Just when we think she is done, influencer and philanthropist Keabetswe Jan wins again.
The 19-year-old, who gained popularity through her 'O Jewa Ke Eng' tweet which became one the most retweeted tweets in the world in 2019, just landed an acting role on SABC 2 drama Lithapo.
Although her character Lebo hasn’t made its debut yet, Keabetswe promises it will be a thrill to watch her outside of her comfort zone.
She spoke to us about her journey so far in the entertainment industry.
Read more: Keabetswe Jan on 'O Jewa Ke Eng' success: 'I’m all about helping people, that's my purpose'
Did you ever think you would become an actor?
I did Dramatic Arts in high school as a subject. I would obviously get acting practical and our school had a musical play, “High School Musical”, and I played Sharpay. I, however, never thought I’d land on TV. I am studying something completely different from the entertainment industry – nursing.
So, getting the news that I got the role was so exciting for me. I was truly ecstatic.
How did you get the role? Did you audition or were you pinned for the role?
I was shortlisted for the role.
How will you be channelling your character?
Lebo is quite a character okay? I’m a strong-willed person and go for everything I want and believe in, channelling into any role given, I think, would never be much of a problem once I’m comfortable.
What are some of the challenges you experienced while preparing for the role?
Definitely forgetting my lines. But the cast and crew members made the experience so easy, thrilling and full of so much education, I definitely enjoyed it and learned a lot.
Who is Lebo, what is her role in the story? Do you enjoy playing Lebo?
Lebo is a proper Model-C girl, who unlike the other black girls, actually lives in the suburbs. She is a bully and all the girls do whatever she says they should do. She used to have a crush on Luke, but he doesn’t like her like that, so she has made it her mission to intimidate whoever Luke likes and it’s now Cebile’s turn to get bullied. Kea is definitely nothing like Lebo but I enjoy playing Lebo.
How do you relate to her?
Anyone who has watched an engaging film or read an engaging novel knows that we tend to invest ourselves deeply in the experience of living through those characters. We also tend to respond to them as though they were real individuals. So, even though I couldn’t directly relate to Lebo, I could still connect with her.
Why should the viewers tune in?
Pleasure is key reason why viewers tune into a TV show. I think it will be so thrilling, and exhilarating for viewers to see me outside my comfort zone.
