Nqobile Khumalo is the future of South Africa in the TV and film industry. She got her big break in SABC’s Soul City in 2014, and now plays the lead in Mzans’s Magic’s drama series also called Nqobile.
Nqobile means ‘I have conquered’. The 13 part drama series tells the story of a victimised makoti, abused by her husband but manages to outsmart him and takes over his empire. She develops newfound bravery and begins to live fearlessly and rises above everything she has gone through. Produced by Isibaya actress and author Ayanda Borotho this is truly a first in SA television with such a strong and compelling storyline.
Nqobile gave us a few minutes from her busy schedule to break down what influences her and what this role means for women in South Africa.
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
Originally I come from Mhlangana, which is a small town in Swaziland, that’s where gran still lives now. When I was a baby I stayed with my mom for two months, and soon after I came down to Johannesburg where I’ve been ever since. Growing up was fantastic, I grew up in a blended family with lots of brothers, sisters, and cousins like most homes in Mzansi. I was always a happy child, I was very much into sports and super active with lots of energy.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO ACTING?
Funny enough I started working in 2004 when I was 12 years old. I was scouted while with a cousin in Rosebank Mall. I started modelling and was in front of the camera in primary school. When I finished high school, a producer by the name of Kutlwano Ditsele, saw my profile on Facebook and encouraged me to go into TV and that’s when I started auditioning for roles. From there onwards it was evident that this was the direction my career would take, I always knew I wanted to perform.
When growing up in a black household, parents expect you to be educated and become a professional because that guarantees a ‘real job’. So while I was auditioning I was also studying Journalism on the side and subsequently a few castings later I was gone and deep into acting.
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WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE ACTORS AND PERFORMERS?
Locally my favourite South African actress is Moshidi Motshegwa and internationally it has to be British-born actress Vivian Lee. Vivian Lee inspires me not only in her performances but also in her life story and acting journey.
Vivian Lee lived a free, non-conforming life. She was untamed and whole, and I aspire to have those qualities as well. Especially as a young black girl living in South Africa, I think we are very limited or sometimes muted in the name of culture and the name of safety and not allowed to fearlessly express ourselves. Sometimes we are a little too timid and hesitant to push boundaries. Women should be allowed to be wild and free. That’s what is attractive to me. Vivian Lee is a very good example of someone who lived her life that way, both in her career and in her personal life too. I really admire her for that.
I love reading biographies of great musicians and actors as well, as I learn a lot about them and myself in the process.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST REAL BREAK?
That would be my first lead role in Soul City in 2014 during the final season. The series was ending after 20 years. I came in there as a new face and had the chance to work with legends, particularly u Mam Lillian Dube. For me Soul City was my big break – to be a part of such a significant production is something I will never forget. The talented actors, the storyline, and the purpose behind Soul City had greater meaning than entertainment. So that was a pivotal moment for me. That was when I knew my purpose in acting was not only for entertainment but to change people’s lives and make a difference.
TELL US ABOUT THE DRAMA SERIES NQOBILE
Nqobile is produced by a production company called AVAD Media. It’s a female-owned, female-run and female majority production company and Nqobile was their first series production. I took great pride in the fact they asked me to lead their first series production. In my personal life and career, I try to encourage and advocate for the protection of women’s rights. Our country has the unfortunate plague of femicide, GBV, and the appalling dehumanisation of women. As a young black woman, I am quite the target for these kinds of abuse. So it’s an honour for me to play this role and a privilege to tell this story and be part of a team that aims to empower women.
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HOW DO YOU RELAX AND CHILL OUT?
When I’m busy with my work commitments and projects I hardly think about chilling out and relaxing. I have tunnel vision from start to end, and I cannot get my head out of anything until I am completely done with it. I only exhale once everything is done and dusted. But should I get a moment to unwind, I like to spend time with loved ones and let loose, be silly and just have fun.
LOOKING BACK NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
So many things! I would tell my 19-year-old self that “to possess greatness you need to stay calm.” What I mean by that is the best leaders I’ve seen – in production studios, companies, directors, producers, leaders in business, and leaders in families – have taught me that remaining calm is key to leading well. I wish I had known that sooner. I’ve stressed out so much about so many things in the past. I would encourage myself to calm down and breathe. Another thing I would tell myself is “you will heal, you will be ok”. I didn’t know that when I was younger no matter what happens it will pass and I will be fine.
IF YOU HAD A SUPERPOWER, WHAT KIND WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Teleportation! So I could be wherever I want, whenever I want – in an instant! Oh, the places I would go! The first place I’d go to is Disneyland.
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE A LAST MEAL WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I would have grilled teriyaki salmon.
HAVE YOU READ OR SEEN ANYTHING INTERESTING LATELY?
The last thing I read was a biography by legendary actress Julie Andrews. She published a trilogy about her life and in the second book, she details life in Hollywood and her experience with the movie The Sound Of Music. It’s an incredible, intimate book. She’s so honest, so vulnerable, and as an actress, it is the perfect thing for me to read.
SET TO CONQUER SA TV AND FILM: NQOBILE KHUMALO
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
July 29, 2021
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
July 29, 2021
Rating:
