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Cape Town - She’s travelled the world, filmed a production in Egypt, MCed the 2010 Fifa World Cup for MTN, and she’s stood in for GoodHope FM and Top Billing presenters, so is there anything that this talented beauty can’t do?
Having lived and worked in New York City, Nambitha Ben-Mazwi has taken the entertainment industry by storm since returning to South Africa.
“Lady Nam” as she’s otherwise known, is embarking on a new adventure soon as she will star in a new Mzansi crime drama called Doubt; which will be her first local debut.
The action-filled murder mystery is packed with the secrets of a super-rich family, and also sees Nambitha acting alongside the likes of Yonda Thomas, Khanya Mkangisa, Lucia Mthiyane and Siyabonga Radebe.
Here’s more from the talented actress about the TV show:
Tell us more about your character?
I play Unathi Mweli, an insecure and bitchy daughter whose older brother is arrested for the murder of a stripper. Her insecurities were an important thing to understand as far as playing that role in order for me to reach the audience and for the audience to see the human element. At the end of the day, you still want the audience to like you even when you are playing a negative character.
What was it like to be on a film set every day?
Ever since I played a minor role on Traffic! Season 2, being able to act in your vernacular, Xhosa, was such a liberating and release for me. I knew I had to do it again and pursue the local market. Needless to say, the filming experience surrounded by great local talent where Xhosa was owning set life, by the way, was a truly awesome authentic experience. Being able to tell stories of what the Mzansi audience relates to and is drawn by, is very important to me as an artist as it's when I truly feel I am able to reach people through my craft.
You acted alongside a whole bunch of local stars, what was that like?
I was excited to see a dear friend, Khanya Mkhangisa being in the leading cast. We particularly had loads of fun on set (while remaining professional of course) but meeting veterans like Glen Gabela and old favourites like Amanda Quwe was a great moment for me. I was lucky with this production as my cast members made the natural family chemistry that we needed for our storyline, an easy task to achieve. It's safe to say, there was never a dull moment on set, as most of us all seemed to have thought we were comedians in the making!
What lesson have you learned from playing this role?
Firstly, "Unathi" is quite something. She truly can be a piece of work, which might rub the audience the wrong way at times. But that was the challenge and exciting element for me. I took her arrogance and privilege, and broke it down to insecurity and success. Many wont realize that despite her 'IT GIRL' status, she grew up in humble beginnings, having being teased at school for not being well spoken, and I saw a girl who truly loves her family and that has overcome growing pains and bullying to find a new sense of confidence in herself and her family success. That being said--she taught me more about truly taking the time to understand people, and why they act the way they do. Traits such as arrogance, bitchiness, and privilege usually come from a deep place of fear, the need to be accepted and want to belong.
Why do you think people will be drawn to this drama on local TV?
It's a thrill! It's a crime drama full of plot twists and suspense. It's truly invigorating to do imagine watching it! It's also relevant to what the mzansi audience relates to and is constantly authentic throughout. The cast is spot on and the calibre of acting will surely keep you on the edge of your seat.
Doubt premieres on Mzansi Magic on Monday April 11 at 8pm, be sure to tune in!
