Currently starring as Leruo Ts’eole in the hit new Showmax Original Outlaws, Lehlohonolo Mayeza is the Mosotho hunk that television viewers have been waiting for. 

From Tshedza Pictures (Adulting, The River, The Republic), the modern-day Western tells the story of two families at war with each other: the Zulu, cattle-farming Biyela clan and the Basotho, cattle-raiding Ts’eoles. 

We sat down with Lehlohonolo to find out more about his breakthrough role. 

How would you describe your character ?

Leruo is a Mosotho man in his early 30s. He does not know much about urban life, for he has been raised in the mountains of Lesotho, where his late father left him a legacy to keep. His ruling order of the day is to steal Zulu cattle but still keep in mind not to kill or hurt people.

Do you relate to Leruo’s story in Outlaws?

I do. I am a rural boy from the mountainous areas of Lesotho, who is used to riding horses and donkeys for they are the only means of transport there. I grew up in rural areas, where people would steal cattle from Zulu land. I know that story and have seen it with my own eyes, for I used to herd animals where we were living, which was near the borders of the two countries. 

What do you think the viewers will like or hate about your character?

I don’t think Zulu people are going to like my character, particularly the ones who are victims of cattle theft. In the story, Leruo brings so much heartbreak, despite all the chances he gets. I think viewers are not going to like that part. Contrarily Leruo can show love. Some are going to like that side of him. 

Tell us about the chemistry between Leruo and Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku’s character, Sihle? 

The first time Leruo saw Sihle, everything changed. She gave him goosebumps. Leruo was not that much into girls, but when he met Sihle, something changed in him. Sihle in the first place played hard to get because they are from two different countries. But when you look at them, there is something special. 

I really enjoyed working with Nirvana; she is such an amazing actress. We would smile and laugh the whole day on set and would crack some jokes with our characters.

Who were you most excited to work with onOutlaws? 

Working with legends, people I used to see on big screens, role models, has been an honour. I was excited to work with everyone, for it was my first time working with all of them. I learned a lot from each and every one of them. The greatest of them all was getting to work with M’e Lillian Dube, Ntate Khotso Nkhatho and M’e Mmabatho Mogomotsi. It was such a blessing.

What did you do for the first time on the set ofOutlaws? 

Actually, it was my first experience to be on such a huge set, especially in another country. Handling guns and fighting stunts was a first as well. 

What was the most difficult part of filming? 

Sex scenes! But the intimacy coordinator helped and things went well.

What does it mean for you to be starring in a Showmax Original? 

Every time I get to this point, words seem not to find their way out for me to express my gratitude. Showmax changed my life for the better. My dream came true. I have always wanted to be on screen and show my talent and now I am starring in a Showmax Original. This is a breakthrough for me. It’s like I’m waiting to wake up and have someone tell me that it was just a beautiful dream, but it’s actually not a dream, it’s a reality.

Why should viewers watch Outlaws? 

This is the only show of its kind in South Africa; it’s the only modern-day South African Western. The feel of the show is totally different from other epic dramas. It involves two beautiful nations, Zulus and Sothos. It’s one of a kind, set in beautiful locations. It’s a must-watch.

Watch the trailer:

Add Outlaws to your Showmax watchlist:

https://www.showmax.com/eng/tvseries/fylrwkln-outlaws

Join the conversation: 

#OutlawsShowmax

Premiering next Wednesday, 6 September 2023 on Showmax, Outlaws co-stars Nolwazi Shange as Nandi, the strong-willed matriarch of the Zulu, cattle-farming Biyela clan, who are at war with the Basotho, cattle-raiding Ts’eoles. 

The KZN-born actress shot to fame as Precious in A Place Called Home, which earned her a SAFTA as Best Actress in a TV Drama. For more than a decade since, she has given us incredible performances in some of the most celebrated content in Mzansi, including SAFTA-nominated performances as Ntombi in Intersexions and Dezi in Otelo Burning. More recently, she played Sibongile, the villain we loved to hate in Mzali Wam, and had viewers on the edge of their seats as Mbali Khubeka on Scandal! She’s not only a star in front of the camera but is also involved with casting for some of Mzansi’s hit shows and movies.

We caught up with the Durban University of Technology alum about her role in Outlaws and how she has remained consistent with every role she plays.

What made you say “yes” to Outlaws?

The story. It’s also my first Showmax Original. That’s been my dream and I hope to receive more opportunities. 

