Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Thembinkosi Mthembu never imagined landing Shaka Ilembe' role

30/03/2023

Thembinkosi Mthembu never imagined landing Shaka Ilembe' roleTalented actor Thembinkosi Mthembu never imagined he'd secure a role in Shaka Ilembe' because he is light-skinned.

by Rae Seleme

30-03-2023 15:53

in Entertainment

Shaka Ilembe' actor Thembinkosi Mthembu. Images via Twitter @SundayWorld and @PoPulseSA

Adulting actor Thembinkosi Mthembu says he didn't think he'd ever score a role on Mzasi Magic's upcoming series Shaka Ilembe because he is light-skinned.

--

ALSO READ: I invited Nomzamo and crew': Shaka ILembe' producers vindicated

THEMBINKOSI MTHEMBU: IT WAS A DREAM COME TRUE' The River actor Thambinkosi Mthembu tells Sunday World that he was dragged on social media when he landed a role in Shaka Ilembe.

Getting a role on the show was a dream come true and I was merely just taking my chances, people had their opinions on how Shaka Zulu was dark in complexion and I was light-skinned.

He also tells the publication that transitioning from theatre to television was game-changing for him.

--

Theatre is different because you're performing for a live audience and with television, you need to tone it down a bit.

The talented star, who plays the lead role of Bonga in Showmax's Adulting adds that playing the role was fun for him because of the parties.

He's a guy who goes after what he wants in life, who likes his friends, family, and girls, though he doesn't believe in love. He is at a stage in his life where things are changing for him, as he's bidding on an R80m contract, said Mthembu.

ALSO READ: Fight erupts after Shaka iLembe' crew visits Queen Nandi's grave

BACKGROUND OF SHAKA ILEMBE' The popular actor Thembinkosi Mthembu will star alongside Nomzamo Mbatha, Lemogang Tsipa Wiseman Mncube, Ntando Duma, and more in Shaka Ilembe.

--

The drama series is set in the 1700s tells the story of the making of the iconic African king, Sgidi kaSenzangakhona with iterations from his early childhood through to adulthood.

The series is about the infamous Zulu king, Sgidi kaSenzangakhona, commonly known as King Shaka. BOMB Productions which created Isibaya, The Road, Isithembiso, and House of Zwide is producing the series for MultiChoice.

The production has been six years in the making, consulting historians, academics, and family descendants, including the late King Goodwill Zwelithini and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

The actress Nomzamo Mbatha, who produces the series and plays Queen Nandi told TshisaLIVE in a statement:

I am honoured to bring the giant that is Queen Nandi to life. History will remember those who informed its people of where we come from, to better understand who we are. I am fortunate to be part of a project that is much bigger than ourselves and to tell this story in our own language. Impi iyeza! expressed Mbatha.

ALSO READ: Nomzamo Mbatha's Shaka Ilembe' series gets Zulu King's blessing

ALSO READ: Nomzamo Mbatha's Shaka Ilembe' series gets Zulu King's blessing

Image via Twitter @DUTAlumni

SOAPIE QUIZ: How well do you know Generations: The Legacy'? WIN R1 000 in cash!
LINK: https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/entertainment/thembinkosi-mthe...
See more stories from thesouthafrican

More from The South African

28/03/2024

Smoke and Mirrors: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Smoke and Mirrors: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South Af...

28/03/2024

Muvhango: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Muvhango: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African web...

28/03/2024

Gqeberha: The Empire - Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Gqeberha: The Empire - Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The Sout...

28/03/2024

Skeem Saam: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Skeem Saam: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African ...

28/03/2024

House of Zwide: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]

House of Zwide: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episode of South African soapie House of Zwide on The South Africa...

28/03/2024

My Brother's Keeper: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]

My Brother's Keeper: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The So...

28/03/2024

Uzalo: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [video]

Uzalo: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [video]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African websit...

28/03/2024

Scandal!: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Scandal!: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African web...

28/03/2024

Umkhokha: The Curse - Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Umkhokha: The Curse - Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South...

27/03/2024

Tonight on Generations: Hlomla is shaken that he came face to face with the stalker

Tonight on Generations: Hlomla is shaken that he came face to face with the stal...

27/03/2024

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Tiny and Magolide plot to get the Managerial position

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Tiny and Magolide plot to get the Managerial posit...

27/03/2024

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Oritonda gets to shine and it all seems to be going well for him

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Oritonda gets to shine and it all seems to be going well ...

27/03/2024

Tonight on Muvhango: Khumo, who is out on bail, tortures Imani

Tonight on Muvhango: Khumo, who is out on bail, tortures ImaniDon't miss Wednesday, 27 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Muvhango on SABC...

27/03/2024

Scandal!: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Scandal!: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African websi...

27/03/2024

House of Zwide: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]

House of Zwide: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episode of South African soapie House of Zwide on The South African ...

27/03/2024

Generations: The Legacy - Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Generations: The Legacy - Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The Sou...

27/03/2024

Streaming today: The Believers' on Netflix - 27 March 2024

Streaming today: The Believers' on Netflix - 27 March 2024Looking for something to watch tonight? Check out all the new streaming releases from all your fa...

27/03/2024

Tonight on Uzalo: Mondli thinks he may have an idea who robbed the police station

Tonight on Uzalo: Mondli thinks he may have an idea who robbed the police statio...

