The new girl
Zethu Dlomo is the new wife in question on Isibaya.
Isibaya Weekdays Mzansi Magic (*161) 20:30
Zethu Dlomo is the newest face on Isibaya screens, but the 28-year- old is no newcomer to TV. She played Sibongile on local drama series aYeYe (2015), as well as appearing on international dramas Black Sails (2014-2017) and The Book Of Negroes (2015) as “slave princess” Madi and mother-figure Sanu (they were both filmed in SA). We spoke to Zethu about her new role as bewitched cattle farmer Lethu and why she said no to a role on fantasy series Game Of Thrones (2011- current) – believe it!
Who is Lethu? She’s the only daughter of a dead cattle farmer – she inherited her dad’s land and stock but her uncle Zitha (Nhlanhla Mahlangu) stole the land – he used muti to curse her. The curse turned her into a mythological water nymph and when she sings, men and boys follow the sound of her voice into the river and they drown. Mpiyakhe (Siyabonga Twala) heard her voice and walked into the water, but he can’t drown because he has supernatural powers of his own. He actually broke her curse [in May 2017] and now Lethu’s back to her old self – and she’s taking back what’s rightfully hers! Do you have anything in common with your character? I’m still trying to figure her out, but so far we’re both passionate about education. She wants to learn more about farming and I have my BA degree in Drama from Wits University [in Joburg]. You make no secret that your religious beliefs are important when it comes to your work… I’m a born-again Christian and while I’m a performer and telling a character’s story, there are things that I may negotiate about. I turned down a role on Game Of Thrones because it was a demon character. It’s crazy but I have to protect my brand. How much of Isibaya did you know before joining the team? I’d been watching it from the start because it’s one of the few traditional shows on TV right now. And I love the pace here – we’re always on the move, so it’s exciting!