When SABC1’s Class Act debuted, no one knew what to expect. There was much speculation that it would be a hit-or-miss show seeking would-be actors. Looking back, a number of youngsters are now household names as a result of this show. Tonight tracked down some of them to find out how being on the show has changed their lives and what they have been up to since then, writes Munya Vomo.
SDUMO MTSHALI
(Rhythm City, Intersexions, Isibaya, Tempy Pushas)
When Mtshali first arrived on the scene, the one thing he had learnt to do in acting was express emotion. Like Denzel Washington, Mtshali’s facial expressions reveal just how his character feels without him needing to utter a word.
When he entered Class Act, he was up against another talented actor, the late Muzi Clive. Both men took their craft very seriously and showed so much promise that when it came to the last episode, South Africa was divided on choosing a winner. Although Mtshali won in the end, the show’s producers were good enough to send Clive to the US, as they did with Mtshali, to study short courses in film.
It was no secret that when Mtshali returned he was set on making huge changes in the industry and has been doing so.
“Class Act did a lot for my career. It put me on a big platform – the SABC – and I feel I’ve been growing well. I was only in theatre before then and getting people to vote for you when they have never seen you before is a tough feat,” he said.
Seemingly omnipresent on our TV screens, you wonder when Mtshali gets to rest as he stars in a number of TV shows at the moment.
“I am not one of those people who go out of their way to be in this or that gig. I try not to inundate myself with work, so I can concentrate on any given character.
“The reason why I am in Rhythm City, Intersexions, Tempy Pushas and Isibaya at the same time is because they were all shot at different times. I am currently busy with Isibaya and Tempy Pushas, but everything else was shot in the past,” he explained.
Unlike his predecessors in the industry, Mtshali feels his career is going very well because, thanks to Class Act, people got to know him by name, not because of a character.
“We know Denzel as Denzel and not as one of the characters he played. I like that people treat me the same way. Unlike other local actors who will forever be known by that one character they aced, I get to be me after work,” he said.
Outside of the drama and the soapies, Mtshali has just completed his first movie, iNumber Number, which also stars other “kids” from Class Act – Pallance Dladla and Tumi Ngumla.
Pallance Dladla
(Isibaya and Tempy Pushas)
This guy is made for the ladies. Save for his height, he is everything a model should be and is also a brilliant actor. Although he came second to Abdul Khoza in season two of Class Act, the man has picked himself up and beefed up (literally) his profile.
“I am glad Class Act brought me to this stage of my life. It is a huge honour to be on a platform where people get to see your craft and enjoy it on a daily basis.
“I believe South Africa needs to have actors to like and I hope I am one of them,” said Dladla.
When I asked him how his newfound fame had changed his life, especially with the ladies, Dladla could not control the chuckles: “I think the funny thing is that I never thought girls would find me interesting in any way. In high school I was that guy they would call a dork and no one really thought of me as anything better than that. To be taken seriously in acting I had to grow, and I’m still growing,” he said.
Having started with stage and advert appearances, it became quite clear that Dladla was preparing himself for the big time in showbusiness.
“Now I get to work with great actors who teach me how the industry works and I really find that honourable,” he said.
Tumi Ngumla
(Tempy Pushas)
While everyone has seemingly been having a fabulous time after graduating from Class Act, the first female winner, Tumi Ngumla, had it rough. After coming out tops, the actress got to study short film courses in the US. Upon her return she hoped to get some serious work, but that did not happen.
“I went to plenty of auditions, but nothing came of it,” recalled Ngumla. “I was on the brink of giving up, but then my prayers were answered and Tempy Pushers came my way,” she said.
But even that did not come easily. As a newcomer she had to be content with the fact that other actors had been in the industry longer than her and usually got preference.
“When I went to audition for Tempy Pushas I bumped into Minnie Dlamini and instantly gave up. I told myself that it was not going to happen for me and I think that affected my audition. I got the biggest surprise, though, when they called me to say I had got the part,” she said.
Donovan Marsh
(creator of Class Act, scriptwriter and director)
Without Marsh none of the above actors would have got as far as they have, well, at least not as quickly. After coming up with Class Act, he raised the bar by supplying the industry with quality actors who have now become highly sought-after.
“My original plan for the show was to create a platform to uplift the music industry. In the end we got actors who are no different from the ones already in the industry, in fact, they are better because they have received some intense training,” Marsh said.
As promised at the end of the Class Act seasons, a movie would be made and Marsh was the man behind the script and in the director’s chair.
“The movie has Sdumo as the lead with Tumi and Pallance taking on smaller roles. It is really amazing to see them grow this fast and take on big roles in such a tough industry,” he said.
It is almost mid-year and there seems to be no news on when the third season of Class Act will return. Marsh said his team had to work through logistical issues.
“Our original sponsor turned in another direction to pursue other interests so we are looking for sponsorship… For now the project is on hold.”
On a positive note, the movie featuring the Class Act alumni will be released at the end of this year. Dates are still to be confirmed.