‘It became unbearable' - Mbali Nkosi on leaving acting, venturing into DJing and soaring spiritually

News24

23-05-2025

We last saw her on our screens as Violet on The Queen.
While that role left many desiring to see her flex her acting muscle more, Mbali Nkosi was on her way out of the acting space.
Being the all-rounded creative that she is, she seamlessly pivoted into the DJing world, taking it by storm.
She tells Drum that the DJ hat has been her favourite to wear and embrace.
'There is no better feeling than watching people have a great time and you're vibing to the same frequency, same energy, and same music.'
For her, behind the decks 'is a place where you can create, a place where your skill and talent are purely judged on that. It's rather freeing, it's very fulfilling. I feel a lot of people tend to judge easily on many things but with DJing is based on skill which I appreciate,' she adds.
Read more | Multi-award-winning vocalist Bassie ventures into pad drive after big MetroFM award victory
Many may not realise that her DJ journey began in 2011.
After overcoming her fear of what others might say, she decided to pursue her passion and enrolled in TRNS Academy, a DJ school, in 2023. This leap of faith allowed her to flourish and reach new heights, much like an eagle soaring through the sky.
The award-winning entrepreneur has set local and international stages on fire with her afro-tech, Gqom and 3-step steps.
Although she's worked her way up to cementing her greatness in the DJing industry, questions of why she left the acting industry linger.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Mbali Nkosi (@theembalinkosi)
Spilling the beans to Drum, she says she had big dreams and aspirations for herself as an actress.
'I had aspirations of playing an action role like in Colombiana, a role that had a story and a journey in it, a villain era as well, I would have also loved to do Broadway, combining dance, music, and acting all in one.'
However, she adds, she had an early exit due to the dark truths of the acting industry.
'I left acting because it became a very toxic environment, and I went into a depressive state. I hated going to work, and it became unbearable. I couldn't see my life being filled with negativity and depressive episodes. People were requesting or expecting sexual favours, and the fact that you get minimal pay for long hours and no royalties [wasn't working for me].'
Read more | 'Rachel is now stronger than when she left' – Lesego Marakalla makes an abrupt return to Skeem Saam
And now that she's a solo rider in her work as a DJ, she couldn't be happier and more fulfilled.
Mbali has even leaped further with the release of a debut EP titled Elements.
'I'm so excited about Elements. It's more than just a collection of songs, it's a tribute to the universe, the self, and the powerful forces that connect us all. Rooted in the five African elements: earth, air, water, fire, and spirit - each track embodies the essence of its element, creating an immersive experience that honors both nature and the divine within.'
Her music will clearly not end as a stint but as a spiritually woven journey that will give solace through beats and lyrics while she discovers herself poetically in the process.