Latest news with #telenovela
News24
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
‘Maybe it'll sink in after the funeral' – Tshepo Seagiso on bidding ‘Cobrizi' farewell
When he received the news, he was clouded with confusion and was flooded with tons of questions. Over a week later, he still has those questions unanswered. To him, Presley Chwenyegae was one of the realest people he's ever worked with in the acting industry. Tshepo 'Bugzito' Seagiso, who played Charlie on The River, remembers the day of Presley's passing, vividly. 'On the day of his passing, I hadn't checked my phone or any social media or anything like that. So that was just a point where I saw that my phone was getting unusual traffic of missed calls. And when I opened my WhatsApp, I realised that people are sending me condolences, and I was wondering 'condolences for what?'. Then that's when I went on social media and saw the news, called up a couple of guys, and everyone confirmed that it's true. Read more | 'That man raised me' – The River cast breaks down at Presley's memorial 'It's been a very sad, confusing week for me, and I think for many other people within the industry, because Presley was a giant; he was amazing. For me, Presley is one of the most amazing actors to ever work in this country. So, I'm glad and honoured to have worked with him. And I'm still shocked. I'm still confused. I still don't know what to think. And me being here now is what is confirming the fact that we really did lose an icon,' he adds. When Tshepo first joined the Refilwe township squad on the telenovela, they had already formed a bond amongst themselves. For some time, he struggled to find his feet and place, but Presley, alongside Thapelo Sebogodi, who played Makabaza, gave him the warmest welcome he'll never forget. With the welcome came the pressure of pulling his acting socks up due to how great his surroundings were. Fortunately, he was already familiar with Presley's work and knew which standards to aspire to. 'It wasn't my first time meeting him when we worked together, because I had seen him on stage whenever I came to watch some plays here at the theatre. I hadn't gotten used to him, though. So, when I finally got on The River, I got to get used to him. I knew him, he knew me, but we never really got to hang out before that. Working with him was very surreal. And that's why I'll always say, I learned a lot, directly and indirectly.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tshepo Bugzito Seagiso (@bugzito012) Speaking to Drum on the sidelines of the memorial service, which was held at the South African State Theatre, where he used to come watch him play regularly, he takes us back to his first day on The River set. 'My first day on set, when I came in, the first person to welcome me was a friend of ours called Thapelo, who was playing Khabzela. I remember how crazy he went when he saw me. And then when Presley came, he was also happy to see me, and I remember feeling the pressure with the kind of welcome that these people were giving me. I remember telling myself, 'I need to show up'.' Tshepo also reminisces on one of the scenes they shot together that required them to shoot more than five takes because everyone was just struggling to keep a straight face through his jokes. 'That is the effect Presley had on us most of the time. He would be so dead serious and so authentic within that moment, but he would throw you off. I'm really going to miss him, and I don't know if I believe it already. Maybe Saturday, after everything, it will sink in.' Read more | 'He was very humble' - Presley Chweneyagae celebrated for his humility Final goodbyes will be bid this morning at the Akasia community hall in Pretoria, and his final resting place will be at Zandfontein cemetery. If he had the chance to have one last conversation with the legendary Oscar-award-winning actor, he says he'd sing his praises one more time and let him know how much he was appreciated. 'I would want him to know how much I respect and revere his work, how much of an inspiration he's been to me, how much me getting to know him has helped me grow, even in my craft, and also how much I appreciated him as a human being, because I feel like he is one of the most genuine souls I've ever met. There was even a time when I once said to him, I think that sometimes you are just too kind. You are too good.'
