The Sunday News
THERE was once a time when public figures or celebrities could be easily identified from their benevolence and charismatic personalities, which they implored to improve their status in the showbiz industry.
However, nowadays, targeted acrimony will land a name in a headline faster than dutiful servitude, with the help of social media, a casually dropped insult or a well-timed tweet can be publicity gold.
Most celebrities will do anything for publicity, be it pulling stunts, causing a stir on social media or doing anything out of the ordinary.
But can we really blame them for this; it is after all second to nature in their career.
Being a celebrity comes with a lot of excitement and people will do anything to get that feeling.
In a flooded Zimbabwean showbiz there are two types of celebrities, those who love publicity and those who completely keep off the public.
There are many that love publicity, and would do anything just to continue being in the spotlight and pulling attention their way.
Never falling short of “pulling a cat out of the bag”, former Miss Tourism Zimbabwe’s Miss Personality 2011 — Lungile Mathe warmly known as Cyclone Ree, recently grabbed the attention of the media and public, with her “almost” topless photo-shoot, where she told the Press that she was planning on going topless for her maiden appearance as a club DJ.
Once being quoted saying, “The world would be a dull and boring place without a little controversy”, after embracing fame about four years ago, the 25-year-old Ree recently told Sunday Leisure that she wouldn’t have made a name for herself in the industry if she kept away from scandals.
Ree mentioned that even though she lost her privacy, showbiz was her life and was one among many Zimbabwean entertainers seeking to revive the industry in Bulawayo.
“The school of thought models are worthless only reflects the mediocrity of the mind. The showbiz industry is full of razzmatazz and glitterati. That is the demand of the profession.
‘‘While lawyers and bankers are known for their suits, doctors for their stethoscopes, carpenters for their hammers and nails, showbiz is entirely about hype and frenzy that requires a bit of controversy. It is the norm,” she said.
After venturing into the showbiz industry in 2011, Ree, whose controversial personality led to her fall-out and ultimate sacking by Zimbabwe Tourism Authority boss Karikoga Kaseke and later reinstated by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Walter Mzembi.
Although this almost dented her career in modelling, no one doubts the fact that she possesses a sultry and sensuous beauty and that her body is naturally that of a model and needs little work to be kept intact.
Ree also had the opportunity to stay in China for two years in pursuit of her dream to be recognised as an international model.
Reassuring that she hadn’t quit modelling, Ree said she had not hung her boots up but was trying out something new.
“I haven’t quit modelling per se but I am also trying my hand at music. There are many people that have made career changes or balance the two. I am a versatile person and want to be known as a multi-talented entertainer,” she said.
She said she hoped to make an impact in the music industry the same way she had done in the modelling industry.
“I want to make an impact the same way I did in the modelling industry. I want my name to forever remain like a stain on a shirt,” said Ree.
