Actor, model, musician and TV presenter Tino Chinyani is one of South Africa’s dotting dads who many love to see on social media.
He is calling on families to celebrate father figures at the Celebrating Dad with Tino Chinyani event, on 16 June in Sandton, Gauteng.
Tino welcomed his baby with Simphiwe Ngema in 2021 and he believes his life changed after becoming a father. “Before, I was very selfish.
“I was working entirely for myself. My lifestyle was not too crazy compared to what it is now. I am still fun-loving, adventurous and an outdoor adrenalin junky,’’ he says. “Now, I just have more purpose.
“I don’t feel the need to be seen as much, to party as much. But, I am more interested in building for my family and being a great role model for my son. My lifestyle has calmed down a bit.
“Fatherhood has been a truly amazing journey,’’ he says. “It also shaped the way I behave and look at the world around me. I have discovered what love truly means beyond myself and to give that love beyond myself has been the best thing I can ever ask for.”
At his event that will be hosted at the Radisson Sandton Hotel, Tino hopes that fathers will have a dialogue. “I think as men, we don’t have encouraging, engaging and powerful conversations enough. It is our duty as men to take it upon ourselves to have these conversations,’’ he tells ZiMoja.
“We need to talk about how we can be better men, better leaders and role models and be present, actively engage to eradicate generational curses.”
As much as fatherhood comes with challenges, Tino says he is having fun along the way. “The beautiful thing about life is the experiences, laughs and the people you share it with. If you’re too serious, you become too focused on the past or the future and forget to live in the now,’’ he says. “But, I have become very grounded. If you are weak spiritually, you cannot lead a family. I had to tap into a higher sense of self and get closer to God.
“I am even more financially responsible and that is the weight I have felt the gravity of, the most. I felt I had to be a lot more disciplined. I don’t spend the way I would have in the past. I also learned not to be too serious on the journey.
“I rather choose to live in the moment. Tino is currently working on a TV production.
“It will encapsulate everything beautiful about Africa, the continent, people, cuisine and vibrancy. I am also working with Manu World Star or Music and Vuka M Beats and we will deliver amazing projects.’’ — ZiMoja