- Nambitha Ben-Mazwi plays VIP bodyguard in a new Showmax original.
- She says this drama series is the first of its kind on the streaming platform.
- Combat training and going to the gym daily are some of the was Nambitha prepared for this role.
Showmax revealed Namitha Ben-Mazwi will star in its original action series, Empini.
Ready or not, the show will be premiering on 23 May 2024 with two new episodes each week.
Empini translates to war in the Zulu language and the show promises to bring exhilarating action with a touch of comedy and suspense.
“There’s nothing like it out there right now!” Nambitha says, who will be taking on a lead role in the action-packed series.
She will be taking on the role of Ndoni Themba who will be immersing herself in the dangerous and male-dominated career of VIP security where she leads the pack of feared VIP male bodyguards.
“For me, the best part as someone who is an advocate for women empowerment and young girls, it is the mere fact that the lead Ndoni Themba, the story, the protagonist, is a female badass,” the actress says, explaining how her role in the show will be inspirational to women who might be in patriarchal environments.
Nambitha says it is the first time she has taken on a role of such calibre, which is something that she is fond of because she does not believe in repeating the same character. She adds this is a significant rule in her career and even though it has led her to say no to some interesting roles, it is still something that she values.
“For me it’s been important to showcase range in my craft, to challenge myself as well, to never get bored.”
She also mentions how she enjoys growth and experimentation in her career even though it might be a risk to her finances as an independent contractor when she turns down roles.
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Nambitha is recovering from an injury she experienced on the second week of shooting Empini and she says she has taken some time off to go back to her hometown in Gqeberha to get some rest.
“It literally has been blood, sweat and tears,” she says.
Nambitha’s background in Muay Thai fighting has been beneficial but she says she still needs to hit the gym every day at 05:00, she still needs to go on diet and meal prep and has to get strength and combat training to ensure that she manoeuvres well through this role.
Moving forward, she would like to take on more international roles and make her mark in all film genres.
But what she would like the most is to play the role of Nina Simone, which has been a dream of hers for a long time.
“I’ve been preparing all my life to play Nina Simone. That is my absolute dream role,” Nambitha states with envy.
Nambitha will also be starring in the second season of Netflix's Savage Beauty and she has a feature on a production titled I Am King of Africa, alongside Sisanda Henna.
