As Showmax's The Wife came to an end with its final third season earlier this year, many were sad to see the beloved Zulu brothers leave their screens. The Zulu brothers were modern traditionalists who proudly embraced their customs in a contemporary world.
They're well-spoken, bold, different, and richly embrace who they are on-and-off screen. These qualities made them the perfect fit for Castle Milk Stout's Don't Fear Black, Savour It campaign. Each embody an attribute of what makes Black great - rich, brave, smooth, brave and different.
culture Thulane Shange reveals why black stories need to be bold, told freely and remain uncensored Read more
Sipho Ndlovu - Different
What can you tell us about your interests besides acting?
Beside acting I also do script writing and music. I have released a song - Amathanga amhlophe, it's on YouTube, iTunes, Spotify, and I'm looking to shoot the music video this year. I haven't given much attention to my music, but that is going to change soon because there are more songs that I will be releasing. My music is more into amapiano for now but as time goes on I hope to stretch to other genres.
How do you feel about being part of the castle milk stout Don't Fear Black, Savour It campaign?
I feel great. It's been long overdue to have a campaign where as black people, we can celebrate being proud of ourselves and that boldly talk about our issues. I feel there is much more that needs to be done in liberating the black child. I feel privileged to be part of such campaign because such campaigns bring stability and relevant conversations within black communities. The Castle Milk Stout brand have really created campaigns that resonate strongly with me as someone who believes in rediscovering the richness of who we are as Africans. I had the privilege of attending the Viewing of the Black Conversations Series which touches on very important issues affecting us.
You've been attributed the word "Different" – in what way is this a good attribute to both you as a person and your character Sambula?
'm very different from the character I play. Sipho is bubbly, he's got his personality that is out of this world. Sambulo is a character that is very grounded, he is not "out there"/vibrant, he does his own things privately, and mostly he doesn't share with his brothers. He doesn't share what he goes through - doesn't share his pains, doesn't share his victory. He decides things on his own. He lives a different life. He's not scared of taking decisions in protecting his family in whatever way. He's that guy who will do whatever it takes to protect his family in whatever way.
But when you go to Sipho - Sipho likes his family yes, but in most cases he shares. He's a lover and he loves sharing things with people around himself and he considers others before he makes decisions He is not a bully, he doesn't like fighting and Sipho doesn't own or use guns.
What has the experience of playing Sambulo been like?
So it's been it's been a great journey playing the challenging character of Sambulo because it is challenging. It has been a good experience and something that I'll never ever forget. It's been something that has never happened to me before since I got into the industry. I came into the industry in 2016 and things didn't go well. I've been to many different productions and different shows on screen and I've never gotten this kind of limelight or attention, but with playing this character of Sambulo I got recognised continentally and I'm happy and grateful for the opportunity from the production Stainglass TV and Showmax.
What is you take away from working on the Dudu Busani story line and co-actors as big stars in the industry?
My takeaway is humbleness, respect, respect your craft and humility - ubuntu. I've learned a lot from my co-actors, but my biggest takeaway is respect. Having respect for others and yourself goes a long way in being successful.
What will you miss about the show and the characters?
I will miss the guys - we have really formed a brotherhood. I will also miss the environment with the crew.
Image by: Aart Verrips What has been you experience within this industry?
My experience within this industry has not been easy. I came into this industry in 2016 from job in communications and media monitoring. I studied acting in varsity but then I went corporate. But I decided to come back to acting because it was what I liked. It was not easy as sometimes people are not welcoming, and getting a decent agency is not always easy. It can be hard to stay relevant. We've seen many people come and go within this industry - things can change very quickly. One minute you can be flying high, the next, you can sink very low. Only people with respect and people who are humble, have good timing, who work on their craft, they're still really relevant today.
Not to sound bad to those who aren't relevant today, sometimes it happens, it depends on your individual journey. This thing of being a star and then losing yourself in the process is bad. So, my experience in the industry has been terrible but one thing is that I've learned a lot, and to stay relevant, I had to do all those roles even if I was I getting paid by how many lines I have. I kept going I kept going because I believed that I have a seat in this entertainment industry and I don't have to give up until I get to my seat because I cannot walk forever. I need to get to my seat and sit down and look at the industry and say in the future I'll be writing, I'll be producing, I'll be creating stars. And as much as we need to love everyone and smile at everyone, sometimes we need to really look at th e people we smile with because not everyone is wishing you success. You need to be careful who you share things with.
What keeps you grounded and wanting to succeed?
My story. I know where I come from and what I've been through. Before I lost my mom in 2004, everything was fine on my side; but 2004 is what keeps me grounded and wanting to succeed because I don't want to experience that pain again. I don't want to be friends with that pain, I experienced and ever revisit it - that is why I say my past keeps me grounded and wanting to succeed.
Any final words of wisdom?
What I would like to say to the upcoming artist, upcoming writers, and new people coming into the industry is to respect everyone because you don't know who will take you to the door. Or, you don't know who will open the door or who's got the key to the door you've been knocking at. You need to respect everyone, regardless of whether you know or don't know them. Respect your craft and trust in God.
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