On The Couch

Outgoing and energetic dance instructor and choreographer with talent in forms related to Bollywood Nisha Mahendra is choreographing in the Bombay Chasers Show at Sibaya Casino this weekend. Mahendra is adept at organising live performances, helping to integrate costumes and props in live performances. She has 14 years of experience in the Bollywood industry in Mumbai performing at award nights, corporates, musicals, Bollywood world tours, weddings, movie shoots and reality shows. She has also travelled the world teaching and training international stars which include, Saif Ali Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Shahid Kapoor, Anushka Sharma just to name a few. Tabloid Newspapers spoke to Mahendra on her career and her role in Bombay Chasers. Tabloid Newspapers (TN): How do you feel about choreographing Bombay Chasers in Durban? Nisha Mahendra (NM): I feel great about choreographing Bombay chasers in Durban. Thrilled to share my knowledge and skills with the a...

Leon Payn is a South African male model, fitness junkie and influencer who has made a great name for himself working with local brands including the KZN Fashion Council. He is not just a ‘cool cat’, but he has brains too. He has a degree in Media Communications and an honours degree in Linguistics isiZulu. Payn is a self-proclaimed ambassador of the city of Durban with a following of over 20 000 people on social media. Tabloid Newspapers spoke to Payn about his life and work. Tabloid Newspapers (TN): Tell us about yourself, what kind of a person are you? Leon Payn (LP): There is so much to tell. I am a very positive, professional and maybe a bit of a perfectionist type of a person. So far I have achieved everything I have by putting my time and energy. People don’t know that I look confident, but I am shy. Leon in the public is a persona. TN: What inspires your line of work? LP: I worked in a PR and marketing sector before I became an influencer. I knew the ...

When they met in high school, they realised that they had something in common, their love for music and that is how DBG was born. The name DBG comes from the combination of their stage names Innocent Mathaba AKA Dotcom, Thembelani Qokela known as Busted and Thabani Sibiya as Small G. The trio who currently resides in Sea Cow Lake and Newlands West are known for their hit songs “Tshela Ngalo” and “Umazulu”. They are also known for their electrifying performances that leave the audience asking for more. Tabloid Newspapers spoke to the trio about their love for music and where they see themselves in the future. Tabloid Newspapers (TN): Which school did you guys meet at and when? DBG: We met at Sea Cow Lake Secondary School in 2009. Because of our love for music we decided to form a group, hence, DBG was born. TN: It is my understanding that you are somewhat different yet alike when it comes to music, tell us about that? DBG: Small G is a Dj. Dotcom is a dancer and...

Red Robyn, is a singer, songwriter and actress. She studied music and drama performance at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and later did her honours in music. The Durban based musician has always wanted to be on stage weather it was being part of the musical productions in school, drama club, singing in church, music or performance. Tabloid Newspapers spoke with Robyn about her music career. Tabloid Newspapers (TN): Tell us about your music background? Red Robyn (RR): I come from a musical family on both sides, my family members were always in bands and touring making gospel and secular music. I started performing with my electric guitar more frequently and have begun forging my own path in the alternative music scene. TN: Can you take us through your music? RR: My music is best described as alternative. I am influenced musically by RnB, pop rock, country and contemporary christian music. Some of my favourite bands and artists in high school were Paramor...

From healthcare to education, the Democratic Alliance’s Dr Imran Keeka’s passion for his job is unwavering. A family man, who tries to separate politics and leisure, he remains caught up in his drive to strive for a better South Africa. And….a succulent medium to well steak with a good espresso helps him unwind Tabloid (T): From healthcare to education, how is that transition going to be like for you. Say the name Dr Keeka, and you remain associated with healthcare because of the work that you did. Dr Imran Keeka (IK): In politics, there are leadership decisions that we abide by. Being appointed as the health spokesperson was a leadership decision in as much as is my appointment - by my caucus leadership - to education. My job and responsibility is to do the best I can to serve every South African. A big part of my job is to make sure that the provincial executive is held accountable. The executive and the governing party cannot make promises and commitments an...

Known for her inventive take on modern soul food, as well as comfort classics, Lindi "Gee" Govender is a professional Durban chef who is passionate about cooking. Tabloid Newspapers spoke with Govender about her journey from when it was all just a wish.Tabloid Newspapers ( TN): Who is Lindi Govender?Lindi Govender (LG): Lindi is a feeder, someone who loves to laugh, fun, crazy, and loving. Sometimes I am full of kindness and generosity. TN: Where does your love for cooking come from? LG: It comes from a family of foodies. My grandmother cooked for everyone, and I was always next to her with my own tiny piece of pastry rolling things out. My mother had me cooking from a very young age peeling and chopping, so when she came from work she put it together. My dad's eldest sister Mary is still my go to person. Whenever I am unsure about something I call her, she is a serious foodie. TN: How was the learning part for you, the experience? LG: I stud...

Durban born model and former Mr KZN, Amro Gabriels has once again put the City of Durban on the map. Gabriels has been shortlisted as one of the top 12 contestants for the Mr World South Africa pageant. The winner of the top 12 will be announced on Friday, 12 July and will go on to represent South Africa at the Mr World event which will take place in the Philippines, in August this year. Tabloid Newspapers had a chat with Gabriels about his life and passion. Tabloid Newspapers (TN): In a nutshell who is Amro Gabriels? Amro Gabriels (AG): Amro Gabriels is the person you call when you are stuck on the highway at midnight with a tyre puncture. TN: How do you feel about being one of the top 12 contestants for Mr World South Africa? AG: I feel that I'm beyond grateful to be a part of this journey with 11 other amazing gentlemen. This is one of, if not the most exciting period of my modelling career, as this competition is a step towards Mr World, which is t...