THEY’VE always wanted to be like the hugely popular Kardashian family. Long before they appeared on the Real Housewives of Johannesburg, Evodia “Madam” and Mercy Mogase discussed having their own reality TV show.
So when the chance came along, mother and daughter jumped at the opportunity. The pair star in Madam and Mercy, which premieres on Mzansi Magic this week. The spin-off show will give audiences a glimpse of who they really are, they tell DRUM. “I would sometimes exaggerate the drama on RHOJ, but on Madam and Mercy we show real conflicts,” Evodia says.
“It’s African drama – respectful. In real life people don’t scream and fight like in reality shows, we talk respectfully.”
The breakout stars became the talk of the town for their lavish lifestyles and love of designer fashion in the first season of RHOJ. At one point, co-star Christall Kay christened Evodia the “queen of Versace”. Yet there’s more to them than shopping, champagne, and catfights.
“On Real Housewives I was viewed as dramatic and always involved in fights, but I am loved by many people,” she says.
“I don’t always fight and cause drama.”
Mercy tells us she can’t wait for people to see the “real” her.
“People usually think I’m unapproachable because of what they saw on the Real Housewives of Johannesburg, but that show stole my identity.
“There, I was always protecting my mom and I would claw anyone who came for her. But on our show, people will get to see my true character.
“I am loud, happy and bubbly, and I also have a soft side,” she says.
This story is from the 16 April 2020 edition of Drum English.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 16 April 2020 edition of Drum English.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Homegrown Heroes
Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa
The Big Clean Up
Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets
I'm Back & Better!
Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon
Not An Easy Ride
Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent
‘They Lived For Each Other'
This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too
Stranger Than Fiction
For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold
I Was Raped By A Pastor
His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out
My Fight With Life And Death
More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience
I AM ENOUGH
Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest