South Africa’s favourite and longest-running lifestyle television show came to an end last week after an amazing 27 years on air.
Premiering in 1992 and broadcast by the SABC, Top Billing was launched by dynamic duo Patience Stevens and Basetsana Kumalo, and offered viewers a weekly dose of the best of the good life. While the show’s end has been hard to accept for many fans, it has left an amazing legacy in the South African broadcasting industry.
Here are the five things we’ll miss about this iconic programme:
1. The houses
Top Billing was the place to be for house inspiration, and South Africans often refer to high-end homes as ‘Top Billing houses’. The show also featured some of South Africa’s best architects, designers, artists and celebrities in this beloved weekly feature.
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2. The weddings
From athletes to musicians and beauty queens, Top Billing was well known for allowing viewers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at high-profile celeb nuptials. From Bassie herself to former Miss World Rolene Strauss, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and Olympic swimmer Cameron van der Burgh, the weddings on the show were serious wedding goals.
3. The travel
The exotic trips and amazing adventures featured on Top Billing inspired envy (and no doubt a few international bookings) every week. In the last few months of the show the production travelled to the Philippines, Turkey, Dubai and Spain, as well as stunning African destinations like Namibia, Botswana and Lesotho, along with a host of beautiful stops in South Africa itself.
4. The presenters
Top Billing introduced us to some of South Africa’s best local TV talent, including Bassie, Dr Michael Mol, Ursula Chikane, Jeannie D, Jo-Ann Strauss, Nico Panagio, Ayanda Thabethe and Bonang Matheba. Fellow SABC show Presenter Search On 3 also introduced fresh talent like Jonathan Boynton-Lee, Jade Hübner, Ryle de Morny, Harmony Katulondi, Fez Mkhize and the late Simba Mhere to the lineup.
5. The inspiration
Entering the broadcasting world in the early stages of democracy, Top Billing aimed to celebrate excellence, showcase local talent, recognise inspirational achievements and promote a positive vision of South Africa and its people. In the process it inspired countless South Africans to reach for their dreams, whatever they were.
If you’re not ready to let go of this household name just yet, you can relive its inspiring content on its YouTube channel!
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