Gcilima’s Xolani Khowa Xolo recently bagged a role on Season 2 of Shaka Ilembe.
Xolo portrays the character of Ndlela kaSompisi, who died in February 1840.
Ndlela was a key general to Zulu Kings, Shaka and Dingane. He rose to prominence as a highly effective warrior under Shaka.
Dingane appointed him as his chief advisor. He was also the principal commander of Dingane’s armies.
Xolo said this was his first acting role on screen.
He described Ndlela as a person who believed in what he wanted and fought for it. “He was a hero who was loyal to the Zulu monarch,” he said.
The actor explained that he learned a great deal through this character.
“I have always known about the Ndlela surname, but I was not aware of the extent to which Ndlela played a role in unifying the Zulu kingdom. I have learned that our surnames carry a lot of history because of the people who did a lot to represent their lineage well,” he said.
Xolo studied Drama and Production Studies at the Durban University of Technology.
He said that is where his love for acting started.
“It was in 2015, in my first year in university that my love for acting started. I have been doing theatre for years in Joburg and the PlayHouse in Durban,” he said.
Xolo added he was in negotiations with other production companies for other acting roles.
Another South Coaster who was on Season 1 of Shaka Ilembe is Mtwalume’s Hope Mbhele.
Shaka Ilembe airs on Mzansi Magic every Sunday at 20:00.
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