Carey Torrice in the Free Press!

Nelson Mandela’s granddaughters to star in reality TV show

BY B.J. HAMMERSTEIN DETROIT FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

September 30, 2011

“Holly Madison has insured her breasts for $1 million. – Carey Torrice/Eye Spy

Don’t expect alcohol-induced “Jersey Shore” shenanigans or “Real Housewives” plastic-surgery drama when a reality TV show featuring members of Nelson Mandela’s family debuts next year.

That’s right, three of the former South African president’s grown granddaughters will star in a reality series expected to premiere at the beginning of 2012, according to British newspaper the Daily Mail. Producer Rick Leed (“Dr. 90210”), while talking to news media Thursday in Johannesburg, said the show won’t detract from the dignity of Mandela’s legacy.

“We’re definitely not the African Kardashians,” said granddaughter Dorothy Adjoa Amuah. She’ll be joined by two cousins, Swati Dlamini and her sister Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway.

Briefly

* Sylvia Robinson, a singer and co-owner of the Sugar Hill Records label, died Thursday at the age of 76. She had congestive heart failure. In 1979, Sugar Hill put out one of rap music’s first mainstream hits, “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugar Hill Gang.

* Former “Girls Next Door” reality TV star Holly Madison, currently a burlesque performer in “Peepshow” at the Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, tells people.com that she has taken out a $1-million insurance policy on her breasts.

* Tony Bennett’s “Duets II” is the No. 1 album for the week ending Sept. 25, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It’s the first No. 1 album for Bennett, 85. He’s the oldest living artist to reach the top of the charts.

* Tonight at the San Marino Club in Troy (1685 E. Big Beaver), the Tri-County Business Exchange will host “Dancing with our Local Stars,” a fund-raiser to benefit the American Diabetes Association. Some of the locals making moves include WJBK-TV (Channel 2) reporter Amy Lange, “Michigan Matters” host Carol Cain and Annette Kelly, the 2011 Mrs. Michigan United States.

Admission starts at $25; special reserved seats ($50) and VIP tickets ($75) are also available. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the competition kicks off at 9. To make reservations or learn more, go to dancingwithourlocalstars.com or call 248-852-8077.

COMPILED BY B.J. HAMMERSTEIN, FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER.