Get to Know Mmeli on Making a Comeback to Big Brother Mzansi and Filling Up His Cup
Many came to love him for his appearance on Big Brother Titans, and others warmed up to his presence on the Bazozwa edition, but one thing’s for certain: the name Mmeli has captured the hearts of many in the cinch of his charm. While the second time on the merry-go-round wasn’t meant to be for the Gauteng model and content creator, he reached the Top 10, besting his previous run on the show and strengthening the foothold he’d already built for himself coming into the sixth season.
Khumalo spoke about trying his luck once more and answering the call when Biggie dangled the carrot of a possible redemption.
“I took the chance because it wasn’t just a second opportunity; I was up against a lot of other people when Big Brother came knocking. It wasn’t only me on the list. And I took it because the first time I was there, I didn’t stay for the longest time, so for me returning was also about filling up the cup I couldn’t fill in the previous season. It was a new opportunity to showcase myself, to enjoy the moments as they come, and to prove to those who believed in putting me back into the house that they made the right decision,” he said.
Mmeli | SUPPLIED
Mmeli first appeared on Big Brother Titans, a cross-national version of the show that mixed contestants from South Africa and Nigeria. Paired with Jenni O, Mmeli didn’t make it as far as he did on Bazozwa. He spent 29 days in the Ziyakhala Wahala house, to be exact, but it was a noteworthy enough appearance to garner him a start-up fanbase.
That was all three years back. Khumalo shared the journey from then to now and how the tides of life hewed him into the contestant people watched on Bazozwa.
“When I was on Titans, I went in with the attitude that I wanted to have fun. Coming back, there wasn’t any sort of strategy; it was just a thing of growth. Titans were three years ago, and a lot has happened since because my life wasn’t out there. So there were a lot of changes. When I came back, I knew people would expect to see the same person, but I wasn’t the same Mmeli as was seen on Titans. On Bazozwa, I was a little bit calmer, more relaxed, and I was present enough to enjoy my time in the house a little more.
“So if my fans saw something different about me, it was definitely because of life. Either way, everyone got the raw and authentic version of me,” he said.
Mmeli | SUPPLIED
Mmeli spoke about the experience of Big Brother, feeling satisfied not only with the outcome but with everyone’s overall performance.
“I believe Bazozwa was one of the most electrifying seasons of the show ever. We pushed the boundaries, and I’m happy and grateful about how the season turned out and how everyone got to experience the show while putting themselves out there,” he said.
Mmeli spoke about the lessons the season taught him about how to move and being critical about which doors to walk through.
“I’ve learned that everything happens for a reason and there are second chances in life. When those opportunities come, you must take them, but you must also be discerning enough to know that not all doors should be opened and that they should just remain closed because what’s behind may not be favourable outcomes,” he said.
Mmeli | SUPPLIED
Mmeli talked shop about populating his social media accounts and streaming platforms with new content.
“Definitely more stuff coming from me this year. People should be on the lookout for my Twitch account for streaming. When it comes to TikTok, creating content and going live, I’ll be pushing content, but the platforms people must look out for the most are Twitch and YouTube for vlogs. I’ll be going crazy on those. People already know I’m a model, so I’m set to continue putting myself out there so I can work with all these brands. I’m ready for it all,” he said.
Mmeli expressed gratitude to his fanbase and all those who invested in the vision.
“I’d love to thank everyone who supported me, whether you’re from South Africa or outside. Thank you so much for granting me the opportunity to showcase myself. You guys did a big one by keeping me in the house for so long. I hope I made everyone proud, and I’m thankful for everything they did for me,” he said.