like; True Religion jeans wear, Peroni, Real Magazine, Nescafe, Michael Angelou Hotel and worked with models like Babalwa Mneno.

Mzansi Insider

What has been one of the most memorable jobs to work on?
Peroni, it was a big break for me and also D’banj music video as it attracted many views on YouTube and TV.

Who do you want to work with that you haven’t yet?
I would like to work with Boity Thulo and Pearl Thusi.

Tell us two things people don’t know about you?
I don’t take nonsense from negative people.

What do you consider your biggest professional success so far?
My Fitness journey.

What has been your biggest challenge?
Having to get rejected more than 100 times in auditions.

You are very active on social media. Do you think its important to be online and if so why?
Its very important to get yourself out there on social media because its were you can market your brand to many people with no cost except using your phone data.

You are from South Africa and live in Johannesburg. How is that working out for you?
It works very perfect because Joburg is were everything is happening.

What are your must visit travel destinations?
USA (California)

Name 5 things we should take seriously about our style choices?
1. Be yourself
2. Use what works for your body
3. Choose wisely
4.Seek advice from people who might know better
5. Embrace your image

How would you describe your style?
I’m very versatile. Classic style

Name your five must have accessories/essentials?
1. Watch
2. Bracelet and Chain
3. A pair of shades
4. Wallet
5. A hat or cap

What are your favorite fashion trends?
Nike

What is your favorite dish?
Brown rice and chicken.

What songs are currently on your playlist?
Chris Brown – Grass Aint Greener

Apart from fitness, modeling, acting, what other projects are you currently working on?
None as my most of mine are mainly on fitness, modeling and acting.

Seeing you’re doing your dreams, what advice can you give others to pursue their dreams?
Never ever give up.

Any specific plans for the future?
I wanna get married and have a family.

Any final words?
Stay positive in life, its never easy but you can make it.

Where can we follow you online and on social media?
Instagram: Iam_Bongz_fitness
Facebook: Iam Bongz
Bookings: bookings@alushi.co.za | Lisa@legends.co.za