When he first got into the industry, he worked for free. That's how determined he was to achieve his dream of being on TV.
Now he's a household name who's living his best life. South Africans have fallen in love with his portrayal of Clive on The Queen.
Clive is the latest heartthrob to join the telenovela as the love interest of Akhona, played by Khanya Mkangisa.
Actor Lebo Msiza chats to Drum about his new character.
“I cannot say much at this stage, but things are about to heat up.
“The brief for Clive was very clear, and that was to look at her as if I am looking into her soul. So I have been very intentional about maintaining eye contact and that no matter what else is going on, to always keep the focus on her.
“He is definitely a go-getter and as you would have heard, he comes from money and he is not used to hearing no,” he says.
Lebo says he is enjoying the feedback from viewers who take to social media every night.
“I really love how people are so passionate about their thoughts of Clive and Akhona’s relationship. Some people are really invested and they say they wish they were Akhona and others say they do not care what agenda he has, as long as he is bringing the soft life.
Read more | Molemo Tlali on life after The Queen: Knowing where I come from motivates me when I feel discouraged
“I really appreciate the feedback, the good and the bad. I also appreciate that people are engaging with my character so much,” he says.
Though he cannot give away too much of what is still in store, Lebo promises some interesting twists and turns relating to his character.
“There is still so much that is coming, what you have seen is nothing yet. Things are also going to get interesting between Clive and Vuyiswa (Akhona’s aunt, played by Zandile Msutwana). The juice has not started yet.”
In real life, Lebo is still charming and smooth, but not as intense as Clive is, he says.
“I’m just a chilled guy from the East Rand,” he chuckles.
He dropped out of second year when he was doing an accounting degree because he just could not shake off the acting bug.
“I really wanted to be in the entertainment industry and my parents were not having it. I decided to do accounting to give them the degree that they wanted, but while there, I just could not stand it. I just wanted to act.”
So he dropped out and went on to work at a hair salon as a barber in order to make money to go to auditions. He also attended an acting academy.
Read more | Khanya Mkangisa on playing Akhona on The Queen again and her life as a DJ
“I then got gigs as an extra and I worked for free because I just wanted screen time and experience. I thank God that I got the strength to be bold and chase after my dream.
“Christ has continued to be good to me and I am grateful that I have a personal relationship with him outside of what I got from my parents.”
Lebo says he believes it is important for Christians to not rely on others to boost their faith.
“In order for your relationship with Christ to grow, you need to experience him for yourself. And it is in those situations that you realize that he cares about the things that you care about, no matter how small you think they are. We are all unique and his approach towards us is also unique. Once you find God, you are sure to find yourself because it is in him that we find our true identity.
“He does not repeat miracles, he’s too cool for that. The Old Testament talks about Moses parting the Red Sea, when he comes through in the New Testament there is no need for him to do it again, so he just walks on water,” Lebo says.
He is currently working on other projects as well and he says he cannot wait for South Africa to see his skills.