News24
5 days ago
- Business
- News24
Genesis cast members let the media and fans into their set world
Supplied Genesis is produced by Singavision Productions, and it airs on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161). Cast members of the show include veteran actors such as Buyile Mdladla, Baby Cele, KB Motsilanyane and Sibongile Nojila. MultiChoice recently invited the media and some fans to the show's set. It is always interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes during the making of our favourite television shows. Recently, we visited the world of the Gigabas, and the Sedibengs on their Genesis set in Gauteng. The telenovela that took over from My Brother's Keeper from April is all about the world of gospel music. It follows Felicia Thabethe (played by Baby Cele) who built an empire, Genesis Records, with her late husband Muzi Thabethe. She later married Gabriel Gigaba (played by Buyile Mdladla) who joined the family business. The couple is faced with secrets and betrayals, including Gabriel's hidden child with the record label's superstar, Mmarona (played by Gaosi Raditholo). The truth only came out after the child's death while Felicia's son, Bonko (portrayed by Nay Maps Maphalala) was in preparation to marry Mmarona. Gabriel also has an affair with one of the record label's board members. Through all the betrayal, Felicia tries to keep the secrets to protect the family empire, while Gabriel tries to push her out of the business. Within all the mess, Wendy Sedibeng (Keabetswe Motsilanyane) tries by all means to ensure that her daughter, Mmarona, marries into the Gigaba family so that she would be her ticket out of poverty. The media and ten DStv Rewards winners had an early call time as we joined the cast and crew of the show. We were taken on a tour of the gigantic house that is used for the Gigabas, and just a few metres away from it was the house used for the Sedibengs. Speaking to City Press during the tour, former 7de Laan actress Motsilanyane said she had not thought she would be able to pull off the toxic mother character; she was grateful to the producers and other crew members for the support. She said that, when she saw the make-up, wigs and clothes Wendy would wear, she fell in love with her. @citypressza The Mzansi Magic and DStv Rewards teams invited us to witness the hard work that goes into the making of Genesis 😁 We caught all the behind the scenes action, and loved every minute of being on set with the cast and crew. Watch the full video on our YouTube channel: City Press #genesismzansi #mzansimagic #dstvrewards #genesismzansimagic ♬ EL NOPAL - Goliath Flores 'I feel like I've been lucky, because if they had allowed me to chicken out of it, I would have,' she said. The songstress said, deep into the character, she found her fun, but sometimes she would cry on her way home because of the character's stunts. The reception from viewers had been humbling, because Wendy was relatable. Wendy has two daughters, but she cannot stand the eldest because she was unemployed. The number one rule about any character you play is that you have to be an advocate for them. Even though, as a person, you don't share the same principles, once you get into character, you have to agree with this person 100%. I allow myself to just get into that space. It takes a lot of preparation and work. KB Motsilanyane It was interesting to see the results of the thoughts and hard work the wardrobe and make-up departments put into bringing each character to life. We were taken through mood boards for each character and how the colours of the clothes must represent the status and emotions the person is going through in a particular episode. Seeing one scene being done over and over again to get the perfect one made us understand why our actors are fighting tooth and bail for the Performers' Protection Amendment Bill as well as the Copyright Amendment Bill. They really have to get those royalities, because the dedication and passion are a beauty to witness. Maphalala said moving from Umkhokha: The Curse and having to strip down Mkhululi to make way for Bonko had not been too hard because he could relate to both the characters, and it was exciting for him. The only difference was the types of churches. Supplied Supplied One of the executive producers of the show, Sinini Nyathi-Mati, who worked with veteran producer Duma Ndlovu on almost all his shows, said now that she was wearing the boss hat, she understood why Duma would often say he had hardly slept. Nyathi-Mati has served other executive producers for 20 years in the industry. She said, although one could never be fully ready for the position, it was nice to experience it. She told City Press that she had learnt to pay her dues. 'We started developing Genesis a year ago because the development was intense. We had to go all out with the research and speak to gospel artists, fallen heroes of the gospel industry and successful people. That we are now here as executive producers is a humbling experience. We are improving the story every day, so we hope people will love the show,' she said. Kagiso Mogale, who met Nyathi-Mati on Stained Glass TV's eHostela, also wrote some of Ndlovu's shows, including Umkhokha: The Curse and My Brother's Keeper, is now the executive producer and head writer of Genesis. Some of the show's cast members include Kealeboga Masango, Sibongile Nojila, Josias Moleele, Kaabo-Ya-One Mokhine and Craig Nobela, to name but a few. Produced by Singavision Productions, Genesis airs on Monday to Friday on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) at 7.30pm.
CBS News
16-05-2025
- CBS News
Cuban telenovela star Pedro Moreno breaks silence on fight with wife after Miami-Dade jail release
Pedro Moreno, a Cuban actor known for his telenovela roles, was released from a Miami-Dade jail Thursday overnight after a judge found no probable cause for the strongarm robbery charge he was arrested on, stemming from a domestic dispute with his wife. Moreno, 44, was taken into custody late Wednesday at the couple's home in the 3800 block of SW 150th Ct. in Miami-Dade. He had been accused of forcibly taking his wife's cellphone during an argument, prompting the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office to charge him with strongarm robbery, a second-degree felony. But during a bond hearing Thursday, a judge instead found probable cause for a misdemeanor battery charge and set bond at $1,000. Moreno was ordered to pay 10% of that amount and will be supervised through pretrial services. Miami-Dade judge allows contact for parenting purposes The judge also issued a modified stay-away order, allowing Moreno to attend his children's activities despite restrictions on contact with his wife. His wife appeared virtually during the hearing and testified that the couple, married for 17 years and currently undergoing an uncontested divorce, had joint custody of their three children, ages 11, 17, and 21. She described the incident as a one-time occurrence, saying Moreno had never been violent with her before and had been a good husband and father. She also stated she would like the case to be dismissed. Incident involved cellphone struggle The arrest report states the argument began when Moreno was using his wife's phone and allegedly "snooping" through it, which sparked a dispute over possible infidelities. When his wife demanded her phone back, a struggle ensued, and Moreno allegedly took the phone, valued at approximately $250, from her hands. The couple's oldest daughter witnessed the incident and allowed her mother to use her phone to call police. The report notes no injuries were reported, and Moreno returned the phone before officers arrived. After being read his Miranda rights, he gave what the sheriff's office called a "self-serving statement." Pedro Moreno speaks out after Miami-Dade jail release Speaking to reporters as he left jail, Moreno asked for the media to refer to the official affidavit and to avoid speculation. "Whatever my wife said is the truth. Read the affidavit — don't add a word, don't take a word out," he said in Spanish early Friday. "The situation between my wife and me, and our conversations, show that we are a real couple — like many couples — who have arguments, happy times, and moments of crisis." "She made decisions that had consequences. Now I'm making decisions that will also have consequences for the future of our relationship. What happens from now on will be up to the two of us, with the affection we still have for each other — and for the good of our kids," the actor added. Moreno has appeared in popular telenovelas including El Rostro de Analía, Una familia con suerte and Me declaro culpable.
