Gomora fans know him as Ntokozo, a high school boy who gets mixed up with the wrong crowd. But this young star, Ntobeko Sishi, holds two degrees and is also a budding musician.
He’s only 21 years old, fresh out of university but Ntobeko is rapidly becoming a ‘one to watch’ rising star in South African television. He’s captured the hearts of viewers with his emotive performances that tackle issues many high school teenagers are identifying with such as peer pressure, family issues, and making life-altering bad decisions. Ntokozo seems to have the perfect family, but he’s under pressure to perform well at school, and he’s found a gang elokshin that has landed him in deep trouble with the law. Ntobeko stars alongside big names such as Thembi Seete, Katlego Danke, and Zolisa Xaluva who are all long-time actors that inspire him daily.
He gave us a few minutes of his time to tell us where he comes from and how the role of Ntokozo has changed people’s lives.
Related article: Catching up with Katlego Danke
Related article: Thembi Seete: Born to shine
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR UPBRINGING
I was born in Durban but grew up in quite a few places such as KwaMashu and Umhlanga. I attended George Campbell School of Technology, and I enjoyed my high school years. When I was in primary school I had a lot of friends – I was bubbly and talkative and that’s also when I was on stage for the first time. When I started high school I became more reserved and focused mainly on my studies. I subsequently did very well academically and became the top scholar at my school. After high school, I moved to Cape Town to study at UCT for four years and when I got my qualification I landed the Mzansi Magic Gomora audition.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ACTING EVEN THOUGH YOU STUDIED COMMERCE?
The first time I fell in love with performing arts was when I realised I could sing – and that was when I took part in a school play called The Lion King when I was in grade 4. When I finally had to decide what I wanted to do with my life, in my heart I already knew. The performing arts was something I was deeply passionate about. When I was 16-years-old I performed at a school play and people were moved to tears. This was a clear indication to me that I could do this for a living and actually move people and change people’s lives. That was the moment when I realised where I truly belong.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE NTOKOZO ON GOMORA
He’s a gentle young man, who as a result of wanting to pursue a life outside and away from his family, has made a lot of questionable decisions. I feel like I relate to him because when I was a teenager I too went through some of the experiences he is going through. Ntokozo searches in the streets of Gomora for something that he is not getting enough of at home. From going partying with different friends, wanting to fit in, trying new things, and wanting to belong elsewhere. Although the decisions Ntobeko has made, I never had to make but I understand where he is coming from because I too felt that way when I was his age.
WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE LOVE THE CHARACTER NTOKOZO?
I get a lot of Instagram messages from people opening up to me about how they can relate to Ntokozo. One fan sent me a message saying that he is watching Gomora with his parents and they have no idea that he’s in the same trouble Ntokozo is in. He said his parents are so judgemental and it’s so hard for him to open up. He continued to say that watching Gomora has made him feel less alone and that the Ntokozo character helps him deal with his issues. Even though things are hard at home, he still has a home with loving parents. I get these messages a lot from people who are deeply touched by this character that they have attached to me.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
I’d say, the late Michael Jackson. The first time I saw Michael Jackson perform I was moved to tears – and I was just a child. I was also confused about why I was crying because he was just singing. But for some reason, it affected me so much that I too wanted to have that powerful effect on people.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I enjoy the people I work with a lot. They are amazing people – from the youngsters to the older guys who’ve been doing this for years. I enjoy being part of such an amazing group of people. We often have conversations that inspire and motivate me to do more, and they remind me that I’m on the right track with what I’m doing.
WHAT ELSE ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?
My other passion is music, and I’m currently busy with that now. My degrees are in commerce, so I would have probably ended up in that field had I not been where I am now.
WHAT SUPERPOWER WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Being able to control matter! If I can control matter I can fly, I can make objects move towards me and I can make them disappear. I would be so cool because controlling matter covers everything, so there’d be nothing I wouldn’t be able to do.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
I watch a lot of movies. I hang out with my friends a lot just listening to music and chilling.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD?
I would say where I stay right now. It’s my haven, I just love being at home.
ANY PROJECTS THAT YOU’RE WORKING ON FOR THE FUTURE?
I’m busy working on my music right now, so I would like for that to continue. My ultimate goal is to have a song on the Billboard Hot 100. Getting a movie role is something that I’d like to achieve as well.
DO YOU HAVE A MESSAGE FOR YOUR FANS?
Take it easy. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Work hard to achieve your goals. Have discipline and as long as you love what you’re doing you are in the right place.
MZANSI TV NEWCOMER: NTOBEKO SISHI
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
August 17, 2021
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
August 17, 2021
Rating:
