Revving up the thrills: meet SA's ‘Queen of Smoke' in ‘Gush'lyf'
Image: Instagram
South Africa's vibrant car spinning culture is set to come to life in the new reality show "Gush'lyf".
The local series, which will debut on August 7 on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161), promises to fuse the thrill of modern car spinning with a touch of classic style.
It will delve deep into this kind of popular motorsport, which involves driving cars at speed in a circular motion, performing stunts, and even getting in and out of the vehicle while it is in motion.
And while it has gained traction across the globe, spinning in Mzansi is considered a culture as well as a niche art form that demands control, a deep understanding of the vehicle, as well as finesse.
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The series will unpack the technique and creativity that goes into this high-octane sport, which requires a unique combination of driving skills, precision and showmanship.
Motorheads will also be in for a treat as "Gush'lyf" will also centre around the renowned BMW 325i, which is deemed as the perfect canvas for this art.
Viewers will get a glimpse into why the vehicle's sleek design and powerful engine make it a favourite among car enthusiasts and spinners.
Meanwhile, at the centre of this adrenaline-fuelled action will be four expert drivers whose lives, as well as involvement in motorsport, will be chronicled.
Mzansi Magic's new show, 'Gush'lyf', offers viewers a thrilling glimpse into the high-octane world of car spinning.
Image: Supplied
They will be Gift Zulu (aka Ngozi), Nalo Jivhuho (Dankie Darlie aka Queen of Smoke), Mpho Dirolo (Poroza) and Collie Golden (Mzet aka Moruti).
Viewers will get to witness how each of these cast members pushes the limits of speed and agility as they partake in spinning, while "Gush'lyf" will also showcase their personalities, their personal lives and what it takes to be a spinner.
Jivhuho, who is renowned as South Africa's spinning queen, said that while she is thrilled about the series's debut, she is also 'extremely nervous about the show airing.'
'If there's such a thing as being scared to be excited - that's me right now,' she joked during an interview with 'Independent Media Lifestyle'.
She explained that she decided to be part of "Gush'lyf" because she wanted to give people from all walks of life the opportunity to witness first-hand what spinners go through.
'I felt that it would be a great opportunity for people to see that we are human and we also experience a lot of challenges in our personal lives and the spinning environment.'
And without giving too much away, Jivhuho promised that viewers are in for a wild ride on the show.
'On my side, it's how my life revolves around my son and how I'm trying to be a good parent for him all on my own.'
When Mzansi's spinning monarch was asked what she thinks will surprise viewers the most about "Gush'lyf", she said: 'People will be shocked to know that we are all different, even though we are in the same spinning environment and industry.'
Jivhuho added: 'Some of us get to tour other provinces and countries because of spinning, while some don't.
She also believes that viewers will be intrigued by her family dynamics.
'I also think people will be shocked at the fact that I still have such a close relationship with my mother-in-law, even though it's been over ten years since her son (my husband Ntando) passed away.'
Jivhuho also believes that viewers will be able to resonate with the many themes which are touched on during the series.
'The show unpacks us being parents, daughters, sons, friends and lovers.. The good, the bad and the ugly sides. People will relate to it because it's authentic and a raw, real life.'
And with the success of other motorsport-related shows, such as 'Motorheads', which has been making waves since its release on Amazon Prime Video in May, Jivhuho believes that "Gush'lyf" will offer viewers unique content.
The spinner said that much of this is because of those who are featured on the show.
'We are just ordinary people trying to live life,' she said.
'Other shows cover the rich, suburb-living, high rollers but we are just normal people trying to overcome each day as it comes.'
Jivhuho explained that her love for motorsport came down to her love of the BMW E30.
'That car has a reputation that I cannot even explain. I'm not into the mechanical works of cars, but I have a team that takes care of that fully on my behalf.'
On what she loves the most about the motorsport, she explained: 'Spinning relieves stress on levels that are unexplainable. I love that I'm a woman breaking barriers in this industry and I'm raising the flag for Soweto – the home of spinning.'
On what she would ultimately like to achieve with "Gush'lyf", Jivhuho concluded: 'I would definitely hope to inspire more women to join in.'
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