He's known as Mzansi’s most feared villain from his days on Generations, and recently as the evil Mohumi on The River. Seputla Sebogodi is no newbie to our TV screens. This multi-award-winning actor is still going strong and has no plans to stop.
Seputla Sebogodi is well known for his previous role as the villainous Kenneth Mashaba on the SABC soapie Generations. He’s been part of many long-running shows such as Suburban Bliss, Scandal, Rhythm City, and Zabalaza, not forgetting movies such as The Republic and Critical Assignment. His CV extends to notable theatre performances, world stages, and international productions. He even has a place in the music industry as a gospel artist!
Sebogodi is one of Mzansi’s most refined actors, with a hand in scriptwriting and directing at well. With decades of experience and knowledge, the legendary actor gave us a few minutes of his time to share some pearls of wisdom.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO JOIN THE CAST OF THE RIVER?
I’m a huge fan of the show! I enjoyed watching it from the very first episode. It’s a well-put-together production with brilliant actors. My son, Thapelo, is in it as well, so it’s good to see him on screen. The writers of the show, combined with a brilliant cast and crew, made me feel honoured to join the team.
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PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER ON THE RIVER, MOHUMI
Mohumi was in love with Lindiwe a long time ago when they were still very young. He taught her the tricks of the business trade but the problem began when Lindiwe turned on him and was sent to jail for a crime he never committed. He spent 10 years in prison and when he came out he sought revenge. This revenge was further fuelled when he found out that Lindiwe had lied about their child being aborted. He then dreamed up a plan to take her down, and get his hands on her wealth. He’s on a mission and will not rest until his task is accomplished.
MOST OF YOUR ROLES ARE VILLAINS? WHY IS THAT?
It’s not that I seek out these roles, they just seem to fall in my lap. If I find a good director to work with I’ll take on the role and run with it.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO TRANSFORM INTO A ROLE AND FULLY IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A CHARACTER?
As young black people growing up we didn’t have resources such as drama schools. We only had mentors that we aspired to be. These are people who shaped my life in terms of who I am today as an actor: Paul Rapetsoa, Thomas Mogotlane, Mbongeni Ngema, Owen Sejake, and Jerry Phele popularly known as Mofokeng in Emzini Wezintsizwa. They have played a very meaningful role in my life and helped fine-tune my craft.
I remember Bra Paul advising me to do only two shows with a director and move on. Mbongeni Ngema shared the same sentiments with me. This was to emphasise the fact that staying too long in one space will put you at risk of being boxed. You need to show diversity in your talent so you can work with other genres and roles. Working with different directors after that and taking that advice has helped me explore my creativity and showcase my range.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR MISSION FOR THE INDUSTRY TO BE REGULATED?
In 1994 I was fortunate enough to go to New York. I was doing a one-man play called Once a Pirate and Sello Maake was doing a show called The Suit, and Eric Don Mlangeni was doing a play called On My Birthday. We stayed in Manhattan. We learned that across the road from our place there were auditions for the role of a South African pilot. When we heard about this we were so excited and wanted to give the audition a shot. But somehow the producers knew that we were in the country, and told us because we do not have a green card or belong to a union, we should not even enter the area. If we had been part of a union, either of us would have gotten that part. We were right there in New York, we all fitted the description of the role and we all lost out on a great opportunity. The unfair part is that actors, directors, and producers shoot their movies in South Africa all the time, and there are little to no hassles about permits and unions.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR MISSION FOR THE INDUSTRY TO BE REGULATED?
In 1994 I was fortunate enough to go to New York. I was doing a one-man play called Once a Pirate and Sello Maake was doing a show called The Suit, and Eric Don Mlangeni was doing a play called On My Birthday. We stayed in Manhattan. We learned that across the road from our place there were auditions for the role of a South African pilot. When we heard about this we were so excited and wanted to give the audition a shot. But somehow the producers knew that we were in the country, and told us because we do not have a green card or belong to a union, we should not even enter the area. If we had been part of a union, either of us would have gotten that part. We were right there in New York, we all fitted the description of the role and we all lost out on a great opportunity. The unfair part is that actors, directors, and producers shoot their movies in South Africa all the time, and there are little to no hassles about permits and unions.
I strongly believe that the industry needs to be regulated as a whole. There are many examples of actors not being adequately paid. For example, a role would be given to someone with a big social media following as opposed to an experienced and seasoned professional. Our long-term experience should matter and we should be paid appropriately. These are just some of the issues we go through as actors, and what my mission for a union is about.
YOUR SON THAPELO HAS FOLLOWED IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE HIM?
