Khayalethu rises to fame as an actor

Parklands High School’s Grade 12 learner Khayalethu Xaba first rose to fame by competing in DStv’s Mzansi Magic reality television show Style Guide.

The series showcased young and talented designers who battled it out to win amazing prizes, with fashionista Khayalethu, fondly known as Khaya, being counted among them.

The multi-disciplined artist who vividly foresees himself one day becoming a Hollywood star has the world at his feet and is ready to take the media industry by storm.

Khaya, who is also president at Parklands High School, went to Alberton Primary School where his love for art was born and has since become an inspiration to many. Having gained popularity as an actor in recent years, he has forever pushed himself to grab any opportunity that comes his way.

Multi-faceted

He has recently been cast on one of Mzansi Magic’s new exciting shows Lavish, which will be aired every Friday at 20:00.

Khaya plays Shaka Ndlovu the son of Khulu, whose real name is Sdumo Mtshali and Jessica Nkosi plays the character of Zozi.

“My experience while shooting was wonderful and a bit overwhelming at first especially having to work with such an amazing cast. But I quickly adjusted as we all got to know each other better.

“I feel like I had the biggest bond with Sdumo as he plays my father on the show. We would just chill and talk about anything behind the scenes,” he said.

He said Sdumo would mostly give him a lot of advice on how to be powerful as a storyteller.

“Whenever he felt as if my performance was weak or mediocre he’d always rectify me and give me a few pointers on how to improve. Lavish is my fourth professional acting gig, but to be honest, it felt like my first,” explained Khaya.

Khaya said he grew immensely as an actor during his latest gig as he had to unlearn everything that he thought was supposed to be done in a specific way and started performing with the audience in mind.

“Before a scene, I aimed to always captivate the audience and make them believe the story that I am portraying to them. I’m thankful to Sdumo, our director Dominic Black and Nolo Sebai, who plays my aunt on the show,” he said.

Thriving as a storyteller

Before the show, Khaya has been auditioning and landing small cameo roles ‘here and there’ and was a lead character on a Moja Love comedy series that is yet to be aired.

Not only has he been thriving on set, but he has also done multiple theatre projects, especially at his school.

“Since 2018 and in 2021, I received an award for having the best monologue at the Alberton Eisteddfod. This year every play I directed got 90% and above at Alberton Eisteddfod. Managing everything as the president at school, to having to go on set and shoot most times throughout this year was a bit challenging but I managed to pull it off,” Khaya said.

He also does photography and has recently started a platform called Xaba.Raw, which is driven by visual storytelling.

“In terms of studies, I have been provisionally accepted at AFDA for next year. I’m applying for financial assistance such as bursaries. My goal for next year is to continue doing what I’m doing and the rest is in God’s hands,” he said.

Should you wish to contribute towards his studies, contact Khayalethu via email at homeryangsavvige@gmail.com