Robbie Malinga Jr on Born Into Fame, now on Showmax

Now streaming on Showmax, Born Into Fame is a Showmax Original reality show that is an all-access look at the highs and lows of growing up in a household with famous parents.

Born Into Fame follows six ambitious young South Africans with famous parents as they try to carve their own paths and create their own success outside of their family legacies. The cast includes  AJ Mafokate and Owami Mafokate, who are both Arthur Mafokate’s children; Phila Madlingozi, who is the son of Ringo Madlingozi; Robbie Malinga Jr, who is the son of the late Robbie Malinga; Shamiso Mosaka, who is Azania Mosaka’s daughter; and last but not least, Tank The Rockstar, who is DJ Tira’s son. 

Katlego Molubi caught up with Robbie Malinga Jr as he dishes on being born into fame, healing, being called a nepo baby and all the jam-packed drama on Born Into Fame. 

How would you describe being born into fame?

I would describe being born into fame as a privilege because it is not a norm, it is a blessing and it is something that can help you spread light and reach your full potential. 

What are some of the privileges of being born into fame?

There are many privileges to being born into fame. For example, my father was famous and all that has been great, I am able to leverage from his success. Let’s say I need to do something - there are contacts that he may have made that I can use, so it is easier for me to connect with people because they know him.

What are some of the disadvantages? 

I think the biggest disadvantage is getting excessive attention from the public eye. Even when it is not needed, there is always someone looking at you and your life. You become very recognisable, so you don’t have a lot of time when you can just have downtime.

You are known for being flashy. Where would you say you got that?

I have always been that type of person, that is my type of personality. I love the finer things in life and I love to experience them while I am still breathing and also, my dad was that type of person, he loved dope things and things that were nice, so growing up I used to see that from him and it was normal in our household.

On the other hand, my mom is a very reserved lady, she is not flashy at all. 

Speaking of your family, do they make any appearance on the show?

Yes, they do make an appearance. We have shot some scenes with my family where you will see our family dynamics. I shot with my dad’s dad, my uncle, my mom and sister, so people are going to see us as we are.

How open were you during filming?

I was very open during filming - this is the most open I have been in all of my life. There was no acting, no putting on a show. You are going to see me as I am in my life. I was raw - in some instances, there were emotional times and viewers will see it. 

Watch the trailer for Born Into Fame

Do you have any regrets?

Absolutely no regrets, I had so much fun  shooting the show. It reminded me of how comfortable I am in my own skin. It was a nice experience for me and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me where I can do more and be myself. I am always free and raw and that is how people will relate to me.

What did the show teach you about yourself?

I learned so many things about myself, especially during diary sessions. There were certain things I was asked that made me play back moments in my life from the beginning. It was like a psychology session, it made me really look at things, it was very dope. It was both healing and triggering, especially when I speak about my late dad. 

All in all, it was fun and insightful. There are things I learned about myself that I would have not learned elsewhere.

What would you say to people who discredit your work and call you a nepo baby? 

I get where they are coming from because that is how they see it, that is how it seems, but on the other side, it is a blessing that I did not choose for myself. God blessed me with this. But I still have to show up and do my own thing. I still put in the work - you can’t hide behind your parents’ success. 

Why should people watch?

People should watch to see a raw version of what our lives are like. The show is all raw, and for me personally, I showed up as myself, a regular person who is down to earth, so if people want to see a different perspective, they should watch. It’s also just a very entertaining show with different characters.