Fun, spirited and energetic, these are just some of the words I would use to describe Leri K.
This young TV personality is quickly making her mark on eTV’s youth programmes Craz-e World Live and Sistahood. This aspiring young woman who has big dreams beyond conquering the media industry recently turned 22 years old. Live Magazine had a little chat with Lerato to introduce you to who she is and what she does.
Who is Lerato Kgalamono/Leri K?
“I’m a girl that people don’t really understand. I like watching cartoons [seeing] as I look like one. I get it [that idea] from watching all the cartoons. My favorite character is Mickey. I am obsessed with the character. I have covered everything I own with the cartoon character. My bed, pajamas, onesies, phone cover – Mickey. I’m looking to get Mickey car seats as soon as I buy a new car.”
Seeing as you have the same first name as Lerato Kganyago and the first three letters of your surnames are similar, do people ever confuse you with her?
”People generally have issues pronouncing my surname but I think Miss Kganyago and I have a completely different target market and so people know not to confuse us.”
It’s every kid’s dream to be on TV, has it always been yours?
“As a child I had seen myself doing this.”
So tell me more about you ending up on Craz-e?
“This is a sad story because my friend told me Craz-e was holding auditions [so] I should come through. I was like ‘okay’ I’ll come with you. I made it, my friend didn’t, but he’s still supportive ‘til this day.”
You’re outgoing, fun, energetic and not to mention crazy. I can almost imagine what you were like growing up. Has it always been like this. Have you always had this fun side?
“I was always shy, in fact I still am. I was never outgoing as a child. I was fat. not obese but fat. So I was very shy. I didn’t like being out with people”
Who inspires you?
“My grandmother. She is 102 years old. I get a lot of who I am from her and my mother too. Stubborn… funny, with lame jokes. She tells awkward, lame jokes and laughs on her own. I secretly aspire to be like her.”
Are you just another pretty face?
“I find it different when people compliment me. It’s awkward, I don’t find myself as pretty. Everyone has their bad days [so] just to answer your question: No! I’m not a just another pretty face.”
A week before the interview, my colleagues and I were having a little chat about ETv presenters and it seemed as though most of them attend WITS University. Our unanswered questions still lingered on my mind, so since I finally had one presenter by my side, I grabbed the opportunity to ask.
Do all the Craz-e presenters go to WITS University? It seems like it.
“No, there are more of us at University of Johannesburg than there are at WITS.”
What are you studying?
”I’m studying Public Industry in Governance. I definitely see myself in governance, doing something related to public or international relations.”
Can we expect to see more of you on our TV screens?
“I’m definitely keen on exploring the TV world a bit more. I’m just waiting to see what life has in store for me.”
Written by Neo Mahame to interact more with Lerato Kgalamono
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