Eastern Cape actor Dumisani Mbebe, who for three years played the role of Dumisani on Generations, has landed a role on e.tv’s Rhythm City.
Mbebe will make his debut on the show next month.
After leaving the popular SABC1 show, Mbebe and two Eastern Cape-born producers started Ingomso Film Skills and Youth Development, a non-profit organisation aimed at developing and training young people in the field of film-making.
The organisation has since made films featuring the upcoming actors. Their latest work, Between Friends, opened in cinemas in August this year.
Mbebe said he was called by the Rhythm City production team earlier this year to do a reading for the character.
“I had even forgotten about the reading when I received a call from them. I’m excited about it, it’s a return to shooting in the studio for me.
“I was beginning to like the idea of shooting on location for movies and series but I am excited about this,” he said.
Mbebe will play the role of Dwala ‘Doc’ Dandala, a former friend of Miles Vilakazi. Their close relationship came to an end when Vilakazi found Dandala in bed with his wife, Nokuthula.
Dandala was forced to leave the music industry and get involved in business to survive.
Now, 20 years later, he has become a successful businessman but music is still his first love.
Although forced to walk away from his passion, he sees Vilakazi’s Redemption Records as a second chance to prove himself in his field of choice.
He’s hungry and determined to claim his place as a forgotten son of the music industry and has leveraged his own money to buy Redemption.
Mbebe said he started shooting for the role at the end of October.
“I do not take this lightly, I have given the character my all. I want to make sure it is everything the producers of the show had in mind and more. This is a huge role,” he said.
Mbebe said joining a new production was not easy but having a reputation in the industry played to one’s advantage.
“They know what I’ve done and there’s that respect from everyone. I give people the respect they deserve and I get the same in return,” he said.
Mbebe said he would continue working with Ingomso Film Skills and Youth Development.
Mbebe will be making his Rhythm City debut next month on January 9 at 6.30pm. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za