Time of my life

I’m sure we all know that there’s a story behind every icon. But until the said icon is the late superstar Mandoza, real name Mduduzi Tshabalala, then it is not just a story, but an era! What a man! What a life!

The gen Z can give us a room, I don’t expect them to understand this one.

You know Shwa is a liker of all things fun and nice, right?


So, on Tuesday yours truly attended the private screening of the biopic of the late hitmaker (Nkalakatha – The Life of Mandoza) and I had the time of my life!

With all these posh events that I attended, this was themed Pantsula… and it was for me.

The screening was held at Artistry, a restaurant that’s supposedly owned by musician and cook J-Something. Does that place really belong to J? Because I know him, he is a man of class. That place is giving township community hall inside… disappointed for a restaurant that’s in the heart of Sandton.

Anyway, I was not there for that, so back to the screening.

Moi spotted a couple of familiar faces, especially the actors who are part of the cast.

Have y’all noticed how Wiseman Mncube has been bagging all these gigs? His ancestors are fighting for him, and we are here for it. He plays the role of Mandoza in the biopic and gives a stellar performance. Like literally going on stage to sing Nkalakatha like only Mandoza could do!


What was funny for Shwa, though, was noticing that he was wearing sneakers from The Wife at another show. Interesting.

Still on Wiseman, Shwa would really like to have a word with the casting directors because I don’t get what it is that they look at when choosing characters. Don’t get me wrong, Mncube is a good actor but with his deep Zulu from KwaZulu-Natal, how was he expected to nail the taal from Soweto? It’s a cringe fest, I’m telling you!

Guess who plays the role of Mandoza’s wife, Mpho? Drum roll… it’s Lorraine Moropa. Didn’t y’all say that girl was talent-less when she was in The Queen?

How does she keep bagging these roles then, haters?

Shwa’s freshly baptised sister in Christ, actress Candice Modiselle, was the MC of the show and she announced that she is one of the faces of BET Africa. Ain’t God just great? Especially because she’d started complaining about not booking a job in years. Congratulations moghel!

Moi danced until she dropped with veteran actress Gogo Lillian Dube. As old as she is, she still got the moves, I was pleasantly impressed!

Shwa takes so much pride in the talent that South Africa has, for instance Dawn Thandeka King… lets take a bow for her, please… (thank you)

I cannot, for the life of me, get over the talent that is that woman! Is there a role she’s not killing? Can’t think of one. On the show she is Mandoza’s mom, and she did justice to the role playing a mother for eKasi. What a queen!

Gossip girl saw one of the Real Housewives of Durban Annie Mthembu hard at work. Is she still a Mthembu? I also never thought housewives work, like get their hands dirty and grind. I’ve always thought they stay at home and paint their nails every day.

When last did you see Mzambiya? Let alone hear him sing. I was hoping to see him at the screening as he is one of the cast members, but nope, he didn’t pitch. Watch the show if you wanna see him, I guess.

Shwa has a serious issue with celebs who are always at every event, especially if the event/ show is not about them. Remember Brutus’ sons from The Queen? (Craig Nobela and Ntobeko Mathebula). Shwa saw them and wasn’t sure why they attended. Another one is Dumisani Mbebe. Goodness! At your big age, what are you still looking for in the streets? Stay at home, you’re old!

The show will premiere on BET on the Wednesday, August 16. Prepare yourself to giggle, be emotional and be inspired while watching the show.

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