Cape Town - Being the little brother of a big celebrity like Nomzamo Mbatha must come with a lot of pressure, but Isithembiso actor Zamani Mbatha says instead of feeling threatened he looks up to his sister.
With no background in acting and never having gone to acting school, the teenager Zamani says acting is in his blood and during his short time in the industry he’s received training by watching other people’s actions.
Here are some of the lessons the 19-year-old who plays Zamani on Isithembiso has learnt.
What has playing Zamani taught you about yourself?
Having to play the character has taught me that not even the sky is the limit. I believe success is coming my way and I should cross all boundaries and take risks.
Do you have anything in common with your character?
We have a few similarities; he’s street-smart, ambitious, driven, loving, more of a humanitarian. We have a lot in common.
What other roles would you like to play?
I would definitely love to play a romantic and loving kind of guy; old-fashioned and everything, but sinister and mean. I would also love to play a joker – I believe I can take on any role and deliver.
What have you learnt most about the entertainment industry?
I’ve been taught to stay humble at all times, to adapt and give solutions – not problems. I’m also learning not to let fame and attention cloud my vision.
However, I always tell myself nothing is impossible, and one day I will get an Oscar and Emmy but I will start locally with a Safta, and that my name will be alongside greats like Viola Davis and Denzel Washington not because of my sister but because I would’ve worked hard for it.
