Since his debut as Mabutho on The River, viewers can’t get enough of actor Thembinkosi Brian Mthembu.
Originally from kwaNdengezi, Durban, Thembinkosi Mthembu obtained a diploma in Drama and Production Studies from Durban University of Technology in 2017. He arrived in the City of Gold that same year to pursue his acting dream.
But, it wasn’t as easy as he had hoped.
“Before The Republic and The River, I had odd jobs here and there. I worked at Checkers and then at Cell C as a dancer.”
Year's later Thembinkosi has made a name for himself as a performer from being on the lead cast of Showmax's Adulting and now as the undefeated Dingiswayo in Mzansi Magic's Shaka iLembe.
READ MORE | Thembinkosi Mthembu on Bonga in Adulting - 'You need friends that are going to be honest with you'
@truelovemagazine We caught up with Thembinkosi Mthembu who plays Bonga on Adulting. The actor says this character is different from what he's used to playing on TV. #adultingshowmax #adulting #thembinkosimthembu ? original sound - TRUELOVE
We got to know a bit more about the actor as he began to rise in the industry:
My faith kept me going when I was unemployed. I’d ask myself: if you studied for four years, why can’t you wait another year or two? I knew something would eventually come up – I believed that wholeheartedly.
My first role was on The Republic as Junior. The producers of the show were the award-winning duo Phathu Makwarela and Gwydion Beynon. They’re also the co-creators of The River. After watching me portray Junior, they created a role for me as Mabutho.
My first few scenes on The River were nerve-racking. I was terrified to be on set, and having to work with seasoned actors – a part of me was intimidated. But, the team never sneered, and instead welcomed me with open arms. The cast guides and supports me daily, and that makes the set feel like home.
I was dissatisfied with my performance at the beginning. My fear and nerves got the better of me and it showed on-screen. But as time went by, I became more confident and affirmed that it wasn’t by luck that I got this job. It was because I’m talented and deserve it.
Being a present father is the most important role I will ever play. When [my daughter] was born, I wasn’t working and this posed a challenge because I couldn’t provide for her. Thankfully, my mother lent a helping hand by assisting with rent and paying for my daughter’s needs at the time. Now that I’m in a better position financially, I’m fully enjoying fatherhood.
One of the teachings I’ll instill in my daughter is independence. I want her to be educated and put herself first.
1. Get a qualification. While I was unemployed, that paper kept me hopeful and positive.
2. Make sure you’re passionate about acting.
3. Don’t compare yourself to others.
