King Meets His Queen

Kenny Kunene married his beautiful young bride in a ceremony fit for a self-proclaimed sushi king.

- Khosi Biyela

LUXURY cars roll up and curious locals peek out of their windows, anxious to see who is arriving in Etshowe Street in Galeshewe, Kimberley. News has spread that one of the township’s daughters, Nonkululeko Mhlanga, is getting married today and everybody wants a glimpse of the action.

In no time nosy neighbours have spilled onto the street and they erupt in ululation as a swanky convoy of Jeep Wranglers and Ferraris make their way down the usually quiet street.

The man of the moment has finally arrived – and in fitting style: businessman Kenny Kunene steps out of a grey Jaguar F­Pace (valued at over R1 million).

As his two burly bodyguards clear a path for him, Kenny – clad in traditional Zulu attire paired with navy Billionaire designer takkies – makes his way to a white tent at the end of the road.

The time has come for the 46­year­old to complete the umembeso (gift exchange) ceremony with his bride’s family.

But the gifts he brought are nothing like the glitz and bling we’ve come to expect from him.

Instead, he produces a blanket, a three-legged pot and a suit jacket for one of Nonkululeko’s uncles.

It all seems a bit mundane for the man who made headlines for eating sushi off half­naked models at his nightclub for his 40th birthday bash, baptising himself the “Sushi King”.

But Kenny says his 22­year­old wife – who is expecting his child – doesn’t want to be spoiled with fancy gifts and her humility has helped him become a better man.