He’s fortunate that he went to school and studied. In the beginning, I didn’t like the idea because I knew the ins and outs of the industry and how tough it can be. But I think he will do very well, I am very happy for him and want him to push his limits.
HOW WAS IT WORKING WITH THE CAST FROM THE RIVER AND WHAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP DO YOU HAVE?
I’m a very easy-going person. I’m not one of those actors that boast about my achievements and brags about what I have done in the past. When I go on set, I want to learn something new, I listen to my cast members talk and engage. Things are no longer like they were in the 1990s, we are in the 21st century now. For me, I choose to become a sponge around my cast and absorb as much as I can.
HOW WOULD YOU SAY TV PRODUCTION AND QUALITY EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
What makes me very happy is the young black filmmakers and writers that are emerging. We now have big film and production companies owned by black people. In the older days, things like the lighting were not as advanced, and simple things such as make-up colour shades were limited. But now we have professionals who understand our skin, we have writers who create our own real stories. Now I look at those things and I laugh at how far we’ve come and I think Madiba would be so proud of us right now.
HOW DO YOU CREATE LONGEVITY IN THE ACTING INDUSTRY?
From my personal experiences, I’ve been taught to never stick to one thing. You should try your hand at writing, directing, etc. I’ve made a living from dabbling and trying my hand at different things. I’ve also written songs, and I’m a gospel singer as well. I also direct, in fact, I’ve received more awards as a director than as an actor. The important thing is to have patience and do things to the best of your ability, no matter what it is.
IF YOU WERE NOT AN ACTOR, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
To be honest, before I was an actor, I had hoped and prayed that I would be a soccer player. I imagined headlines saying ‘Seputla Sebogodi scores a goal for Pirates’. Like any young boy, while growing up, we all wanted to play for either Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs.
DO YOU HAVE A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS?
Things are much easier now for this generation because they can go to school. I would advise doing your research on which artists/actors are making it big and what it took from them to accomplish their goals. Reading is most important, it expands your mind and you gain valuable knowledge from books.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE ACTORS?
Locally I have a lot of favourites! If I have to mention a few, it would be Sindi Dlathu, Presley Chweneyegae, Moshidi Motshegka, and internationally definitely Samuel L Jackson, Viola Davis, and Denzel Washington.
YOUR SON THAPELO HAS FOLLOWED IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE HIM?
He’s fortunate that he went to school and studied. In the beginning, I didn’t like the idea because I knew the ins and outs of the industry and how tough it can be. But I think he will do very well, I am very happy for him and want him to push his limits.
HOW WAS IT WORKING WITH THE CAST FROM THE RIVER AND WHAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP DO YOU HAVE?
I’m a very easy-going person. I’m not one of those actors that boast about my achievements and brags about what I have done in the past. When I go on set, I want to learn something new, I listen to my cast members talk and engage. Things are no longer like they were in the 1990s, we are in the 21st century now. For me, I choose to become a sponge around my cast and absorb as much as I can.
HOW WOULD YOU SAY TV PRODUCTION AND QUALITY EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
What makes me very happy is the young black filmmakers and writers that are emerging. We now have big film and production companies owned by black people. In the older days, things like the lighting were not as advanced, and simple things such as make-up colour shades were limited. But now we have professionals who understand our skin, we have writers who create our own real stories. Now I look at those things and I laugh at how far we’ve come and I think Madiba would be so proud of us right now.
HOW DO YOU CREATE LONGEVITY IN THE ACTING INDUSTRY?
From my personal experiences, I’ve been taught to never stick to one thing. You should try your hand at writing, directing, etc. I’ve made a living from dabbling and trying my hand at different things. I’ve also written songs, and I’m a gospel singer as well. I also direct, in fact, I’ve received more awards as a director than as an actor. The important thing is to have patience and do things to the best of your ability, no matter what it is.
IF YOU WERE NOT AN ACTOR, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
To be honest, before I was an actor, I had hoped and prayed that I would be a soccer player. I imagined headlines saying ‘Seputla Sebogodi scores a goal for Pirates’. Like any young boy, while growing up, we all wanted to play for either Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs.
DO YOU HAVE A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS?
Things are much easier now for this generation because they can go to school. I would advise doing your research on which artists/actors are making it big and what it took from them to accomplish their goals. Reading is most important, it expands your mind and you gain valuable knowledge from books.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE ACTORS?
Locally I have a lot of favourites! If I have to mention a few, it would be Sindi Dlathu, Presley Chweneyegae, Moshidi Motshegka, and internationally definitely Samuel L Jackson, Viola Davis, and Denzel Washington.
GETTING REAL WITH SEPUTLA SEBOGODI
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
March 09, 2021
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
March 09, 2021
Rating:
