Top Billing (TV show)
Encyclopedia
Top Billing is a South Africa
n television programme that airs every Tuesday evening on SABC3 from 19H30-20H30 and the repeats on Sunday at 12h00. It is founded by Basetsana Kumalo and Patience Stevens, who own the Tswelopele Production company. Top Billing is the longest-running lifestyle programme in South Africa
, broadcasting since 1996. Top Billing recently started monthly magazine publications. People who dislike Top Billing, base their hostility on the "questionable ethics" that
"dressed presenters will sit down alone to a meal prepared for them in a luxurious setting. This in a country where people are going hungry.". Others complain that the content featured in the lifestyle programme are unaffordable to the average viewer. On the contrary, Top Billing producers affirm that Top Billing is aimed at giving "South Africans hopes" that they too can achieve those luxuries they see on the programme.
International celebrities such as property tycoon's spouse, Ivana Trump
have been featured on the show including Hollywood actor and Beverly Hills doctor, Dr. Rey. Local celebrities such as rugby player Bryan Habana, singer Tamara Dey and Muvhango actress Ntahbiseng Mphahlele have been given equal attention.
Popular events such as awards ceremonies and fashion runway shows are show-cased. Food and wine pairings are also presented. Exclusive weddings are usually attended by a presenter who will, in a guide-like manner, inform us of the proceddings.
and Brazil
and even locals like Mauritius
. Though there is a presenter while filming, there is also a voice-over guide throughout the programme.
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
n television programme that airs every Tuesday evening on SABC3 from 19H30-20H30 and the repeats on Sunday at 12h00. It is founded by Basetsana Kumalo and Patience Stevens, who own the Tswelopele Production company. Top Billing is the longest-running lifestyle programme in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, broadcasting since 1996. Top Billing recently started monthly magazine publications. People who dislike Top Billing, base their hostility on the "questionable ethics" that
"dressed presenters will sit down alone to a meal prepared for them in a luxurious setting. This in a country where people are going hungry.". Others complain that the content featured in the lifestyle programme are unaffordable to the average viewer. On the contrary, Top Billing producers affirm that Top Billing is aimed at giving "South Africans hopes" that they too can achieve those luxuries they see on the programme.
Content
The weekly show genres in beauty, fashion, food, home decor, travel and weddings. Different local and international celebrities celebrities are interviewed each week and a designer home is featured as part of the show.International celebrities such as property tycoon's spouse, Ivana Trump
Ivana Trump
Ivana Trump is a former Olympic athlete, socialite, and fashion model noted for her marriage to mogul Donald Trump.-Early years:...
have been featured on the show including Hollywood actor and Beverly Hills doctor, Dr. Rey. Local celebrities such as rugby player Bryan Habana, singer Tamara Dey and Muvhango actress Ntahbiseng Mphahlele have been given equal attention.
Popular events such as awards ceremonies and fashion runway shows are show-cased. Food and wine pairings are also presented. Exclusive weddings are usually attended by a presenter who will, in a guide-like manner, inform us of the proceddings.
Presenters
Various presenters are taken around the world to fill their segment of the show. Presenters are granted the opportunity to take part in exclusive activities such as sky-diving, skiing, and scuba-diving. They visit various countries abroad such as FranceFrance
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
and Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
and even locals like Mauritius
Mauritius
Mauritius , officially the Republic of Mauritius is an island nation off the southeast coast of the African continent in the southwest Indian Ocean, about east of Madagascar...
. Though there is a presenter while filming, there is also a voice-over guide throughout the programme.
| Presenter | Additional Information | Current(2011) |
|---|---|---|
| Basetsana Khumalo | Founder | No |
| Micheal Mol | Qualified Doctor | Yes |
| Dumisho Masha | Isidingo actor | No |
| Ursula Stapelfeldt | 5FM DJ | Yes |
| Jeannie D | GoodhopeFM Vocals, Top travel presenter | Yes |
| Jo-Ann Strauss | Miss South Africa 2000 | Yes |
| Nico Panagio | 7 de Laan actor | No |
| Neil McCarthy | Hotel Rwanda (2004) actor | No |
| Janez Vermeiren | Handyman on Top Billing | Yes |
| Kelly Parkhurst | Ambassador of Hope for Sunflower fund | No |
| Lyndall Jarvis | FHM sexiest woman in the world 2009 | No |
| Casey B Dolan | FHM sexiest woman in South Africa 2000 | No |
| Vanessa Haywood | District 9(2009) actress | No |
| Natalie Becker | HeartFm/Good HopeFM DJ | No |
| Lorna Maseko | Co_hosts Sabc News International | Yes |
| Dhiveja Sundrum | 1st Princess Miss South Africa 2004 | Yes |
| Simba Mhere | Latest/youngest presenter | Yes |
| Aiden Bennets | DIY Handyman | Yes |
| Voice Overs | ||
| Alex Jay | Highveld Stereo | Yes |
| Kevin Savage | 5FM DJ | Yes |
| Phil Wright | 5FM | Yes |
Tswelopele Production
Tswelopele Production is a production company equally owned by Basetsana Kumalo and Patience Stevens. It runs under a BEE level 1 accreditation. Tswelopele literally means "to progress". Tswelopele also runs more local television programmes including Ses'Khona, Top travel, Top Dogs, Pasella and Top Billing Magazine. Tswelopele Production runs as one of South Africa's Top 300 empowerment companies.Competition
In 2009, M-Net launched a lifestyle programme that was similar, content-wise, to that of Top Billings. The M-Net show, All Access, was even given the same time slot as Top Billings. Lani Lombard, M-Nets publicist was reported saying that the show will be "fun-filled, unpretentious and we trust that many M-net viewers who have been watching Top Billing over the years will migrate to All Access.Controversy
In 2009, Tswelopele staff members suffered a 10% wage cut for 7 months after Tswelopele waited for SABC to renew their contract. This was accompanied by a 8-day late salary payment, after the company had apparently spent R400 000 expanding their working premises.External links
- http://www.topbilling.co.za
- http://www.tswelopele-sa.org.za
- http://www.sabc3.co.za