Multi-talented Wiseman Mncube is at the peak of his career and he’s become one of the country’s most sought-after actors. He’s worked very hard to become a household name in the television industry and is rapidly making his way to stardom.
Best known for playing the unruly character, Sibonelo, on the SABC1 drama series Uzalo, Wiseman’s captivating performance takes you on a journey of all the different colours of Sibonelo. Unlike his character, Wiseman is quite shy and introverted, with a down-to-earth attitude. Although he hasn’t been on our TV screens for long, he already has a long list of accolades and awards. Before conquering the TV screen he directed big award-winning theatre plays, and is making huge moves while trying to shy away from the spotlight.
You could call him the underdog of the acting industry right now but Wiseman’s talent is unmatched. He chats to us about his break into TV from theatre and the reason he stays on top of his game!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD
I was born in Ulundi in Kwa-Zulu Natal but I grew up here in Newlands West in Durban. That is where I went to primary and high school as well as tertiary. After I matriculated I went to the Durban University Of Technology and studied acting. We’re four brothers at home and two of them are already in the acting industry. My younger brother Omega Mncube plays the role of Phelelani in Uzalo and my older brother Ntando Mncube plays Sbusiso in Durban Gen. Sbusiso is the one who introduced both myself and Omega to acting.
DID YOUR BROTHER INFLUENCE YOUR CHOICE TO PURSUE ACTING AS A CAREER?
Acting is who we are. My parents may not have been actors, but they were amazing storytellers. Growing up they would tell us stories and act them out, with so much expression and creativity. Ntando was the first one that took the acting route. When he was in his first year at DUT I was in grade 10. He invited me to come and watch one of his shows called Sophiatown. To be honest, I was not thinking about following in his footsteps. I had not made up my mind yet as to what career I wanted to pursue. When we got to the show, I was completely mesmerised and intrigued by everything I was seeing – from the stage to the wardrobe and the ambiance of the theatre. That’s when I instinctively knew that this is where I wanted to end up and that this is where I belong. I then also went to DUT and studied acting.
Ntando was a top student at DUT and high school, and now I had all the pressure of being his little brother and not letting him down.
Everywhere I went I was told how good he was and it sort of fell on my shoulders to carry on that reputation and become the best I could be. I didn't want to live in my brother’s shadow, I wanted to be recognised as just myself without any comparison to Ntando and be great in my own right.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST REAL BREAK IN YOUR CAREER?
When I graduated from DUT, I was given an opportunity to play a one-man show which was a big privilege but is not very easy to do. I had to keep the audience glued and entertained while performing 13 different characters at once. This was my first chance to be on stage as a professional outside of school. This show gave me my big break, I was in theatre for about seven years before breaking into television.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST-EVER TV ROLE?
My first ever role was in 2014 in a Lokshin Bioscope film called iNyaope Indaba. It did very well. I played a drug addict smoking Nyaope.
WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES YOU?
The person who inspired me and I looked up to was the late Menzi Ngubane. I admired him so much – his range and the way he did things – I saw myself in him and aspired to be just like him.
I met Bra Menzi when he and I were part of the cast of Goal Diggers and I was very happy because I got to work alongside my role model. We got along very well but it was a pity that our storylines didn’t meet.
We then met again when we were both cast for iHostela. Now that he has passed on, I have so many fond memories of him, and how he treated me with so much respect as an artist. I remember seeing him at an event one night and he embraced me in front of a crowd of other amazing actors. I will never forget that day because he dropped everything and came straight to me. He raved about how talented I was and how we need to work together, break boundaries, and make amazing productions. I was truly sad when I heard of his passing, he really meant a lot to me.
TELL US ABOUT SIBONELO, YOUR CHARACTER FROM UZALO
This character is very much misunderstood. People perceive him as arrogant, rude, scary, and intimidating. What I’ve learned from playing this role, is that Sibonele is someone who has a deep love for his mom. He is loyal and would support his mother no matter what. He would even kill for her.
He has taught me to have love for your mother and parents no matter what the circumstances. Yes sometimes our parents become overbearing, but with this character, I learned how to be loyal and always be there for your parents.
WHAT’S AN INTERESTING THING YOU’VE SEEN OR READ RECENTLY?
It has to be Thuso Mbedu! When you believe in yourself, anything is possible. I remember Thuso invited us for her 27th birthday. She gave a speech and said that was the last time we would see her because she was moving to the US. By that time she was not yet cast for anything, and we all laughed because she usually jokes like that. She told us that the God she believes in will make a way. She said she had a deep sense of knowing that she will be gone for some time and decided to invite us for her birthday to say goodbye. A year and a half later – Thuso Mbedu lands a lead role next to Viola Davis!
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO YOUNG ACTING STUDENTS LOOKING UP TO YOU?
Know what you want and don’t forget where you come from. The life you see on camera is not real, the Instagram life is not real. You have to mentally prepare yourself for things that might not work out in your favour. If you want to be an actor or anything in life, go for it, but work hard and never lose yourself when in the spotlight.
WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
I listen to everything but mostly I play gospel and Vuyo Mokwena is still my legend until today.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?
I spend a lot of time with my daughter, I just play with her.
WISEMAN MNCUBE: AN UNDERDOG ON THE RISE
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
May 31, 2021
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
May 31, 2021
Rating:
