Reney Bouwer gets candid in Showmax documentary Slay Queens

Reney Bouwer is a self-proclaimed slay queen who has experienced her fair share of highs and lows. Her striking complexion and curvy figure have thrust her into a lifestyle she’s still learning to navigate. 

Watch the trailer for Slay Queens

In the new Showmax documentary Slay Queens, the mother of one offers an unfiltered, raw, and vulnerable perspective on the realities, both glamorous and painful, of being a slay queen.

Tell us about the day you were approached to do this documentary. Were you hesitant or did you know from the start that this was something you wanted to do?

I was excited. I mean, it’s Showmax! But then reality kicked in. I realised that so many people would know my story, my life, and the mistakes I’ve made. Still, I knew that if I shared my truth, I could open people’s eyes to the reality of this lifestyle. If my story could save even one woman from going down a difficult path, then it would be worth it.

In the first two episodes, you mentioned going through a painful experience. How are you coping these days, and have you received any help in dealing with what you went through?

I feel like the show helped me a lot. For the first time in my life, I could speak openly about things that have happened, things I’ve never said out loud. I’ve decided to seek therapy next year to help me deal with the anxiety and depression I’ve carried over the years. I still have a long journey ahead of me, from healing to forgiveness, but with God, nothing is impossible.

Does your family know about your lifestyle?

Yes, my family knows about my lifestyle. It was difficult for them at first but this is my life and my choice. There’s no one I can blame, and even if I wanted to, they can’t change anything. They’ve chosen to love and respect me as a daughter, granddaughter, sister, and mother because there’s more to me as a person than just being a slay queen.

There have been mixed reactions from the public since the documentary was announced. What do you want people to understand most about your story?

I want people to see me as a person, not a label. People make mistakes, and people grow from them. Just because I’ve shared my story doesn’t mean the world knows everything about Reney Bouwer. There’s so much more to me than what they see on screen.

Your child will probably come across this documentary in the future. What do you hope he learns from it?

That there’s nothing his mom wouldn’t do to make sure he’s okay. I want him to know his mom’s a G.

Any final message for young women and men who’ll be watching this documentary?

Do whatever you need to do to make money. Their gossip won’t feed you, and they’ll still mock you for being poor. Just don’t lose yourself in the process. Always be real, be a good person, and never forget to take care of home.

Slay Queens premiered on Showmax on 31 October, with new episodes on Fridays until 28 November.

The five-part documentary series is produced by Kaimal Pictures, the creative minds behind Showmax hit Soft Life. In addition to Inno, the documentary also talks to DJ and influencer Cyan Boujee, amapiano star Mr JazziQ, author and media personality Jackie Phamotse, and anthropologist Lebo Masango, author of The Soft Life: Love, Choice and Modern Dating, to name a few.

Watch Slay Queens on Showmax.

Join the conversation: #SlayQueensShowmax