[FEATURED] Tol A$$ Mø (real name Mongezi Mahlangu), born in Tembisa, is South Africa’s comedy king, entrepreneur, home-boy reality star, and now recently turned hip hop rapper
From pranking to being nominating for an Emmy at the 68th awards show, and everything in between, there’s nothing that Tol A$$ Mo can’t do.
Did you always know what you wanted to do in life or is it something you figured out over time?
I think I figured it out over time. I always knew that I wanted to perform in front of thousands of people, but I just didn’t know how. But it’s always been a burning desire to be on a stage and perform.
What’s been your lowest point so far and how did you overcome it?
The lowest point in my career came from the debacle with some guy in America – a racial slur that grew out of proportion and human rights got involved. I was in and out of court, but I managed to overcome it thanks to the love and support of the whole of South Africa.
What do you believe is your greatest achievement to date?
My greatest achievement is my Emmy Awards nomination – I was nominated for Best International comedy for doing the character called McGuyver on the LNN Comedy Show. For me, this was my greatest accomplishment as it was for a 20-second video that went viral. It was crazy – Fresh Montana posted it up and Charlize Theron did the same. It was incredible.
What’s the one thing that drives you onwards when it seems like life is not going your way?
My children. I’ve got two beautiful kids who light up every day for me.
Who’s been an inspiration to you in your life and why?
The person who has changed me for the better is most definitely my wife. She’s my support structure; she’s my everything.
Do you have a code or set of ethics that you live by and come back to again and again?
Yes, I do. My code that I live by is Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu (“I am what I am because of who we all are”) and I take this with me no matter where in the world I am.
You have had great success in your life and are an inspiration to others – what else would you like to achieve?
I’ve recently launched a record label called CMG Records and I’ve got two artists, Nate and MFA, signed with the label at the moment with a third debuting next year called Kassy Kruz who’s a hip-hop artist and really one to watch out for!
What would you say to people who feel a little lost right now and don’t know what their purpose is?
I don’t believe that one can actually be lost. Life is a continuous journey of finding yourself and if you feel that you have no purpose, then you need to do some self-reflection. Re-evaluate and set new goals every three months and try to accomplish them. The most important thing about setting any goal is visualising that that goal will materialise. The only person who can stop you achieving your goals is yourself and, once you realise that, there’s no space for blame and you start to take responsibility for everything that happens. That way, you have a lot of drive, passion and ambition to do what you want to do.
When you’re not working what’s the one thing you love to do to unwind?
Spending time with my daughter. Most definitely.
Source: Destiny Man
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