
13 August 2020
Kelly Khumalo’s fancy gin and more celebrity side hustles
There’s no business like show business – but when you’re a celebrity, it’s good business to diversify your hustle. And with Covid-19 hitting the pockets of even our biggest stars, side hustles have gone a long way to cushion the financial heartache of 2020.
Kelly Khumalo embraces Controversy
Kelly Khumalo is not only a great musician – she’s a consummate businesswoman as well. In an episode of her new reality show Life With Kelly Khumalo, she introduced the world to her new side project, a premium gin called, appropriately, Controversy.
She’s not just the face of the brand – she’s been involved in the entire process. From the birth of the concept to the end product, from attending board meetings to doing glamorous photoshoots, she’s been dedicated to making this work.
“I named my gin Controversy because I would like to believe that my life has been nothing but controversial. This is the first Kelly Khumalo brand that we are taking to the world and it needs to be taken care of, it needs to be treated with respect and dignity that it deserves.”
Kelly Khumalo
Life With Kelly Khumalo is now streaming on Showmax.
Somizi sparkles with GH Mumm
Instead of launching a new brand, Somizi has instead aligned himself with one of the best-known brands in the world. Last year, he collaborated with French champagne house GH Mumm to produce his own signature bottle. And of course, at his incredible wedding to Mohale Motaung, the GH Mumm flowed like a glamorous fountain. Watch the event in Somizi & Mohale: The Union.
This isn’t his only side hustle – watch him on Living The Dream With Somizi S1-4 as he gives us a glimpse into his fast-paced world.
House of BNG by Bonang
She’s no stranger to success and to getting ahead by any means necessary, Queen of SA media Bonang entered the wine market with a bang last year. She launched her own premium sparkling wine The House of BNG with the appropriate fanfare and hasn’t looked back.
Watch the launch of House of BNG in Being Bonang S1-3.
Cassper Nyovest mixes with Ciroc
Hailed as the most successful rapper in Africa, Cassper Nyovest has done extremely well for himself. He has not only successfully launched a music career, but his side hustles also include his own clothing line and lucrative partnerships with cellphone brands and networks. And just like Kelly Khumalo, Somizi and Bonang, Cassper Nyovest also has a partnership with an alcohol brand – in his case, premium vodka Ciroc.
Watch the rise of the rapper in the Behind The Story of Cassper Nyovest and the beginning of his many Fill Up series concerts.
More local reality
Stream all 13 episodes of Life With Kelly Khumalo, ready to binge exclusively on Showmax.
Wura, now streaming
Iyanu, coming to Showmax
The best of West Africa

AMVCA 2025: Watch these nominated titles on Showmax
Showmax is setting the pace with 23 nominated titles at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, all available for streaming.

Countdown to The Real Housewives of Lagos S3 finale
See all the jaw-dropping moments and showdowns on The Real Housewives of Lagos ahead of its highly anticipated finale, landing on Showmax on 31 March 2025.

Seyi Babatope on his inspiration for Kabiyesi
Seyi Babatope talks about directing the Showmax Original Kabiyesi, and taking ownership of Nigerian stories. Catch new episodes every Friday on Showmax.

Showmax Originals secure nominations at 11th AMVCAs
Showmax Originals Princess on a Hill, Cheta M, Style Magnate, Wa Milele, Subterranea, and Untying Kantai are making waves at this year’s AMVCAs, earning 12 nominations.