Latest news with #Gqeberha:TheEmpire
The Citizen
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘If I were Orlando Pirates coach, I'd let it loose,' says Pirates coach lookalike, actor Mbulelo Grootboom
One of the jokes that gained traction after Ouaddou's appointment was that he resembles actor Mbulelo Grootboom. Some people have said that new Orlando Pirats coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and actor Mbulelo Grootboom lookalike. Pictures: @Nemza007 (X) and Mbulelo Grootboom (Facebook) Soon after the dust settled on Orlando Pirates hiring Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou—rather than the widely expected Rhulani Mokwena—social media users began trolling Ouaddou for being relatively unknown in South Africa. One of the jokes that gained traction after Ouaddou's appointment was that he resembles South African actor Mbulelo Grootboom. 'The comparison between me and the Orlando Pirates coach is really hilarious,' a giggling Grootboom tells The Citizen. The actor, whom many would know from TV shows such as Gqeberha: The Empire, said he has also found the joke quite humbling. 'Because now I'm the meme or the laughing stock of the country, which I know is a joke. I find that really humbling and honouring that people are laughing because of me. I love it,' he said, admitting that there are some similarities between the two. '…our facial structures because of the cheekbones and all of that, other than that, the guy doesn't really look like me. But I understand, I see why people would think he looks like me.' ALSO READ: Pirates announce surprise new head coach! I'd let Pirates loose Grootboom, an ardent Kaizer Chiefs supporter, says if he were the Pirates coach, he'd sabotage the club. 'I know 'hate' is a strong word, but Pirates, I hate Pirates because of the rivalry between Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates.' 'If I were the Orlando Pirates coach, I'd let it loose because I'm a diehard fan of Kaizer Chiefs. Even though at some point I stopped watching South African soccer because Kaizer Chiefs kept on losing, and I was tired of getting my heart broken because of Kaizer Chiefs,' says Grootboom. To shield himself from further heartbreak from the Chiefs' consistently disappointing performances, he avoids watching their games. ALSO READ: From heartbreak to triumph: Amanda Seome's journey to starring in Shaka iLembe's Ndwandwe clan Grootboom on Niggies Grootboom is part of the cast of the Afrikaans drama Niggies, which airs on KykNET, playing the role of Samuel. 'Bing part of Niggies was really amazing. Working with a stellar cast, the actors who were there are people who I've wanted to work with and some I've worked with before. The work that they put in, the artistry, the craft is off the charts,' he said. He said he also enjoyed working with show director Jaco Bouwer, whom he's previously worked with in theatre. Niggies explores the real-life story of the 1966 kidnapping and murder of young Issie Fourie and Petro Nel in the quiet town of Odendaalsrus. The case remained unsolved for 18 years. 'Also, dealing with a true-life event for me as an actor, it requires you, of which I like, to be as honest and authentic as possible. So you can't leave any stone unturned because you're talking about real people's lives, you can't cut corners,' he shared. He speaks Afrikaans on the show, which has pushed him as an actor. 'I learnt a lot from that because when I do a project, I always want to learn something of it.' ALSO READ: Malik Yoba talks Kings of Joburg, his first African film experience, and more Grootboom the diverse actor He has demonstrated his versatility throughout his career through the various roles he has taken on. Being able to be part of a Xhosa TV show like Gqeberha and also dabble in a different market that a show like Niggies speaks to, shows his skill. 'There are more actors than jobs in South Africa, so you, as an actor, being able to be versatile like this, sets you apart from the other actors,' he says. He says he gets immersed in his characters, hence he prefers not to call himself an actor because that's akin to pretending. 'I hate when people say we're pretending. I don't pretend; I need to be in it, my heart and soul.' He is not pedantic about being seen as an on-camera actor or a thespian in the theatre, although he admits that when he was young, he'd be more excited about being on stage. 