Publications
Nozibusiso Nyawose is the latest addition to a line-up of fresh talent on HONEY TV. The clinical psychologist and media personality is perfectly cast as the host of Love Me or Leave Me, a brand-new show that follows four unhappy couples who are in pursuit of better personal relationships. Nozibusiso, whose television credits include shows such as Utatakho and Uthando Nesthembu, talked to us about combining psychology and reality TV.
1) What's the most exciting part about being a part not only of this new show, but a new channel?
Being part of Africa’s very own lifestyle channel that is made by Africans and for Africans has been amazing. From watching Africa’s biggest stars to now joining them on the channel is a dream come true. Having looked at the current shows on HONEY, there is nothing quite like Love Me or Leave Me. The show will bring so much depth about love and relationships to the channel.
2) Viewers know you for being on TV, but you have a serious academic background. Has it been difficult to merge the two?
Definitely not. I am currently finishing my PhD in Psychology. Merging the theoretical, academic and practical world has been crucial to my growth as an academic and a psychologist. My frame of thought and psychological paradigm is inclined towards and influenced by academia. I love education. And being able to back your words with empirical evidence is unmatched.
3) What makes Love Me or Leave Me different from other shows you've done?
Compared to other shows, I was happy that I had the time and the opportunity to do emotional work thoroughly, facilitate games and play therapy and, most importantly, getting to follow each couple’s journey every day as opposed to seeing them once for TV and having no follow-up. Seeing the couples every day made the emotional processing easy as there was sufficient time.
4) What are five things you can't live without?
God, my fiancé J, the sea because it’s always been a place of healing, my family and sushi.
5) What is one reason why people should watch the show?
More than anything else, the show is fun. It will make you question your own relationship and unhealthy traits. It will make you fall in love with being in love again.
6) What is the biggest misconception people have about you?
People think that as a psychologist you are able to take on the weight of the world. I have friends and family members who will call me persistently seeking advice and constantly wanting to be checked on. People seldom realize that I am just human. I am sensitive and I cry just like everybody else. I also deal with my own emotional issues like everybody else. People rarely ask you how you are because the misconception is that you are “fine”.
7) Where does Nozi see herself in 10 years?
I see myself as the Felicia Mabuza-Suttle of this generation. I want to have a mental health talk show that takes a look into the lives of black people and their reasons for mental illness.
Follow Nozibusiso.
Catch Love Me or Leave Me on the 20th of August 2021 on DStv 173. (WAT 21:00 | CAT 22:00 | EAT 23:00)
