MEET THE STAR GIST TEAM

Meet the hip presenters of STAR GIST - Vimbai Mutinhiri who hails from Zimbabwe and South African Lawrence Maleka.

This tall 25-year-old model hails from Harare. Also known as 'Miss Vee' , she started her career as an actress in Zimbabwe at the age of 15. She went on to model in Cape Town while she was at university; and soon found herself in Johannesburg and on Big Brother's sixth season, Amplified, in 2011. She has since hosted several events across the continent as a live MC, modelled in several Fashion Weeks and graced some of Africa's largest publications.

She auditioned for STAR GIST because she felt it was time to get back on continental television and is passionate about entertainment "This was the perfect opportunity to get deeply involved in the industry. STAR GIST is a watershed for African entertainment- it's about finally giving our artists a platform to be celebrated and appreciated! This is the first time viewers will be able to step into the lives of their favourite African celebrities daily. If we do not celebrate our own, who will," she says. So far she says she is loving learning more about her favourite African personalities. "We have so many more success stories than we give ourselves credit for".

When she's not working hard, she enjoys spending time being pampered at the spa, eating Thai food, sushi and red velvet cake.  The best advice she's ever received was from her mentor TB Joshua – 'In order to know honour, one must know humility. In order to know wealth, one must know poverty.' As for what drives her? "Hearing success stories and testimonies. If they can do it, why can't I?"

Lawrence is a 22-year-old South African man who still loves his mother's cooking. His mother once told him that his talent would pay him – prophetic words. His career started as a presenter on the Soweto TV's highest rated youth show, '1^st'. He went on to do an additional three shows on the channel. He's also been back on Soweto TV hosting 'Sowetop10', a music show.

Lawrence auditioned for STAR GIST because he needed a new challenge. "STAR GIST is an amazing show that celebrates our own, showing that we are just as good if not better than our international counterparts. The crew is made up of a vibrant group of people that LOVE their work." His proudest achievement? "My first television show, I had the highest ratings for the channel", he says.

When he isn't charming the cameras he listens to music to relax. "I listen to all kinds of music ranging from Abdulla Abraham, Jay-Z, Florence and the Machines, Crash Car Burn, Musicians to icons such as Hugh Masekela. He cites 'Capitalist Nigger', 'Arqutacts Of Poverty', 'The Art Of War' and 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' as his favourite books  and enjoys watching series such as 'Grey's Anatomy', 'The Good Wife' and 'Private Practice'.

STAR GIST launches on Monday 11 June at 8.30pm on AfricaMagic Entertainment (DStv Channel 129). Continues every weekday at 8.30pm.

STAR GIST will feature African entertainment news daily and exciting programme segments. Fashionistas will also be excited to see hot ticket red carpet events, and not just the glitz and glamour of the event but details on who was wearing which designer and where. Look out for 'BTS', which literally goes behind-the-scenes on shoot locations for music videos, movies and TV shows. Comedy segment – will be done similar to the celeb profiles except it will feature comedians from all over the continent. There will also be some believe it or not moments as the show takes a peek into the lavish and sometime unbelievable lifestyles of the über rich on 'Big Bawlerz'.

"STAR GIST will be seen by audiences across the continent and we are hoping the predominantly locally-produced content will appeal to Africa. We're happy to be able to provide the continent with first class entertainment and up-to-the-minute industry news. The show is well-placed to take the newly rebranded AfricaMagic Entertainment to the next level," says Biola Alabi, M-Net Africa MD.