'They are different mediums, but the approach for me is still the same. The theatre is obviously live, whatever mistakes you make in theatre, you must improvise-that's the exciting part of theatre,' he says. 'But then, television, there's a camera, you can cut…but television or camera is more nuanced, it's more immediate, as theatre, but the camera is more nuanced because the camera is here, and you can't lie to the camera. The camera will always pick up if you're not honest about what you're doing.' He admits a love for both mediums. He spoke to The Citizen while filming the eTV show Kelders Van Geheime, a Xhosa and Afrikaans drama. 'I'm at a point in my career now where I'm playing father roles, which I appreciate,' says Grootboom, who plays the role of a father with two sons on the show. NOW READ: Hungani and Stephanie confirm divorce, request privacy, grace, and compassion
News24
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
A look inside Uthando Nes'thembu Season 8's addictive drama
From the reveal of wife number 5, drama-filled dinner tables to emotional confrontations, the Mseleku family left nothing hidden this season. It goes without saying that Uthando Nes'thembu Season 8 was the ultimate guilty pleasure, keeping us hooked with its over-the-top drama and complex relationships, and its ending has undoubtedly left fans yearning for more. Read more | #JusticeForCwecwe: A mother's unrelenting quest Season 8 has come to an end, leaving viewers with unforgettable moments and a deeper understanding of the complexities of polygamous relationships. The season was marked by intense drama, power struggles, and emotional revelations. We take a look at some of the memorable highlights of the season. One of the most significant plot twists in the season 8 was the reveal of wife number 5 and Musa Mseleku's hospitalisation after suffering a stroke. This event not only added drama but also raised concerns about Musa's health and well-being. The wives and family members were shocked and worried about his health scare, leading to a mix of emotions and reactions. Read more | 'I refuse to raise my children in a lie' - The Dandalas call it quits Moreover, the introduction of Samkelisiwe Khwela as Musa's fifth wife brought intense dynamics to the show. Her arrival sparked tension and conflict among existing wives, who were already struggling to cope with Musa's demands and behaviour. As if her addition wasn't enough, her also getting pregnant was another roller-coaster on the show. Samke's integration into the family was not smooth, and her not being welcomed by the other wives often left her sidelined. Another notable development in the season was the wives' growing assertiveness and rebellion against Musa's behaviour. Led by Khanya Yeni a.k.a MaYeni, Musa's second wife, the wives began to stand up to Musa, questioning his actions and refusing to tolerate his alleged mistreatment. This newfound confidence and unity among the wives added a fresh layer of drama to the show. Read more | 'Sne and I always fight and make up. What's the fuss?' – Musa Mseleku Despite the challenges and tensions within the family, Musa's 50th birthday was celebrated with great fanfare. However, the festivities were overshadowed by the underlying conflicts and power struggles. The wives' reactions to Musa's birthday celebration were mixed, with some using the occasion to express their grievances. Sne Mseleku's behaviour has also added drama throughout the season as fans felt like she is ungrateful and unkind to everyone in the family and never wants to take accountability for her actions. Sealing it off with her storming out of the meeting her father, Musa, called trying to address certain issues and her saying unpolite words to MaNgwabe, Musa's fourth wife on episode 30 of this season. Read more | Gqeberha: The Empire star Kay Bikitsha mourns the loss of her mother The last episode of season 8, episode 31, ended on a high and leaving fans riled up with reactions and emotions as MaYeni said some things to Musa during their diary session and Musa also said some things to MaKhumalo during their diary session, fans and viewers are left anticipating what season 9, next year has in store for the Mseleku household. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MzansiMagic (@mzansimagic) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ today for your VIP pass to South Africa's entertainment world.
