Michael de Pinna

Izimvo has the pleasure of introducing multi-talented entertainer and Mr Yebo Gogo; Michael de Pinna.

Best known for his antics in Vodacom’s “Yebo Gogo” adverts, Michael is a highly respected and sought-after entertainer with over 25 years in the entertainment industry. Besides being a professional actor, singer, dancer and cabaret artist, Michael has also recently opened an exquisite executive guest house, de Pinna’s, in Northern Johannesburg.

Website: http://www.michaeldepinna.co.za
Location: Johannesburg

Michael was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: How would you like to be introduced to an audience in Australia?

A: As there are so many South Africans in Australia, Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome Mr Yebo Gogo himself!

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from your morning routine to your favorite brand of underpants.

A: I hate clutter!

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Falling off a Chez Longue (lounger) straight into the warm Indian Ocean.

Q: How would you describe your dream holiday home and where in South African would you like it to be?

A: I like the Seychelles, but having said that my dream holiday home would be overlooking the sea at the top of Lions head in a penthouse surrounded by my five King Charles Spaniels.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property. Picture yourself on a spacious balcony overlooking the ocean?. Then this luxury R2.95m apartment boasting 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 x en-suite), lounge and open-plan kitchen is for you.

South African Entertainment

Q: With over 25 years in the entertainment industry, which of your many accolades are you most proud of?

A: My singing has always been the closest to the real Michael, but I guess becoming known as “Yebo Gogo” in the Vodacom series of advertisements and hanging onto the role for 15 years.

Q: Tell us about how you were first hired for Vodacom’s award-winning “Yebo Gogo” advertising campaign and what do you think it was about the character that made him so popular with South African audiences?

A: I was appearing in a play in Cape Town and merely went to an audition and got the plumb job of the decade. The popularity was all about being the victim which people can sympathize with, but nobody wants to be.

Q: South Africans are known for our sense of humor and the ability to laugh at ourselves. What is it about South African humor that makes it so unique?

A: I think it is because we have so many senses of “humour” in South Africa relating to the rainbow nation that lives within this wonderful country.

Q: Give us a little insight into your daily routine. How much time do you spend working on new shows, preparing for your next gig etc?

A: I am a “rehearser”! I rehearse and rehearse until I get it right. I give attention to things in order of importance as and when it comes along.

Q: If you were opening a new dinner club, which young South African entertainer would you ask to do the opening act?

A: Nianell.

Q: What can we look forward to from Michael de Pinna in 2010 and beyond?

A: I’m very involved with my guest house in Melrose North in Johannesburg, and I also still perform my cabaret shows for corporate companies and am getting involved with a medical company, and will be their new presenter on TV for the various products and subjects that they wish to discuss. I also present a chat show on Radio Today with the glamorous Carolyn Steyn.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: My sister and her daughter were attacked in their house in Johannesburg, and both have emigrated to pastures new. My perception of SA has not changed, but I do think one cannot live in SA without security which is “state of the art.” If you don’t have it, and sometimes even if one does have it, I think once can become a sitting duck. Sad but true.

Q: If you were given the opportunity of sitting down with the president, what advice would you offer him?

A: To take a leaf out of Nelson Mandela’s life, and to build up the country, and not divide it.

Q: Who do you consider as South Africa’s greatest entertainer?

A: Mark Banks.

Life in Johannesburg

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in Johannesburg?

A: The trees and the fact that it is home.

Q: Favorite restaurant for a celebration?

A: I do not have one.

Q: What are your thoughts on the Guatrain and as a guest house owner, do you feel it will directly benefit your business?

A: Please God, and while we are on the subject where is it and how do we use it?

General

Q: De Pinna’s is your executive guest house in Melrose North, Johannesburg. What was the impetus for opening the guest house and are you fully booked for the World Cup?

A: My father was in the hotel business and it kind of happened by default. I am not fully booked for the world cup. July is still wide open.

Q: Which three South African entertainers would you most like to go on a long road trip with?

A: Annabel Linder, Harry Sideropoulos and Steve Hofmeyr

Q: If you could go back in time and give your eighteen-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

A: Get a degree or a personality. I have a personality.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils and which book would you say has had the greatest influence on your career?

Q: The Power of One.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: Bisop Tutu – to run as our next President.

We’d like to thank Michael for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the future.

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