27/03/2024

Tonight on House of Zwide: Faith leaves Funani due to unappreciated support, despite Funani's pleas

Tonight on House of Zwide: Faith leaves Funani due to unappreciated support, des...

27/03/2024

Tonight on Umkhokha: MaMzobe tries to threaten Gabisile to not tell

Tonight on Umkhokha: MaMzobe tries to threaten Gabisile to not tellDon't miss Wednesday, 27 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Umkhokha: T...

27/03/2024

Tonight on My Brother's Keeper: Ndumiso threatens to move out of home over his parent's disrespect of his wife

Tonight on My Brother's Keeper: Ndumiso threatens to move out of home over h...

27/03/2024

Tonight on Gqeberha: Stokkie makes a major move for his future

Tonight on Gqeberha: Stokkie makes a major move for his futureDon't miss Wednesday, 27 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Gqeberha: The Em...

27/03/2024

Tonight on Scandal: A young girl brings a dark cloud into her family's home

Tonight on Scandal: A young girl brings a dark cloud into her family's homeDon't miss Wednesday, 27 March's riveting episode of South African soapie...

27/03/2024

Tonight on Champions: Lebo gets career-changing news, but Ferrari looms large

Tonight on Champions: Lebo gets career-changing news, but Ferrari looms largeDon't miss Wednesday, 27 March's riveting episode of South African soapie C...

27/03/2024

Gqeberha: The Empire - Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Gqeberha: The Empire - Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South ...

27/03/2024

Muvhango: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Muvhango: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African websi...

27/03/2024

Smoke and Mirrors: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Smoke and Mirrors: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South Afri...

27/03/2024

Uzalo: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [video]

Uzalo: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [video]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African website....

27/03/2024

My Brother's Keeper: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]

My Brother's Keeper: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The Sout...

27/03/2024

Skeem Saam: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Skeem Saam: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African so...

26/03/2024

Tonight on Uzalo: The nightmare at the police station continues for the worst

Tonight on Uzalo: The nightmare at the police station continues for the worstDon't miss Tuesday, 26 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Uza...

26/03/2024

Tonight on Gqeberha: Gubevu cautions Sivuyile against becoming like his father

Tonight on Gqeberha: Gubevu cautions Sivuyile against becoming like his fatherDon't miss Tuesday, 26 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Gq...

26/03/2024

Tonight on My Brother's Keeper: Thoba tells Sbu that Didi likes him but begs his cousin

Tonight on My Brother's Keeper: Thoba tells Sbu that Didi likes him but begs...

26/03/2024

Tonight on Umkhokha: Gabisile finds Mzobe's izikhwama

Tonight on Umkhokha: Gabisile finds Mzobe's izikhwamaDon't miss Tuesday, 26 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Umkhokha: The Curse on ...

26/03/2024

Tonight on House of Zwide: Funani contemplates asking Faith to leave

Tonight on House of Zwide: Funani contemplates asking Faith to leaveDon't miss Tuesday, 26 March's riveting episode of South African soapie House of Zwi...

26/03/2024

Skeem Saam: Monday's episode, 25 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Skeem Saam: Monday's episode, 25 March 2024 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African soa...

26/03/2024

Muvhango: Monday's episode, 25 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Muvhango: Monday's episode, 25 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African websit...

26/03/2024

Gqeberha: The Empire - Monday's episode, 25 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Gqeberha: The Empire - Monday's episode, 25 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South A...

26/03/2024

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Ori finally gets his groove back, but will it last?

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Ori finally gets his groove back, but will it last?Don't miss Tuesday, 26 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Skeem ...

26/03/2024

Tonight on Muvhango: Nkele refuses to return Reneilwe's assets to her

Tonight on Muvhango: Nkele refuses to return Reneilwe's assets to herDon't miss Tuesday, 26 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Muvhang...

26/03/2024

Tonight on Generations: Khensani finally goes on his dreaded date

Tonight on Generations: Khensani finally goes on his dreaded dateDon't miss Tuesday, 26 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Generations: Th...

26/03/2024

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Sakhile confesses to Mandla that he is the hit and run driver

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Sakhile confesses to Mandla that he is the hit and...

26/03/2024

Tonight on Champions: Lucinda stands at a crossroads between her heart and the harsh judgments of her family

Tonight on Champions: Lucinda stands at a crossroads between her heart and the h...

26/03/2024

Tonight on Scandal: Neo notices something is up with Tebello, and he confronts Khumo

Tonight on Scandal: Neo notices something is up with Tebello, and he confronts K...

26/03/2024

House of Zwide: Monday's episode, 25 March 2024 [VIDEO]

House of Zwide: Monday's episode, 25 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episode of South African soapie House of Zwide on The South African w...

26/03/2024

Smoke and Mirrors: Monday's episode, 25 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Smoke and Mirrors: Monday's episode, 25 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South Afric...

26/03/2024

Uzalo: Monday's episode, 25 March 2024 [video]

Uzalo: Monday's episode, 25 March 2024 [video]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African website. ...

26/03/2024

My Brother's Keeper: Monday's episode, 25 March 2024 [VIDEO]

My Brother's Keeper: Monday's episode, 25 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South...

26/03/2024

Generations: The Legacy - Monday's episode, 25 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Generations: The Legacy - Monday's episode, 25 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The Sout...

26/03/2024

Scandal!: Monday's episode, 25 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Scandal!: Monday's episode, 25 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African websit...