Originally from the Eastern Cape, Masasa Mbangeni’s character in Scandal is that one we all love to hate.
Having played the role of Thembeka for five years, Mbangeni performs with such relish we just had to find out about the woman behind the role.
What was your first role and how was the experience?
A:My first role outside of university is in Scandal and it’s been a magical ride.
Can you briefly describe growing up in Port Elizabeth.
A:I am number four of five children of Vuyani and Nosizakele Mabangeni. Coming from a big family where I had to entertain myself often was the fertile ground for my imagination to grow. So my childhood was spent immersed in play, books and music.
You appear on stage and television and you direct. Do you have a preferred medium and why?
A:Not at all. Any opportunity to perform is always an honour and I cherish every platform afforded to me.
Do you think that there is enough work for actors in this country?
A:Not at all. Too many trained actors are overlooked for celebrities. I wish the arts councils would come back. That way actors out of varsity would be able to make a living and learn without the pressures of such a fickle industry.
Last year you were acknowledged by the South African Film and Television Awards and the Royal Soapie Awards as the best actress in a soapie. As queen of the soapies, where would you like to go from here?
A:The awards were an affirmation to me that I am on the path God willed for me. So I can only hope to continue on that path with the sense of joy and wonder that has always been in my heart since I was eight.
What other projects are on the go/ in the pipeline?
A:I’m currently trying my hand at producing so, hopefully, very soon, I will be able to add producer to my name.
What do you believe are the most essential attributes required of an actor to succeed in the industry?
A:Resilience, because the industry is tough. And kindness because the industry has enough people who are mean and obnoxious.
Do you come from a theatrical family?
A:Not at all. My mother is a nurse and my father worked at the bank. My siblings all work in various industries but my younger brother, Loyiso Mbangeni, has an arts collective called “Savidarkie” which aims to unify artists in the metro. He’s a phenomenal writer and I am a big fan of his work!
When did you realise you could make a living from acting?
A:I’m still coming to that realisation! Hahaha. Actors are not protected by labour law for various reasons and as such they are vulnerable to all kinds of exploitation – female black actors even more so. So I’d advise people not to go into this industry to be rich, there’s only a handful who don’t live hand to mouth.
How do you relax?
A:Lots and lots of yoga. I practise Bikram yoga and I find it helps me deal with the intensity of life. I meditate and I pray. And I love spending time in nature. — Julia Butcher
Rooted in love: Masasa relishes her acting
Having played the role of Thembeka for five years, Mbangeni performs with such relish we just had to find out about the woman behind the role.
What was your first role and how was the experience?
A:My first role outside of university is in Scandal and it’s been a magical ride.
Can you briefly describe growing up in Port Elizabeth.
A:I am number four of five children of Vuyani and Nosizakele Mabangeni. Coming from a big family where I had to entertain myself often was the fertile ground for my imagination to grow. So my childhood was spent immersed in play, books and music.
You appear on stage and television and you direct. Do you have a preferred medium and why?
A:Not at all. Any opportunity to perform is always an honour and I cherish every platform afforded to me.
Do you think that there is enough work for actors in this country?
A:Not at all. Too many trained actors are overlooked for celebrities. I wish the arts councils would come back. That way actors out of varsity would be able to make a living and learn without the pressures of such a fickle industry.
Last year you were acknowledged by the South African Film and Television Awards and the Royal Soapie Awards as the best actress in a soapie. As queen of the soapies, where would you like to go from here?
A:The awards were an affirmation to me that I am on the path God willed for me. So I can only hope to continue on that path with the sense of joy and wonder that has always been in my heart since I was eight.
What other projects are on the go/ in the pipeline?
A:I’m currently trying my hand at producing so, hopefully, very soon, I will be able to add producer to my name.
What do you believe are the most essential attributes required of an actor to succeed in the industry?
A:Resilience, because the industry is tough. And kindness because the industry has enough people who are mean and obnoxious.
Do you come from a theatrical family?
A:Not at all. My mother is a nurse and my father worked at the bank. My siblings all work in various industries but my younger brother, Loyiso Mbangeni, has an arts collective called “Savidarkie” which aims to unify artists in the metro. He’s a phenomenal writer and I am a big fan of his work!
When did you realise you could make a living from acting?
A:I’m still coming to that realisation! Hahaha. Actors are not protected by labour law for various reasons and as such they are vulnerable to all kinds of exploitation – female black actors even more so. So I’d advise people not to go into this industry to be rich, there’s only a handful who don’t live hand to mouth.
How do you relax?
A:Lots and lots of yoga. I practise Bikram yoga and I find it helps me deal with the intensity of life. I meditate and I pray. And I love spending time in nature. — Julia Butcher
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