on PEARL THUSI IS top OF THE WORLD

The 31-year-old is owning her power as the lead in Africa’s first-ever Netflix Original series. Here she talks to COSMO deputy editor Noxolo Mafu about creating a ground-breaking and inclusive entertainment industry.

It’s an overcast morning in Johannesburg and the roads are freakishly quiet. It’s 5.30am – a crazy-early call time.

Twelve coffees steam the car windows as we navigate our way to the venue for Pearl’s COSMO cover shoot. Vibey music is emanating from a minimalist studio hidden in the heart of Jo’burg’s gritty CBD – think Afro beats, a touch of soothing gospel and some Spanish tracks. We draw closer to the door, juggling flat-whites as racks of stylish, local designer outfits blaze the room.

The crew members, who are all female, are prepping their stations for a day of shooting. Suddenly, a bold, infectious laugh from the woman of the moment floods the studio. It’s Pearl Thusi. Actress, TV host, mother, philanthropist and Mzansi’s own Mama Pantha. She is a ball of energy, chatting away to a friend on FaceTime while hair and makeup buzz around her like bees to a honeypot. She can’t wait to take a sip of the coffee heading in her direction. She ends the call. ‘Girl! Thank you!’ she says with a wink, as she grabs the cup and steals a moment to find just the right song from her playlist. Her vibrant, can-do energy makes the early call time a distant memory for all on set.

With her own haircare range, back-to-back endorsement deals and a dynamic showreel boasting only the most coveted film and television roles – both local and international – Pearl is no stranger to breaking boundaries. She has graced the global stage in lauded series such as ABC’s Quantico (starring alongside Priyanka Chopra) and, more recently, appeared in Netflix’s Catching Feelings. Now, Pearl owns the cover of COSMO to celebrate yet another first in her dynamic career.