Every year, there are promising stars taking showbiz by storm. But these up-and-coming stars aren’t only talented, they have qualifications too. Here’s who to look out for next year and beyond.
BUSI MTSHALI
The 26-year-old actress plays Nkuli in Mzansi Magic’s Lockdown. Even though Nkuli is naïve, we love her passion. You might remember Busi her from SABC1’s Thandeka’s Diary. The Wits University BA honours in dramatic arts graduate has also been in Mzansi Magic’s drama series Mshika-shika, where she played Shirley Dlamini, and Arabang in Ring of Lies. Despite her age, she normally plays younger roles. Busi is one of the actresses whose star has been slowly on the rise and is finally getting the recognition she deserves.
“Each role gives me the opportunity to wake up and do what I love – I am living my dream.” She told Wits Vuvuzela her education has made a big difference in her career. “The education I have has given me access to techniques and skills that help me set myself apart.” Busi was also featured in the award-winning film Thina Sobabili.
MICHELLE MOSALAKAE
Mzansi’s latest on-screen darling, Michelle Mosalakae, plays Zakithi in Isibaya. Everyone has been talking about this beauty since she appeared in the hit Mzansi Magic show earlier this year. She plays a down-to-earth girl, which earned her a rising star nomination at this year’s DStv Mzansi Magic Viewers' Choice Awards. The Tshwane-born actress is not only beautiful and talented, she has brains too: the 23 year-old graduated with honours in drama and directing at Rhodes University.
She took to Instagram to share her achievements. “#TBT to my graduation last year and a little celebration to my honours graduation which is today! I am so thankful for this blessing Congratulations to all my fellow Rhodes University graduates!” the Daily Sun reported.
CANDICE MODISELLE
Candice’s biggest achievement so far is being on Generations: The Legacy and a presenter on YoTV. Candice is the youngest sister of model Refilwe Modiselle and actress Bontle Modiselle.
About following in her sisters’ footsteps, Candice had this to say. “Acting is my first love. I knew I had to be a performer,” she told TimesLive. The actress told DRUM she auditioned more than 18 times before getting her first break. “For five years I had auditioned for many platforms, I had heard ‘no’ more than anything else. At some point I thought of switching careers completely and venturing into business, until it dawned on me that God's delay is not a denial.”
There were storms of rejection but she feels there’s a silver lining. She’s also a junior lecturer at OnCue Interface School of Television and Radio and an aspiring arts activist and storyteller.
ZAMANI MBATHA
The actor, who is fairly new in the industry, plays Zamani in Mzansi Magic’s telenovela Isithembiso. This year, Zamani was nominated for a rising star award at the inaugural DStv Mzansi Magic Viewers' Choice Awards. Unlike the other rising stars, Zamani doesn’t have an acting qualification. He had just finished matric when he got a call from Bomb Productions to audition for the Isithembiso role.
After a long process he got his big break. He told Destiny that joining Isithembiso has been a fantastic experience. Working alongside veteran actors like Hamilton Dlamini, Mavuso Magabane and Chichi Letswalo has taught him to take his craft seriously. As a result, he’s playing to further his education.
“I have to. As much as acting is working for me now, I want to back up my natural talent with a qualification. That will ensure longevity. I’m taking 2017 as a gap year to find myself and my true passion,” he told Destiny.
Zamani is Isibaya actress Nomzamo Mbatha’s brother. He insists he didn’t use his sister’s fame to get into the industry.
So, who is your rising star?
