Unfollowed S2 is now streaming on Showmax
Featuring 8 South African media personalities who have been “cancelled” – Bongani Fassie, Bujy Bikwa, Gogo Skhotheni, Linda Sibiya, Mel Viljoen, Ngizwe Mchunu, Pastor Mboro, and Pitch Black Afro
Hosted by Spitch Nzawumbi
The second season of Unfollowed is now streaming on Showmax, hosted by broadcaster Spitch Nzawumbi. This gripping hit show delves into the personal and professional effects of cancel culture on South African celebrities.
Each episode focuses on a different public figure, unpacking the controversies that have defined their lives and careers, offering a candid look at the complexities of fame in the digital age.
The first guest in the hot seat is Mel Viljoen, who gained widespread fame as a cast member on The Real Housewives of Pretoria. Since then, her personal life and business, Tammy Taylor Nails, have been surrounded by numerous accusations. In the debut episode, Mel opens up about these allegations, sharing her side of the story and revealing how the controversies have deeply impacted her personal and professional life.
Mel Viljoen isn’t the only celebrity getting real about the scandals that changed their lives. Joining her are radio host Ngizwe Mchunu, Bongani Fassie (Brenda Fassie’s son), traditional healer and DJ Gogo Skhothane, hip-hop star Pitch Black Afro, media personality Bujy Bikwa, radio icon Linda Sibiya, and Pastor Mboro. Each one bares their soul, revealing the devastating impact of shattered reputations and careers teetering on the edge.
We sat down with Spitch, who opened up about his reasons for hosting the show, his approach to interviews and much more.
What motivated you to take on the role of host for Unfollowed?
The format of the show is intense and blunt, but it’s also conversational, which aligns with my broadcasting style. It has all the elements that best describe me: the journalistic side, the social media aspect, and the element of controversy.
What’s your approach to conducting interviews on Unfollowed?
Each guest has a unique story, and every detail of that story guides the tone and nature of the entire interview. We all want to be heard and understood, regardless of our prominence in society. I always believe in affording my guests enough time to share their version of the truth, just as I believe they should be held accountable for their choices and actions. I’m a listener first, before being the interviewer. The more you listen, the more detail you get.
How do you strike a balance between creating compelling content and journalism when addressing sensitive or controversial topics?
These are real-life stories, and the consequences have heavily impacted the reputations of the people involved. As a trained journalist, I’m compelled by objectivity rather than sensationalism. Both the good and the bad deserve a fair chance in the spotlight, and all I do is guide the guests toward that point. Yes, good television matters, but the truth matters most.
What kind of research do you undertake before interviewing someone?
The pre-production process for this show is intense. I work with an amazing team of producers and researchers who make the workload more manageable. Each guest is thoroughly researched to ensure we cover all angles. But I also don’t just rely on the team; I do my own background research. A few days before each shoot, we convene to go through each research pack, and that’s where the real work happens.
When interviewing someone with a controversial history, how do you determine which questions are appropriate and which might cross a line?
The tone of the interview and how receptive the guest is will guide the direction of the conversation. I don’t believe there’s an inappropriate question to ask – it’s all about how and when it’s asked. Timing and delivery matter.
How do you plan to manage the potential fallout or backlash that may arise from interviewing individuals associated with scandals?
Well, it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve faced backlash. In my broadcasting career, I’ve interviewed people from all walks of life, from politicians to celebrities. Backlash comes with the territory. One should never personalise it. It’s about the story, not about me.
Which participant’s story surprised you the most during their interview, and why?
Pitch Black Afro’s story definitely deserved a platform. I don’t want to sound biased, but when viewers watch, they’ll see that there are indeed two sides to every coin.
What is your perspective on “cancel culture”?
It’s a very tricky territory to navigate. The aftermath of being canceled goes beyond the hashtag or trend of the day. Anyone who has been canceled already feels ashamed. It’s important to be sensitive and sensible when handling such individuals. As much as I want the truth, I also keep in mind that these are people’s lives.
Why should viewers tune in to Unfollowed? What makes the show different from other interview formats?
Anyone who misses out on this season will be left out of the conversation. Unfollowed is trendy, topical, and current. It’s not just another TV show interviewing celebrities. We blend social media, TV, and reality. This season, we’ve upped the ante, doing things a little differently, but still delivering that magic television.
Watch the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqeU88z1J2Q&t=1s