CBS News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Actor Pedro Moreno faces charges in Miami-Dade after "forcibly taking" wife's phone, MDSO says
A Cuban actor best known for his telenovela roles faces strongarm robbery charges after forcibly taking his wife's cellphone during a domestic dispute at their Miami-Dade home, the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office said. Pedro Moreno, 44, who starred in "El Rostro de Analía", "Una familia con suerte" and "Me declaro culpable" was arrested late Wednesday at the couple's home in the 3800 block of SW 150th Ct., according to an arrest report. Moreno and his wife, married for 17 years with three children, are in the midst of a divorce. The incident occurred shortly before 11:30 p.m. when the couple began arguing about marital issues, the sheriff's office said. Verbal altercation leads to arrest Moreno was using his wife's cellphone and began "snooping through it," prompting a verbal altercation over possible infidelities, according to the report. When Moreno's wife demanded her phone back, he refused and a struggle ensued, the sheriff's office said. Moreno forcibly took the phone, valued at approximately $250, from her hands, the report stated. The couple's oldest daughter witnessed the incident and provided her phone for her mother to call the police, according to the report. Moreno returned the cellphone before officers arrived, the sheriff's office said. No injuries were reported, the report noted. After being read his Miranda rights, Moreno provided a "self-serving statement," the sheriff's office said. Moreno faces a second-degree felony charge of strongarm robbery, according to the arrest report.
News24
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Inside KB Motsilanyane's transformative role in the telenovela Genesis
Keabetswe 'KB' Motsilanyane is back to bring all the drama. The renowned actor, singer and dancer brings to life the feisty momager Wendy Sedibeng on Mzansi Magic's latest telenovela Genesis, a captivating story that shows that the high-stakes world of the gospel music industry isn't exempt from shocking betrayals and shady practices. KB acts alongside fellow industry veterans like Baby Cele and Buyile Mdladla with Wendy's role, showcasing a complex character constantly in survival mode while managing her gospel star daughter Mmarona (played by Gaosi Raditholo). A character in survival mode TRUELOVE sat down with the 7de Laan actor as she describes Wendy's character. 'Wendy, I think is somebody who's broken and they heal in that brokenness. You know if you get an injury, and then instead of healing the injury, you just stay with the injury, but it heals like that. So, I think emotionally she is just numb and she's that mom who wants to do the best for her daughters. 'She wants a good life - of course she wants a good life. She feels like she's had it too hard and it's about time that it pays off. So, she's that mom who's pushing her daughters, trying to live vicariously through them and who feels that the world owes her something.' Off the cuff What's your colour for the season? Burgundy. Sneakers or heels? Heels. What's your favourite activity to do with the family? Quality time. I like making wraps, but I leave all the ingredients all over the counter so everybody's forced to come and stand there and make their own, their own wrap. What shows are you watching right now? You know Untold? It's just like background stories on big stars who went through certain experiences. So, trying to just understand the journeys that everybody else goes through, things that we don't hear a lot about. When acting and music collide As not only a renowned actor ever since shooting to stardom with her role as KayBee on Backstage, KB's journey in music has seen her light South Africa up with memorable hits like Rock Lefatshe and O a Lla for the past 20 years. She now gets to marry her musical and acting gifts together for her role in Genesis. On getting this opportunity, KB tells us that 'I'll honestly say it's a privilege. I've been in this industry for quite a while. Um, I was telling someone just now that El Musica is now 20 years old. So, I'm very cognizant of the fact that a lot of people I started with may not be here, they may not be doing what I'm doing so genuinely, gratitude.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by KB Motsilanyane (@mamosadikb) KB admits that this is her first opportunity to dive into such a complex and defensive character like Wendy, 'I'm so excited about Genesis, I'm excited about Wendy. I have never played a role like this ever. So just to watch is such an out of body experience because I watch and I'm thinking, 'who is this!' So, absolutely, and also just seeing how everybody else's character falls into place in terms of the story,' she says.
