South Africa’s showbiz first “official” blonde black woman to hit TV in the early 1990s and former presenter of Jam Alley fame Vinolia Mashego, popularly known as V Mash, has died!
And according to reports, she passed away in her sleep.
READ – Sbu Mpisane has allegedly fathered four kids out of wedlock!
Television broadcaster Khanyi Magubane also confirmed the news of Vinolia Mashego’s passing on social media saying that the family has confirmed her death.
“BREAKING NEWS: Former TV presenter of Jam Alley fame Vinolia ‘V – Mash’ Mashego has passed away. Confirmed by Mashego Family,” said Khanyi Magubane.
READ – Our heads are spinning over Bonang Matheba
According to Sowetan Vinolia Mashego’s younger sister Prelley Seale who was still shaken, they received the news of Mashego’s death this morning (Monday).
Apparently, Vinolia Mashego died at her home, Mamelodi township, in South Africa’s capital city, Pretoria.
“It’s true. We got the news this morning. We are still shocked and we don’t know what happened to her,” said Vinolia Mashego’s sister as quoted by the publication.
READ – Jub Jub’s Uyajola 99 hits your screens this April!
The former Generations’ star, Vinolia Mashego was currently a host of Bheka Sik’bambile on Moja Love.
Vinolia Mashego was South Africa’s “it girl” of the 1990s, television presenter, multi-talented actress, and Diva extraordinaire.
The veteran TV presenter’s career had hit rock-bottom from what she was known for. She is now being tabloid as one of the South African stars who ruined their careers.
Vinolia Mashego was the first “official” blonde black woman to hit TV in the early 1990s and kept youngsters glued to their screens every Friday for more than a decade of excellent television.
READ – Basetsana Kumalo says interview by Zozibini taken out of context!
V Mash’s extraordinary personality and vibrant energy made her one of the most entertaining presenters of her time.
With Jam Alley, V Mash was a weekend starter pack. She brought the entire weekend vibe every Friday on SABC1.
…. Thank you for igniting my fire. Rest In Peace ??? pic.twitter.com/tzvRMWmhBZ
— Bonang B* Matheba (@bonang_m) April 6, 2020
So true, @bonang_m. Your catchy phrases definitely remind me of #Vinolia. Keep her legacy alive.
As the song says, “There’s no business like show business.” Pls, let us appreciate artists, musicians, authors, poets, journalists, etc.
May her soul rest in peace.??
Showbiz pic.twitter.com/1u4L85yD61
— Felicia Mabuza-Suttle (@Feliciamabuza) April 6, 2020
IOL reported that remembering the good old days, though not comfortable with revealing her age, the Alexandra-born V Mash said that at the age of 12, she decided to go into show business – following in her parents’ footsteps – as a Latin American dancer.
Her father wanted her to become a lawyer.
READ – Black Coffee raises more than R95,000 towards Solidarity Fund!
But he allowed her to tag along to rehearsals and it was not long before V Mash became a professional, too.
“Someone spotted me there and I started doing commercials. I remember my first; it was a close-up for Revlon.
“They made me look so grown up and I was just so flattered appearing on television for the first time,” she said with a laugh.
She knew then that she wanted to entertain, and so she decided to expand her talents.
In addition to the Revlon skin and make-up ads, V Mash presented a Sepedi show with Lucky Diale for eight years. For this, she received several awards for the best presenter.
READ – Producer MSA Drops Made In South Africa EP!
She then joined a casting agency started by actress Lillian Dube in the 1980s.
Mashego was sent to an audition for the Sepedi drama Ditlabonyane ke di tlaboima and got the lead part, her first acting role.
MGOSI.co.za