|
|
|
|
|
Zuluboy gets in on the act
|
November 30, 2009
By Kgomotso Moncho
Zuluboy is an extension of Mginqeni Majozi and there is more to Majozi than Zuluboy. "I'm all about expression, whether it be music, drama, photography or writing. The arts are an important part of what I do," the 27-year-old explains. And he says this in reference to his budding acting career as well.
His first stint in front the cameras was on Soul City in the supporting role of Zakes, a township boy who falls victim to unprotected sex. Now he has landed a role in Muvhango and will be making his soapie debut early next year.
Zuluboy's acting abilities caught everyone by surprise and he explains that it was a case of being in the right place at the right time.
"I was spotted by Kgomotso Matsunyane (of TOM Pictures) at a Native Rhythms' gig in Sandton and she asked me if I could come to auditions. I have always loved acting, so I went."
He's quick to mention that this is by no means a shift in his career, but an addition to his existing talents.
"I really can act and now is the time. I'm not getting any younger."
Having the talent to act is one thing, but doing it for the first time on television is another. And Zuluboy readily admits that it required some adjusting.
"Performing in front of the camera as an actor was different from shooting a music video. However, it was made easier by the team of passionate people I worked with on the set of Soul City. The kissing scene was difficult, but with a little coaching I was on top of my game."
His character in Muvhango is different from that which he played on Soul City's, but both are street- wise. And perhaps that is art imitating life for Zuluboy.
"Sporo is corrupt, streetwise and fun. The character is something new that Muvhango is trying out and, hopefully, will continue with for a long time. He will start appearing very soon (within the next four months)."
Defining his acting style, Zuluboy says he identifies with the character of Papa G from Isidingo.
And they share the same colourful personality. Zuluboy is a city boy who's at home in Newtown, like the many artists who roam this precinct, he speaks English with a twang, but easily switches to pure text book Zulu that you rarely hear on the streets, unless you're speaking to an elder. Yet he's never been to a Zulu school.
"Zuluboy was built from the street, figuratively and literally. I could be found walking from the Bat Centre to Berea in the city of Durban from a hip hop session. Sipho Sithole, of Native Rhythms - the label I'm under, discovered me when I performed at a Prokid launch in Durban. When I came to Jozi in 2001 I studied piano and music history at Dorkay House. I lived in Yeoville and was always at the Monday Blues sessions, with the likes of Sliq Angel and MXO."
Dorkay House is one of the remaining important symbols of black artists' resistance to apartheid in the 1960s.
It was an incubator for legendary South African musicians such as Jonas Gwangwa, Hugh Masekela and Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, to name but a few.
And Zuluboy is the only rapper to be nominated for, and win, a South African Traditional Music awards, because of his preservation of Zulu musical heritage in his rapping.
"The soul in my music comes from my love of hip hop and my travels. They have opened my eyes, ears and heart. Once you stop listening, you lose your essence.
"I have listened and I know that the world is not looking for another 50 Cent or Lil Wayne.
"The world is looking for another KRS1, another The Roots, but with an identity of their own."
He starts singing the Stimela song Mbombela - he has sampled it on his new album - and as he does so, he comes across as someone who can't keep his attention on one thing for a long time.
But, that's Zuluboy for you.
Better yet, that's Majozi.
[Email this story...]
[Easy Print...]
|
|
