It’s not every day that a character is able to win over the love of viewers from the very first episode, yet Tumelo from Youngins has been able to do just that.
Drum chats to rising star Lebohang Lephatsoana (23), the man behind the flamboyant, finger-on-the-pulse character, Tumelo.
As soon as the interview starts, it's clear that Tumelo and Lebohang are not the same person. "Lebo is much calmer than Tumelo," he chuckles.
Born in Sebokeng, Lebohang is the youngest of two children and he discovered his acting abilities when he starred in a primary school play about saving the environment.
“In grade 7, our English teacher told us to put together a play about water and sanitation. I played the mayor, and I ended up winning an award for how I portrayed that character.”
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Lebohang has not looked back since. He went on to study at the Market Theatre Laboratory.
“At school we were not encouraged to go for auditions while still studying. But just before graduation my agent told me about the role, and I decided to take the risk.
“I auditioned for Tumelo, and I got a call back and then they went quiet. I thought I did not get it, but about three weeks later I got a call that I had gotten the part. This is my first TV gig and I am so grateful for the reception.
“I always been on stage, and TV is different, so I am really excited to see how people relate to Tumelo going forward.”
On the show, Lebohang’s character is in a situationship with Sefako (played by Tabile Tau). Sefako is his sneaky link, and Tumelo tries to convince him to come out, but Sefako is considered a hardcore soccer player so that is not an option for him.
Lebohang says he has previously found himself in Tumelo’s position.
“Some people do not want to come out. And while in such relationships with after nines, you stay in the hope that things will be fine and he will eventually come out. But the truth is, some people are just scared of the unknown or the rejection from loved ones. In those relationships, you just need to love yourself enough to leave that toxicity.
“When I look at Tumelo I can relate to his style because there was a time when I was also that flamboyant. Another thing is that when I was in high school like Tumelo, I had not come out to my family.
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“Thankfully, unlike him I did not have struggles with acceptance. I made a video for my parents one New Year’s Eve while they were away. When they came back, they asked if I thought I would get away with just telling them on a video. Then they said they been knew, so there was no problem, they love me as I am.”
Lebohang says he would like to play different characters in the future because he does not want to be typecast.
“I am versatile. I do not want to be typecast as a representative of the LGBTQI community all the time. I have played a straight character on stage before. I’d like to do it on TV too.
As Youngins continues, Lebohang says viewers can expect more from Tumelo.
“He will continue giving. Viewers can expect more style and flamboyancy. He stays giving people the vibe,” he says.