Outlaws is like nothing we’ve seen in SA. What was your initial reaction when you got the script? 

My initial reaction was, ‘Sign me up!’ I was immediately excited by the idea of being involved in action sequences and challenging my body in that way. It’s a first for me in the years I’ve been working. Listen, I’m not a small girl, and I found it quite cool that I could express and use my body in that way. Oh, what a thrill! 

Was this role more demanding than you thought it would be? 

It definitely was. There were a good few days of shooting this epic sequence and my body waschallenged. A challenge I would gladly leap into again, given the chance. 

Are there any parts of Nandi you see in yourself? 

Oh, yeah! Nandi is headstrong and determined. She doesn’t shy away from challenges but goes full steam ahead, with a very clear strategy in mind. She’s also just as nurturing and present. Maybe I’m over-hyping myself here, but I’d like to believe I possess these qualities. They are definitely qualities I resonate with. 

How do you manage to evolve with every role you play? 

Preparation. A step I never want to short-change. Who is the character I am playing? What is their goal? How do they relate to the other characters? I then watch to see if the choices I made translate and try to not repeat ‘tricks’ I’ve used before. It all comes from a place of genuine love and respect. I love performing and respect it as an art form. I want to continue improving. That’s my drive. 

Talk us through your preparation for this role. 

It was very mental. I was lucky I had handled a firearm before and received training, so that thrilled me more than it intimidated me. We thoroughly rehearsed the action sequences, which helped when we got to set. It didn’t feel foreign. I like reading the script. More like study it. I speak to the actors to get their interpretations and better understand the story arc. That informs me with enough knowledge to allow instinct to lead when shooting. I believe the first reaction or feeling is always the right one. That’s what I commit to building on. 

How do you find ways to take care of yourself when processing emotionally intense scenes? 

I cannot allow myself to forget that it’s the character going through all this and not me. But I find I’m able to process it better with the assistance of silence and solitude and quiet meditation. 

How important is it to tell our stories as South Africans? 

We have to. And more than telling them, we have to consume them. We have to be an audience that watches our stories and when provided the opportunity, share positive feedback. It’s our responsibility. Otherwise, how will our industry grow? 

One word to describe Outlaws? 

Epic! It’s truly one of those epic dramas everyone would wish they were a part of. 

Why should audiences watch this? 

It’s a beautiful story with a great cast. It’s relatable, in that it explores how our differences are our strengths, and also how alike we are in our differences, how we can find common ground and maybe love in our differences. I really want audiences to be immersed in the story and just sit back and marvel at this beautifully told story. 

Watch the trailer for Outlaws

Add Outlaws to your Showmax watchlist:

https://www.showmax.com/eng/tvseries/fylrwkln-outlaws

Join the conversation:

#OutlawsShowmax

Over the last 30 years, we’ve seen Dumisani Dlamini in iconic roles like Dlakadla in The Wife, Showmax’s most popular series ever; Chester in the classic series Yizo Yizo; Crocodile in Sarafina!; Mbodla in the long-running telenovela Isibaya; and Celemba in the hit drama serieseHostela, a performance which earned him a SAFTA nomination. 

In his new film Mkhonto, premiering on Showmax tomorrow, Friday, 26 May 2023, Dumisani stars as 

Chief Siviko ka Vaka, ruler of the fictional, mystical kingdom of Eziqwaqweni. The tyrant is threatened by Celani (Bahle Hadebe from Black Tax, The Letter Reader, and young Shaka in the upcoming Shaka: King of the Zulu Nation), a herder boy possessed by the spirit of an 18th century king, who is determined to reform his once-great kingdom and right the wrongs of Chief Siviko. 

We sat down with Dumisani to discuss his role inMkhonto: 

You’ve had a long and successful career. What convinced you to take on this role?  

I was so interested in it from the word go. The story is so deep and spiritual and I liked how it’s attached to Zulu history. 

What do you most want people to get out of this movie?

I want people to remember that “indlovu iyabulawa intuthwane” (an elephant can be killed by an ant). 

This movie takes us back to where we come from. It shows us our way of living in the past and who we are, in case we have forgotten. In this movie, people must watch very closely and learn how our culture goes deep. 

This is not the first time you’ve played an antagonist. Do you prefer being the villain? 

Look, personally I know I’m a good person; you can ask anyone and my family. 

But I don’t think I can play a priest and still be honest. I can play a priest in a church and steal money. I can play a role where I am a sweet person but playing a villain is where my strength lies. This is where I believe I nail it the most.

