Kefilwe Mabote, a name synonymous with luxury, fashion, and social media fame, has just made her highly anticipated debut as a reality TV star. Known to her fans as “Kefi Boo,” the 35-year-old Soweto-born businesswoman and influencer is now starring in the third season of Young, Famous and African on Netflix. The show, which brings together Africa’s elite, features familiar faces like Khanyi Mbau, Zari Hassan, Nadia Nakai, and Diamond Platnumz, with Kefilwe joining the star-studded cast alongside newcomer Ini Edo.
For Kefilwe, the opportunity to join the hit reality series came at a pivotal moment in her career. “I was approached by the Young, Famous and African team. The opportunity presented itself at a time when I was entertaining the idea of expanding my portfolio and I decided to give it a try,” she shares with True Love.
As viewers binge-watch the drama-filled season, Kefilwe has already made an impact. Joining a cast full of bold personalities, she entered the show open-minded and eager to connect with her fellow stars, including Annie Macaulay-Idibia and Ini Edo. But in typical reality TV style, tensions quickly flared. Kefilwe clashed with Ugandan socialite Zari Hassan, leading to heated arguments, tears, and even drinks being thrown.
Despite the drama, Kefilwe hopes fans will walk away from the show with a better understanding of her true self. “If there’s anything viewers can take away, it’s understanding that at some stage all of us will be misunderstood, judged, and might not be some people’s cup of tea. But you can’t abandon yourself and stop living. Grow, learn the lessons necessary, and keep going,” she says.
Kefilwe, however, isn’t just about the glitz and glamour. Her appearance on the show also brought up her personal life, especially the subject of her separation from her husband after their highly publicized lobola negotiations. Despite facing intense scrutiny and online judgment, Kefilwe remains strong. “I’ve had over a decade of scrutiny being a public figure, and that teaches one to have a thick skin and learn how to rise above opinions while shutting out the noise,” she explains. “I’ve got some experience in being the topic of discussion and will continue to lean on the principles that have kept me going.”
While her personal life has certainly generated buzz, it’s Kefilwe’s impeccable fashion sense that continues to capture attention. From high-fashion events to her casual day-to-day looks, she’s become a style icon. “We worked with stylists for the show and tag-teamed on what I was comfortable wearing based on the options presented,” Kefilwe says. “I love fashion, and my everyday style is evolving even more now. There were a lot of over-the-top, expressive fashion moments on the show. I’m a little more toned down in my day-to-day.”
Beyond the camera, Kefilwe is a savvy businesswoman, interior decorator, and supercar enthusiast. Her lifestyle platform, Wheel Torque, offers a look into the world of luxury vehicles, reviews, and adrenaline-pumping moments, further solidifying her as a true force in the world of fashion and business.
(@kefilwe_mabote)
