South Africa joins the world in mourning the loss of Ananda Lewis, the former MTV VJ and talk show host, who has passed away at the age of 52. Lewis, a familiar face to many during the late 90s and early 2000s, connected a generation of music fans to their favourite artists. Her passing was confirmed by her sister, Lakshmi Emory, in a heartfelt Facebook post.
Lewis's career took off in 1997 when she joined MTV, hosting popular shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone. She quickly became a prominent figure in hip-hop culture, even being dubbed "the hip-hop generation's reigning It Girl" by The New York Times in 1999. She later transitioned to hosting her own talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show, in 2001.
In recent years, Lewis bravely shared her journey with breast cancer, revealing her diagnosis in 2020. She used her platform to advocate for early detection and regular mammograms, urging women to prioritize their health. In an Instagram post, she confessed to delaying her own mammograms due to fear of radiation and emphasized the importance of early detection in saving lives.
Last year, Lewis revealed that her cancer had progressed to stage IV. She participated in a roundtable discussion with CNN's Stephanie Elam and Sara Sidner, also battling breast cancer, to discuss their experiences and raise awareness. Lewis openly shared her decision to go against medical advice and forego a double mastectomy, highlighting her personal approach to fighting the disease.
Ananda Lewis's legacy extends beyond her entertainment career. Her courage and vulnerability in sharing her cancer journey inspired many and underscored the importance of proactive healthcare. She will be remembered as a trailblazer in the media industry and a powerful voice for women's health.