What was it like working with rising star Bahle Hadebe? 

Damn! What a powerful young man. I hope that boy doesn’t put fame in his head. Most of the artists his age put stardom in their heads and they get finished in a short space of time. I sat with him on set and told him how talented he is and spoke to him about how to stay consistent in this industry. I remember telling him that he will never master a take until he dies, because if you keep searching for the best acting in your life, you become powerful. 

Three-time SAFTA winner Linda Sebezo also co-stars as the village’s traditional healer. What was it like working with her? 

You see, when two bulls meet, the grass suffers. When she looks at me and I look at her, there’s fire in between. Then from there you know it’s not acting, it’s spiritual. When you work with professional actors, there’s magic that happens. We’re not competing; there’s lightning that just happens in those moments. 

After three decades in the industry, how do you keep making each character unique? 

When I got this role I had just wrapped another show where I also played a king, so when I got a call for this role I asked myself how do I now separate this from the character I just finished portraying. 

I went through prayer and meditation. On the first day of the shoot, I said to myself, “Let’s give Chief Siviko a chance.” I ask myself to step out, so that the character can take over. I don’t act; I simply become honest to the role. There are so many things that happen spiritually when I step on the scene; I am always surprised with where I take these roles.

At this point in your career,  do you still scrutinize and criticize your performances? Are you able to even watch yourself perform?

I don’t look at playback while we shoot; some actors do. I wait until we are done and then watch it when it airs on television. I sit in a room, switch off my phone and watch myself. When a show is on TV – my wife and kids know this – I don’t want noise. I sit alone, close the doors and watch myself. I become so amazed at what I am able to do on screen. I become so emotionally attached to the things I do and surprise myself, each and every day.

You were in Sarafina! back in 1992. How do you feel about the state of the industry right now?

Back then, we were in a protest era, so Sarafina! was more of a protest film. The stories of the past were about trying to break through out of apartheid and make people’s lives better. But I think we have up-marketed our productions and we should just continue to stay on good concepts. Just like this movie Mkhonto:it’s a great story. We are doing well.

What role have you been most honoured to play?

I think it will be Celemba in eHostela. I have been a supporting actor and then become a lead in most of the things I’ve played. The way in which I play the role in eHostela ends up as an important part of the story.

When I was given a role in eHostela, I found myself getting to another level of acting. It got to a point where I received my first SAFTA nomination. I said, “Thank God that I’m not gonna die without being nominated for an award.” Though I didn’t win the award, I still pray that one day I will hold that award. I want no one to give me an award when I’m gone.

After a wonderful 30-year career, what role do you still want to play? 

I would love it if a producer would give me a lead role that goes until the end of the story. Because most times I get a role, and when viewers are still enjoying my part, it then gets cut short based on the storyline or how busy I am. If I could get a role that I will portray until the end, I believe prime time television will never be the same.

Last question! What’s it like being the father of a global superstar, Doja Cat? 

I’m so proud of her for what she has achieved. I’m not surprised, because it’s in the blood. In fact, all my kids are very talented. I think South Africa as a whole should be proud of such a great talent coming from us.

Produced by M’Darkie Revolution Productions (Induku,Isifiso), Mkhonto is the feature film debut of Pheelo “PJ” Makosholo (The Estate, Keeping Score). Look out for the likes of Andy Mnguni (Sindi in The Republic) and Andile Mbatha (Bra Carter in House of Zwide) as Celani’s parents, as well as Bheki Vilakazi (Yizo Yizo) as a royal advisor to Chief Siviko.  

Watch the Mkhonto trailer:

Succession is eight episodes into its fourth and final season on Showmax, and it’s going out with a bang.Created by Oscar nominee Jesse Armstrong (Veep),Succession has already won 13 Emmys, includingOutstanding Drama Series in 2020 and 2022, but Season 4 may just be its most loved yet, with Indiewirehailing it as “the end all, be all of TV.” Episode 3,Connor’s Wedding, has a 9.9/10 rating on IMDb from over 26 000 people, and this week’s spectacular election night stunner, America Decides, is close behind with a 9.6/10 rating, as we brace for the penultimate, funeral-themed episode this Monday, 22 May 2023. 

We spoke to Nicholas Braun about his Emmy-nominated role as the scene-stealing Roy cousin, Greg Hirsch, who, after this week’s episode, can now claim to have played a key role in the election of the President of the United States of America. 

What are your feelings on this being the final season of Succession? 

