HE MAY be the son of a music legend but Phila Madlingozi is adamant he is going to make it big in the industry without using his father’s name.
The 23-year-old singer, songwriter and actor, son of afro-pop king Ringo Madlingozi, recently landed a leading role on SABC1’s Intersexions alongside Peddie-born actress Khanya Mkangisa.
Intersexions, produced by TV and film director Rolie Nikiwe, from King William’s Town, examines issues related to love, sex and relationships and the heartbreaking consequences they can have.
It is an educational drama series that shows how people’s lives crisscross in ways in which most of them are not even aware.
Phila plays handsome Zolile, a natural athlete, who is popular at school among both the boys and girls but can be a bit arrogant.
Phila auditioned for the part last year in Johannesburg. He said he did not expect to get the part. “Intersexions was my first TV role. I had been auditioning for some time before I landed the role and I was surprised when I was called back,” he said. The series plays every Tuesday night on SABC1.
Though his father has worked alongside many well-known artists, Phila said he did not work with his father in his projects.
“I have my father’s support in everything I do but I prefer to do things my way. I don’t want to be dependent on my father and I feel I have more creativity when I do things on my own and this teaches me how to be responsible,” he said.
“My dad has done so much in the music industry and I can’t even think how people will judge my music considering the work he has done as an artist,” Phila said.
He said this year he would officially introduce his music to people and also do other acting projects.
“ I just want to be me,” he said.
Phila said he was currently recording a live show of all the songs he has made in the past five years.
He was born in Johannesburg but moved to Port Elizabeth to stay with his grandmother. In 2004, he moved back to Johannesburg to finish school. It was in high school he realised he loved acting. He studied film and TV production at City Varsity’s Newtown campus after high school. —
Legend’s son breaks his own ground
The 23-year-old singer, songwriter and actor, son of afro-pop king Ringo Madlingozi, recently landed a leading role on SABC1’s Intersexions alongside Peddie-born actress Khanya Mkangisa.
Intersexions, produced by TV and film director Rolie Nikiwe, from King William’s Town, examines issues related to love, sex and relationships and the heartbreaking consequences they can have.
It is an educational drama series that shows how people’s lives crisscross in ways in which most of them are not even aware.
Phila plays handsome Zolile, a natural athlete, who is popular at school among both the boys and girls but can be a bit arrogant.
Phila auditioned for the part last year in Johannesburg. He said he did not expect to get the part. “Intersexions was my first TV role. I had been auditioning for some time before I landed the role and I was surprised when I was called back,” he said. The series plays every Tuesday night on SABC1.
Though his father has worked alongside many well-known artists, Phila said he did not work with his father in his projects.
“I have my father’s support in everything I do but I prefer to do things my way. I don’t want to be dependent on my father and I feel I have more creativity when I do things on my own and this teaches me how to be responsible,” he said.
“My dad has done so much in the music industry and I can’t even think how people will judge my music considering the work he has done as an artist,” Phila said.
He said this year he would officially introduce his music to people and also do other acting projects.
“ I just want to be me,” he said.
Phila said he was currently recording a live show of all the songs he has made in the past five years.
He was born in Johannesburg but moved to Port Elizabeth to stay with his grandmother. In 2004, he moved back to Johannesburg to finish school. It was in high school he realised he loved acting. He studied film and TV production at City Varsity’s Newtown campus after high school. —
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