Radio DJ Putco Mafani will be back on the box today when he stars in the upcoming TV drama Ukhakhayi.
The Umhlobo Wenene FM presenter will play King Kumkani Mntonzima, a respected leader of the AmaMpondo clan.
The series is based on the royal AmaBhaca tribe, led by Chief Zwelakhe, who is now deceased.
Mafani, 51, will act alongside talented stars such as award-winning actor Mncedisi Shabangu (Jezembovu), Noxolo Maqashalala (Nopasika), Sthembiso “SK” Khoza (Madoda) and Tumie Ngumla (Zamampondo).
The drama explores the quest for power by a ruthless and cunning paramount chief, which leaves the family divided into two camps.
Mafani is no stranger to acting as he had a role on the original SABC1 Generations show a few years ago.
On his latest stint in acting, he said: “I was invited to audition and the directors and producers were excited with my material. Day-one of shooting felt really great.”
Mafani said he was focussed on radio and had not made active efforts to get back into acting but the Ukhakhayi storyline was too appealing to pass up.
“Stories that speak to and of our cultures are important and enlightening. Shows like this give other people access and knowledge to other cultures; Ukhakhayi mirrors who we are, it explores our language and customs, which makes it very exciting for me.”
Mafani said that even though he had auditioned for another role, he still enjoyed playing Mntonzima.
“Mntonzima is such a respected and wise king, when he speaks everyone listens and he has a commanding demeanour in general.
“I am really enjoying playing him especially because I had to dig deep to bring that character to life,” he said.
Mafani said they were still shooting future episodes but assured his radio fans that he would still be available for the breakfast show.
“Shooting is done in Durban but we are lucky to have access to our radio studios all over the country, so I will do radio in the morning and shoot afterwards.
“I thank God for this opportunity and I think this role will open more opportunities for me,” he said.
The series premieres today at 9.05pm on e.tv. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Popular radio DJ takes on a royal role in drama series
The Umhlobo Wenene FM presenter will play King Kumkani Mntonzima, a respected leader of the AmaMpondo clan.
The series is based on the royal AmaBhaca tribe, led by Chief Zwelakhe, who is now deceased.
Mafani, 51, will act alongside talented stars such as award-winning actor Mncedisi Shabangu (Jezembovu), Noxolo Maqashalala (Nopasika), Sthembiso “SK” Khoza (Madoda) and Tumie Ngumla (Zamampondo).
The drama explores the quest for power by a ruthless and cunning paramount chief, which leaves the family divided into two camps.
Mafani is no stranger to acting as he had a role on the original SABC1 Generations show a few years ago.
On his latest stint in acting, he said: “I was invited to audition and the directors and producers were excited with my material. Day-one of shooting felt really great.”
Mafani said he was focussed on radio and had not made active efforts to get back into acting but the Ukhakhayi storyline was too appealing to pass up.
“Stories that speak to and of our cultures are important and enlightening. Shows like this give other people access and knowledge to other cultures; Ukhakhayi mirrors who we are, it explores our language and customs, which makes it very exciting for me.”
Mafani said that even though he had auditioned for another role, he still enjoyed playing Mntonzima.
“Mntonzima is such a respected and wise king, when he speaks everyone listens and he has a commanding demeanour in general.
“I am really enjoying playing him especially because I had to dig deep to bring that character to life,” he said.
Mafani said they were still shooting future episodes but assured his radio fans that he would still be available for the breakfast show.
“Shooting is done in Durban but we are lucky to have access to our radio studios all over the country, so I will do radio in the morning and shoot afterwards.
“I thank God for this opportunity and I think this role will open more opportunities for me,” he said.
The series premieres today at 9.05pm on e.tv. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos