Ray’s killing spree is about to catch up with him. And, this time, he can’t talk his way out of the bloody trail he has left in his wake, writes Debashine Thangevelo
LOYISO MacDonald is perfectly cast as Ray in Zabalaza, which ends in May next year. Those dashing good looks and his silver tongue easily detract from Ray’s shady dealings.
Of course, viewers will probably also recognise MacDonald from his big TV break as Ntando Sibeko in SABC3’s Generations.
The easy-going 20-something actor says: “It was exciting coming off the back of my role on Isidingo. I was looking forward to sinking my teeth into something different.
“The character was written a lot older than I currently am or look. But he is still very rebellious. He sees opportunities and latches on to them. That was the kind of energy with which I decided to play Ray. He is a guy enjoying all this money, freedom and living on the edge.”
Of course, while he had a firm grasp on life (in all its criminal glory), he didn’t plan on falling in love.
And that’s how he ended up in his current predicament. Having fallen for Lindiwe, he didn’t take too kindly to Nathi swooping in and putting the moves on her. So he did what he does best – he took out his rival.
MacDonald explains: “Ray hasn’t been in love with anyone… until now. He throws himself into this relationship. Nathi comes along and he is a threat. He is older and charming. Basically, he is everything Ray isn’t; he is that safe option.
“He feels that the relationship with Lindiwe saved him in a way. So he is very protective too.”
Although Ray went to the Eastern Cape to get his girl back – and get rid of his rival – he didn’t think everything through. And now the ramifications of his hasty actions are coming back to haunt him. In fact, all the bodies he has left in his wake are going to seal his fate. And that’s a come-uppance he wasn’t expecting.
The actor offers: “The family know that he is hiding a lot of things – but they don’t know much about his past. And all his wrongdoings are slowly coming to the surface. That’s what Ray is experiencing.”
Now that is a high price to pay for love. But Ray is trying to keep his cool and keep Lindiwe happy.
He adds: “She doesn’t know that he killed her brother. If that ever comes out, he will be in some serious trouble.”
It’s been about four years since MacDonald moved to Jozi from Durban, where he was involved in a lot more stage work.
Of his journey so far, he notes: “It’s been – I won’t say easy – but a lot smoother than a lot of people told me it would be. You hear all these horror stories of people coming here and having their dream shattered. When I moved up here, I ensured I signed up with a good agent.
“I am still learning and when you know what you can bring to the table, the opportunities come your way. But you still have to fight for things. That’s great, I like doing that – it’s a good challenge.”
Aside from the shows already mentioned, he also did Those Who Can’t (seasons 1 and 2), Intersexions (season 2) as well as a few commercials.
With Zabalaza ending next year, Tonight asked him about his foreseeable plans. He reveals: “I keep saying the TV industry is growing in leaps and bounds. It is a great place to be. There are a lot of opportunities for young actors. I’m enjoying being as versatile as I can. Hopefully, next year I will do film. The hardest thing to learn – and one of my biggest learning curves – is patience.”
While he doesn’t have much say about how his character’s story develops, he admits: “From Ray’s side of things, it’s not going to be a smooth road for him. I think there is going to be a lot more action for viewers to see. Hopefully, we go out with a bang!”
Zabalaza airs on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) from Monday to Thursday at 9pm.