News24
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
How playing a 'Ben 10' put Generations: The Legacy actor Sicelo Mabaso in the spotlight
When young actor Sicelo debuted on one of South Africa's leading shows, "Generations: The Legacy," playing the character Samkelo, viewers were immediately captivated by his undeniable charisma and passionate performance. His character quickly became the center of a steamy storyline featuring a romance between his younger character and the older Lucy Diale, portrayed by veteran actress Manaka Ranaka. The relationship plot reached its climax when the pair locked lips in a passionate scene that set social media ablaze. Sicelo Mabaso believes that portraying a "Ben 10" (a younger man dating an older woman) has helped highlight society's double standards regarding age in relationships. While men dating younger women is often accepted without question, the reverse frequently faces scrutiny and judgment. Drum magazine recently caught up with the talented young actor to learn more about his journey into acting and the significant break that "Generations: The Legacy" represents in his career. The controversial storyline has not only showcased his acting abilities but also sparked important conversations about relationship dynamics in South African society. His charisma extends far beyond the small screen, this we find out when we catch up with him. He's on set, but he decides to squeeze us in, and just like his captivating character, he's determined to let us in on the magic that is his character. Sicelo tells Drum that his role has exposed the societal double standards that exist, where one gender is more welcome to date an older partner while the other partner is prohibited. Read more | Connie Ferguson celebrates Shona's heavenly 51st birthday 'Playing a Ben 10 has really exposed the double standards within society where a young male dating an older woman is frowned upon, but a male dating a younger woman is acceptable. It goes back to the expectation that a male is bigger than a female in a relationship, that males are the head in a relationship, instead of equals,' he says. 'The reality is that a female has as much to contribute in a relationship as the male does.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by A C T O R S P A C E S (@actorspaces) His current role is entertainment breakthrough, although he's not new to the acting scene, as he has acted in The Ferguson Films' Unmarried season three, and in a Netflix series. Growing up, he recalls how much he enjoyed circus performances. 'As a kid, I remember that whenever circus tents came to my town I would always attend performances whenever I could. I then started enjoying watching movies on TV, that small box made me feel some type of emotion. I enjoyed the laughter the actors' brought to my household. The character of Samkelo is my biggest break,' he explains. Read more | Gqeberha: The Empire star Kay Bikitsha mourns the loss of her mother In his pursuit of a career in showbiz, Sicelo obtained an undergraduate degree from Rhodes University and he subsequently went on to obtain a post graduate degree honours in theater and performance. He maintains that he shares some character traits with Samkelo. 'We are both very charismatic, and I'm also very resilient, in what I want to pursue. Playing the character has been awesome and so has the response from the viewers, who enjoy the character's personality and drive. Just like Sam, I also believe that I can achieve anything I set my mind to,' he concludes.
News24
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Gqeberha: The Empire star Kay Bikitsha mourns the loss of her mother
Nothing could ever prepare you for losing a loved one. But losing a parent leaves an unfillable void, a pain that transcends titles and achievements. Read more | #JusticeForCwecwe: A mother's unrelenting quest Kamvelihle 'Kay' Bikitsha (25) is a talented South African actress born in Mthatha who grew up in KuGatyana in Willowvale, Eastern Cape. Kay made her television acting debut in the Mzansi Magic drama series 'Umbuso' in 2022, playing the role of 2 Sly. She then landed a recurring role in 'The Queen' as Siyamthanda and later got her breakthrough in 'Gqeberha: The Empire' portraying the leading role of Nozuko Mxenge one of three wives in a polygamous union to a polygamist, Luzuko Mxenge. Read more | Veteran Isidingo actor, Don Mlangeni dies at 65 Kay captivated audiences and critics alike with her role as Nozuko, garnering a lot of following on all her social media platforms, and getting praises with many who have expressed their admiration for her acting skills which has solidified her status as a new talented artist in the South African entertainment space. Recently life has thrown her a heavy storm as she lost her mother. Kay shared on all her social media platforms a heartfelt post on her mother's passing which was met with warmth and love as condolences poured in from fans and industry artists alike. Read more | 'I'm a mess right now' – Lady Du inconsolable after her father's passing "UYehova wabe umbuyisela kuye umkhonzi wakhe. As I bid my queen farewell; I'd like to thank God for this perfect placement in my life. Mama, ndiya kuzembatha iimfundiso zakho. I thought we had more time. Kodwa enkosi mama ngayo yonke into obuyiyo ebomini bam. Thank you for pouring into me and shaping me into the young woman I am today. Uyohlala uhleli ngaphakathi kwam. Mkhulu umsebenzi owenzileyo. Lala kakuhle Chizi," she posted. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kamvelihle Bikitsha (@kaybikitsha_) today for your VIP pass to South Africa's entertainment world.
