Kensington star Sechaba shines

South African entertainer Sechaba Morojele spoke to the NEWS about the career moments which led him to a major role in the blockbusting Queen Sono, recently.

Sechaba moved to the neighbouring suburb of Kensington with his family at around 2006.

The 53-year-old creative is not only an actor, but he is also a director and scriptwriter.

Sechaba has an extensive résumé in the entertainment industry having participated in many classic television and theatre productions.

He has worked in Yizo Yizo, Bedford Wives, After 9, Backstage, 90 Plein Street, Rhythm City and The Wild, only to name a few.

He spoke more about his recent role as Dr Sid in the topical Queen Sono.

When Sechaba got the part he said he could not believe it.

“I had an inferiority complex when I auditioned and thought I wouldn’t get the role. When I got the script I realised it was a huge role,” said the actor.

According to Sechaba, Queen Sono represents a nice mix of beautiful Africa.

The scriptwriter emphasised the importance of the soundtrack.

“Queen Sono has an unbelievable soundtrack.”

The actor said he realised there is an excitement around the world and an awareness of what the youth in South Africa are doing.

“A lot of the African diaspora love the African youth and the music they like, such as ‘Ama Piano’.”

The actor added that after Black Panther people were looking to see more powerful, female roles.

“I got a lot of good feedback from all over. The experience was amazing and I hope there will be a season 2,” said the actor.

Acting in South Africa has been challenging for Sechaba.

“I speak more Italian than my own language, Sesotho.”

Sechaba said this led him to miss out on a lot of parts to play in many shows.

“I didn’t expect to get the part because I can’t speak most of the vernacular languages.”

Sechaba was born in Ethiopia and his family moved to Italy when he was only six years old.

He attended a boarding school in Swaziland and later studied statistics.

“I went to the University of Manchester. I did a lot of plays in school and varsity.”

In 1992, Sechaba moved to South Africa.

He worked for Eskom for about two years as a statistician and worked as theatre actor in the evenings.

He eventually left his promising job for acting.

“My first break was a theatre show about Aids at the Alex Theatre in Braamfontein.”

The actor holds a Master’s of Fine Arts degree in film directing from the American Film Institute.

While Sechaba was studying in America he wrote Ubuntu Wounds, which won multiple awards.

“It was bought by HBO and that started my directing career.”

Sechaba’s thoughts on the Covid-19

“We need to stay at home to protect vulnerable people.

Sadly some people in the townships cannot be isolated in a shack with many other people. It is also about how we can bring back Ubuntu and obey lockdown regulations to end the pandemic. We need to come together as a nation.”