Kunene still has taste for controversy

Kunene still has taste for controversy


By Zama Nene

SUPPLIED
The King of Sushi, businessman and entertainer, Kenny Kunene, celebrates with VIPs and media at his first screening of his second season of So What, a reality programme on e.tv, at a Durban club.
Kenny Kunene was in Durban on Monday night – but there was not a naked girl, much less a serving of sushi, in sight.

The controversial businessman did, however, raise eyebrows when he provided miniature chocolate penises and vaginas in the press kits he doled out to his media guests.

Kunene was in the city for the launch of season two of his hit reality TV show, So What.

With him at the launch at Bellagio nightclub in Stamford Hill was his business partner, Gayton McKenzie, and some members of the show’s cast.

But all eyes were on Kunene, who was dressed in a grey ensemble with a pink bow-tie and his signature Louis Vuitton shades. Ever the showman, he took the opportunity to downplay rumours that he was broke, declaring: “I’m a hundred years from being broke ... and I will never apologise for celebrating my success.”

Kunene has come in for censure in the past for his his conspicuous consumption, including parties where sushi was served off the bodies of semi-naked women.

Two years ago Cosatu general secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi, blasted Kunene for throwing a R700 000 party, saying he was spitting in the faces of the poor.

An unrepentant Kunene on Monday night said although he lived an ostentatious life, he was charitable, but not in front of the cameras, and that giving should not be a showpiece.

Kunene promised So What would be different from season one. “The business side of our life will come out, you will see our international travels and mentoring sessions,” he said.

The first episode, premiered at the club, saw him being driven in a Rolls-Royce, throwing a tantrum over a small helicopter and eating traditional food on a private jet.