A colleague to many in the entertainment industry, an icon of the LGBTI community and a child of Meadowlands.

Iko Mash born Billy Mathola Emanuel Mashiloane and bred in Meadowlands Zone 1.

In one of her interviews with Mr Durbanite, Mash said that she realised that she was different at the age of seven because she loved wearing her mom’s stilettos when cleaning the house and refrained from chilling at the corner with the boys.

Mash revealed that she was quiet as a child and very obedient because of the abuse she experienced when she was six years old.

She invented the title ‘Shim’ to stop the confusion about her sexual orientation since many mistook her for a girl.

Mash’s biggest break came in 2002 when she was in the international commercial with Nelson Mandela for trade and tourism.

She appeared in several Tv shows such as; Gazlam, Tshisa, Streetlife movie, Backstage and Rhythm City.

Besides her career as a celebrity stylist and makeup artist, Mash was an LGBTI activist who was unapologetic about his sexual orientation.

She was one of the few transgender people to grace the SA Tv screens regardless of society expectations.

Shim’s life with friends in pictures:

Having so much fun at the #ChevyFeathers2016 with @iko_mash and @armsteldiva pic.twitter.com/unScUPMnuV

— Manaka Ranaka (@ManakaRanaka) November 17, 2016

https://twitter.com/Bongani_MV/status/799328877231230976

#Nyongo RT @iko_mash: @AmstelDiva lupita? pic.twitter.com/rkWbg0Z20y

— Amstel (@AmstelDiva) March 25, 2016

Out at #SFLAwardsNominationsParty Cc @iko_mash @SiphokaziJan ;) pic.twitter.com/IPRna3n0K1

— Nhlanhla (@NhlanhlaHimself) June 26, 2015

Today @MbauReloaded talks to @iko_mash & @Koyob on @KhanyiTalk 6pm on @eKasiPlus channel 105 on @OpenViewHD! pic.twitter.com/mr4Fapu5X6

— OpenView HD (@OpenViewHD) January 23, 2015

"@soniamotaung: hello there therealpsyfo @iko_mash @CherylLassie #tbt pic.twitter.com/aCAVsK0If3" bekumnandi

— Mr. 🐊 (MBA) (@SIDWELL_N) January 22, 2015

Ooooh darla @iko_mash pic.twitter.com/VgX9LHUuvW

— I Am MelloSoul (@MelloSoul_SA) August 18, 2014

Jealous Down! U guys Rockkkkkkk….Love u 2 bits @Koyob: Yebo RT @iko_mash: @Koyob pic.twitter.com/Hd0BltO2i3

— Miss Nelson (@doreen780) June 21, 2013

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