Big break for versatile actress on local TV
ACTRESS, singer and creative spirit Samukele Mkhize is making her mark on Mzansi Magic soapie Isibaya after showcasing her all-round talent on the stages of New Orleans, in the US, three years ago.
In the US, she was renowned for singing in an eight-piece New Orleans gogo-brass-funkband, responsible for the hit Hey Baby.
But in Mzansi, Mkhize features on TV as the rabble-rouser Mabuyi, who wants to destroy the marriage of Isibaya ’ s loved couple Sbu and Thandeka.
Acclaimed actors Sdumo Mtshali and Nomzamo Mbatha play the couple, whose families are involved in a never-ending bitter feud.
Mkhize says she has been part of Mzansi ’ s entertainment business for more than six years and is a household name in the theatre industry.
But playing Mabuyi was her first big break following a short stint on the SACBC1 viewers ’ favourite soapie Uzalo.
“Come to think of it, I initially auditioned for The Road. I was visiting Joburg when I heard from acquaintances that there was a new show to be screened on Mzansi Magic and casting would be held both in Joburg and Durban. I so wanted to be part of it,” she says.
“I told myself it was time for me to be part of local TV.”
Growing up in KwaZuluNatal, Mkhize fell in love with the performing arts while at school.
On the theatre front, she featured in Amambazo: The Musical in 2014.