Proverb's Cursed Chapter

Divorce, depression and a suicide attempt – popular star ProVerb provides an intimate insight into a very dark time in his life in his new book. He spoke to YOU

- Joy Mphande

Sunday night was Idols night and as fans around the country settled in to watch their favourite reality show, they were in the safe hands of experienced host ProVerb, who was as vibey and sparkling as ever.

No one would have guessed that just days earlier the TV personality had been rushed to hospital, having taken an overdose of painkillers to try to end it all.

He was discharged the next day and when Sunday rolled round it was lights, camera, action again as ProVerb, ever the professional, took to the stage again.

This shocking story from 2015 is one of the revelations that have come to light with the recent publication of the hiphop sensation’s autobiography, The Book of ProVerb.

In it he chronicles the messy breakdown of his marriage and how it drove him to the brink of death. It tells of a man desperate to preserve his family life after growing up in a broken home and celebrates the triumph of hope and hard work over adversity.

“This book is part of my legacy,” Proverb (39) whose real name is Tebogo Thekisho, tells YOU. “It’s a story about my life, my hopes, dreams, highs and lows, but most importantly about finding my peace.

“I am flawed, I fail, I make mistakes but I learn from them. I rise and I do it with a smile.”

THE CALL that fractured his world came on 31 July 2015. It was from a journalist who wanted him to confirm the news that his wife of 10 years, Onalerona Moreo (now 34), was having an affair with Edwin Sodi, the controversial Joburg-based businessman recently arrested in connection with the Free State asbestos tender scandal.