I have mixed emotions. The season is so incredible. The stuff that all the characters, [including] my character, get to go through is just amazing. So I feel very content creatively.

But I’ll miss this crew a lot. These actors, this crew we worked with, some since the pilot, they are the best! There was a shorthand that came with working together for so long. They knew what Greg wanted to drink at a party. They knew what tie I would probably choose. They knew when I wanted to get a haircut. Things like that. There’s just an ease to it. So that’s an amazing thing to have to give up. 

How was the news broken to the cast that it was the last run? 

We knew before we started shooting the season that there was a big chance of the show being over. Jesse kind of set that up for us. He never said, “It’s one-hundred percent.” And even at the last table read, he didn’t say, “one-hundred percent”. But he was like, “Unless something brilliant hits me in the next year and I feel like going another round, this will be it.” But he’s always left that little asterisk on top. 

What’s the state of the relationship between Tom and Greg, the self-styled Disgusting Brothers, at the start of this season? 

I think they’re feeling really good, like they’re at the top. They’re aligned with Logan. They’re on the side with all the momentum, all the power. It’s the side that probably can’t be beat. 

Tom has a bigger job, with more responsibility. And Greg is right there with him. And with Tom loosely separated from Shiv, I think he’s feeling pretty free. And wants to get a bit disgusting. 

How has it been working so closely with Matthew Macfadyen as Tom over these four series? 

It’s just an incredible partnership. We have so much to look forward to every episode. So many scenes that we know are going to be fun to play. 

I love him as a person. I love how he lives his life off-set. He’s a real family man. And I look up to him. And then on-set, I’ve learned a lot from him as an actor. We’ve tried a lot of things. It felt constantly experimental. I knew I could trust him. He knew he could trust me. We’ll try some sh*t and see what works. That feels good. 

You’ve said that with Greg, you played with his side parting, the length of his tie, the darkness of his suit, to create character. What can we divine in this series, with Greg’s shorter haircut and darker suit, about where he is psychologically? 

Greg’s feeling pretty slick at the beginning of this season. He’s got a bigger role at ATN. I see him as a guy who now goes to the gym, has a membership at [the luxury fitness company] Equinox. And he’s trying to look like a more complete man in this business world. He’s got more responsibility – he’s overseeing other people, so I think he feels like a mini-boss. A mini-Tom perhaps. 

And, yeah, I’m still very much into those specifics. Choosing the suits: the brands of the suits matter and the price of the suits matter. Same with shoes, and watches. Greg acquired another watch or two in the period [between seasons] we haven’t seen him in. So he’s definitely got some more money coming in now, a bigger salary. 

Ultimately, what’s been your favourite scene, over these 40 episodes and 40 hours, to film? 

There’s a scene on the yacht – the big roundtable scene where everybody’s talking about who should be the “head on a stick” or however Logan describes it. Who should take the hit for the scandal in the cruises [division]. And it was a really beautiful acting experience. It’s probably a 10-15-page scene, with all of our main characters sitting around this table. 

The writing is amazing. It’s like a long scene in a play. You can see how clearly these actors understand their character. So even if they pop in for two or three lines, like Frank or Karl, it was just so specific. It felt like a table full of actors who are excellent. That was a beautiful, beautiful scene to be a part of. 

The wasabi scene, that’s one of the best scenes I think we’ve ever done too. I’ve never had wasabi in my eye; I would imagine it’s horrible. But if you don’t have saline or anything, I would guess LaCroix is a pretty good backup… The election episode is a spectacular episode. It’s just an incredible script and it’s nonstop; the pace is crazy. 

How have you changed as an actor over these four seasons and seven years? 

Because this writing is so elevated, I think it’s trained me to read a script differently. Just to be more thoughtful and look for more detail. Jesse and the writers, they write with so much context from years and years and hundreds of scenes [and] history for the character. They pack in so much humour and intention. I never want to miss an opportunity they give Greg in the writing. 

And then making big decisions for yourself. You’re in a big cast; you can’t run every decision by Mark Mylod or [another] director or Jesse. You have to make strong choices for yourself. So I liked coming in with my three, four options of how to play this scene and knowing what I might try those first few takes. And if one of them that I thought was going to be great doesn’t work, then I know Jesse or Mark will be able to help me find it. 

I trust Jesse’s instincts completely. He would always know what would calibrate the scene, or my performance, to land right where the writing needed it to be. 

Watch the funeral episode teaser:https://youtu.be/xHIxrJeUdKM.