“This is not a typical role, it’s a journey, it’s not fiction. This is Mandoza’s story that I had to live because he was a person.”
These are the words of Wiseman Mncube, who portrays the role of the most loved artist, Mduduzi “Mandoza” Tshabalala, in the much-anticipated biopic Nkalakatha: The Life of Mandoza.
“He lived with people, for people. It is a blessing [for me to portray the role],” said Mncube, who also stars as Zwide in Shaka iLembe.
Speaking to Sunday World this week, Mncube said for him to fully immerse himself in playing the Nkalakatha hitmaker in the biopic, he prayed in preparation.
“I prayed a lot and I asked Mpho [Mandoza’s wife] to take me to his grave for her to introduce us to him and ask for blessings in order for me to live his life in the story.
“I stayed in Zola for two days to study the life in kasi [township] and learn the language.
“This was important for me because I did not want to portray a Mandoza from some township in Durban, but the real Mandoza whom everyone knew and loved,” he said.
Mncube said he had to deal with pressure prior and during filming, however, he was ready to take on the big challenge.
“Mandoza is an icon, he was big and everyone loved him. I am used to pressure, everyone knows that I had to get into an important role on The Wife, and many other roles that I have played before.
“The story is a lesson on its own, and I personalised it because Mandoza’s life picked up quickly and he achieved a lot of things which I am seeing in my career.
“Playing him taught me to be humble, take care of my background and family, and never forget the reason I started,” he shared.
Mandoza’s widow Mpho Tshabalala said losing the kwaito star was like losing a best friend.
“South Africans knew Mandoza, I knew Mduduzi, who is my children’s father, my friend and partner in everything,” she said.
“However, with the production of this show, I have gained a family. I am grateful to every cast member that made this show a success and a good story to tell.”
The biopic will premiere on BET on August 16 at 9pm.
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