SABC 1’s Uzalo is still enjoying its reign as the most watched soap opera in the land. Audiences can’t seem to get enough of the interesting storylines from KwaMashu.
The current season of Uzalo is as gripping as ever and the production has gone about carefully adding a few names to the cast list to both compliment and bolster the talents they already have on the set.
Meet S’Phokuhle Luthuli, a young multi gifted man from South Coast in a small suburb called Melville. He is a decorated actor, musician and on-air personality. He is described by his coworkers at Uzalo as being a very cool, respectful, loving, funny and bubbly human being who enjoys spending time with those who love him for who he truly is.
He has taken on the role of Sibongiseni, Captain Mondli Mdlalose’s son. S’Phokuhle says Sibongiseni is a very good-hearted kid who is deeply driven by art, which is where his sanity lies.
“He is also a very shy young teenager, very quiet yet very observant, his ways of life are discerning, and he is protective of that which he loves. He tends to be emotional when you step on his toes because he never wants to harm anyone.”
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S’Phokuhle recalls the day the call came in that he had bagged a role on a show he had wanted to be a part of since he started watching.
“Fun fact: I was at my place, in Cornubia busy sweeping when I got the news and immediately, I dropped my phone, took a moment to process the big and exciting news before picking it up again,” he chuckles.
He is hungry to prove himself and doesn’t want to feel any form of comfort in his approach to this role.
“I believe that every single day is a learning curve and opportunity, so there would be a blockage in getting out of your comfort zone and reaching new heights. I have found my feet as the new kid on the block,” the 21-year-old explains.
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He has taken to fame with all the grace of someone who was biding their time in attaining it.
“I knew that acting is a journey I wanted to embark on back in 2014 when I was in grade seven at Jai Hind Primary, that’s where my love for acting emerges from. It unfolded in my arts and culture class,” he recounts warmly.
He believes that Uzalo has changed his whole life drastically and for the better at that.
“They gave me a lifetime opportunity which I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would attain one day as much as I love and studied acting, but they are the final touch and moving train that transported me from the bed of big dreams to the world of success and reality and I will forever be grateful, it still feels surreal.”
The casting directors were drawn to him not only for his skill as an actor but his talents as a broadcaster in the radio space.
“My plans as a radio presenter are to be the biggest on-air personality, right now I am part and parcel of the number regional commercial radio station at the age of 21 so why not be the biggest if I could do it as the youngest. I have two choices, it’s either I go big or pack my things and go home, contributing thoroughly to the growth and the success of my workplace and space is my number one mission.”
In turn, his regular appearances on the most watched show in the land have given rise to a few other opportunities for him to spread his wings.
“I believe Uzalo is the reason why more doors are opening. Being on TV did not only give me hope but also came with a lot of outside recognition.”
He is still a young man with a lot of life yet to live and so he is obtaining the maturity needed to not get carried away by this moment and industry is something he has been focusing to ensure the longevity of his career.
“I have grown massively and man what an experience. Being on set with such gifted talents and witnessing them doing what they do best, live in action has helped and encouraged me a lot to polish, cherish, respect, push and feed my craft.”
The future is bright for S’Phokuhle and he is pacing himself. He doesn't want to lose steam.
“My talents have no growing order and time. Every single day I work hard and to the very best of my ability which is why at such a young age I have succeeded and made a name for myself.”
His goals are already beginning to unfold for him with a few already under his belt. There do remain a few more, however.
“To be on Netflix and Showmax, to shoot with the great Samuel L. Jackson, to be in a movie which will be showcased in Ster-Kinekor or Numetro and to never drop the standard Uzalo and stained glass have set for me.”
