Dumisani Dlamini is proud to be the father of global superstar Doja Cat and believes it runs through his bloodline.
“I’m so proud of her for what she has achieved. I’m not surprised, because it’s in the blood. In fact, all my kids are very talented. I think South Africa as a whole should be proud of such great talent coming from us,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini is father to Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, known professionally as Doja Cat, a successful American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer who was born and raised in Los Angeles. Her mother is artist Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer, who was married to Dlamini during his stay in the US in the 1990s.
Dlamini stars in the new Showmax film Mkhonto as Chief Siviko ka Vaka the ruler of the fictional, mystical kingdom of Eziqwaqweni.
He has had a long and successful career and says he took this role because he was interested in it from the word go.
“The story is so deep and spiritual and I liked how it’s attached to Zulu history. I want people to remember that indlovu iyabulawa intuthwane (an elephant can be killed by an ant).”
Dlamini will play an antagonist, and says he can’t play a priest and still be honest.
“I can play a priest in a church and steal money. I can play a role where I am a sweet person, but playing a villain is where my strength lies. This is where I believe I nail it the most.”
After three decades in the industry, he said he keeps each character unique through prayer and meditation.
“I ask myself to step out so that the character can take over. I don’t act; I simply become honest with the role. There are so many things that happen spiritually when I step on the scene, I am always surprised by where I take these roles.
The thespian says after 30 years in the industry he still would love it if a producer offers him a lead role that sees the story through until the end.
“Most times I get a role, and when viewers are still enjoying my part, it then gets cut short based on the storyline or how by busy I am. If I could get a role that I will portray until the end, I believe prime-time television will never be the same,” he said.
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