From Kings of Joburg to what's next: Abdul Khoza reveals upcoming ventures
Abdul Khoza stars as Lester in the upcoming third season of Kings of Joburg.
He is looking to do more behind-the-scenes work with producing, writing and directing.
Abdul reaffirms that his passion will always lie with the arts.
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We've still got a whole lot more to see from this captivating thespian.
Abdul Khoza stole the country's hearts with his memorable performances in hit shows like Isibaya and The Wife.
Now we can look forward to another deep and complex act in the upcoming third season of Kings of Joburg.
Starring alongside acting greats like Connie Ferguson and Zolisa Xaluva, Abdul gives us a teaser into his role as the criminal Lester.
'It happens to be a time where my character is more or less trying to get himself back on top because he is at the bottom you find him in season three because you find him in prison. This is where he also meets up with Mo's character (played by Zolisa Xaluva) and both of them have formed an alliance together to get themselves out of the prison,' Abdul says.
'It's very complex, I won't lie. It's a complex and complicated story right now. But a beautiful, beautiful journey between the two characters of Mo's character and Lester's character. We get a bit of more of a brotherhood that happens between them, which is interesting. Something that I think could also enhances their relationship.'
Many are still crossing their fingers to see Abdul's star power continue to shine, especially with the 37-year-old creative and father of two announcing his departure from acting to pursue his love for behind-the-scenes work, sharing some insightful words reflecting on the entertainment industry and his last audition take.
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A post shared by Brotha Abdul Rahman Khoza (@abdul_khoza)
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A post shared by Brotha Abdul Rahman Khoza (@abdul_khoza)
Although Abdul tells us that he's still getting all his ducks in row before sharing his reasons for leaving acting, his creative prowess expands more than just in front of the camera. He counts himself as a writer as well who is looking to produce and direct his own work.
He shares, 'I want to produce, I want to direct some of my things as well because I'm also a writer myself. So, I'm trying to elevate myself as an individual. Trying to just walk on another path that promises a lot of growth and that's just my journey right now.'
Abdul goes on to say, 'I'm always passionate in everything I do, so I do believe that there will be success in this journey as well and I'm just throwing myself in there because I feel like we need more Black producers and more Black directors and so forth in the industry ... I don't want to try to do this when I'm too old. Yeah, I don't wanna be the old director or old producer,' he laughs.
'So I wanna still do it while I know that I'm also able to be relevant to the youth. So, that's also a market that I feel like - if we don't enhance our stories or make them more impactful for them, we might lose them as an audience.'
Off the cuff
What's an acting tip that you always stand by? It's really just presence, being present 100 percent. Always has been the key of any actor to take, of just making sure that you live in the moment as honestly as you can.
What's your favourite way to unwind by yourself?
It's usually when I choose to sort of get myself in a workout. A good workout always does it for me and then after is more or less just listening to music or making music.
What do you love to do with your family with Father's Day coming up? If I have my kids with me, I am the happiest father ever because they are everything. So, definitely spending the day with my kids and just having those cuddles.
Abdul's career journey has taken more detours than many realise, with the actor starting off his working career in the army and the fire brigade before pursuing his dream working in the arts.
On how he plans to grow and evolve in his new ventures with all of his experience, Abdul says, 'Well, my passion really would be the arts because I put myself in the space of acting but not only did I focus on acting solely, I was just able to also be a little bit behind the scenes, see what directors do on set, see how things are brought together for a production to function and all of that.
'So I've learned a lot from my experience as an actor because I've had the privilege of being able to also have personal conversations with directors and with producers that I've worked with.
I've had a lot of knowledge and information that I myself would've never had if I never stepped on a set before.'
He is currently busy working on his theatre debut, starring in the critically acclaimed production The Zulu by Mbongeni Ngema from 8 to 22 June 2025 at the Joburg Theatre.
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