Muvhango producer scouts for local talent
Yarona FM Station Manager steps down Duma Ndlovu will grace open auditions this Saturday in Gaborone
New Look Studios in association with Semi House Production, DSK Films, Awil College and Word of Mouth Pictures are penciled to hold free open auditions this coming Saturday. The auditions will be held at the Awil College at Gaborone Finance Park from morning until evening. In attendance at the said auditions will be Dr Duma Ndlovu of Muvhango, accompanied by Dingaan Siyabonga who plays the role of James Motsamai on the soapie. Besides Muvhango, Ndlovu has done exceptionally well in the South African soapie/ drama industry, and has other productions that include Uzalo, Imbewu, and also happens to be casting director for Disney’s The Lion King for all of their international shows. In recent years, he has embraced Botswana talent, with several actors and actresses appearing on his Muvhango. These include Sharon Seno who currently plays the role of Marang, Maxwell Dichi who portrayed lawyer Seretse, Gaosi Raditholo who played the role of Wawa, Marang’s Sister In 2021. Angela Atlang who acts as Itseng, the sister to Motsamai joined the growing number of local talents exports who are part of the soapie. In fact, the role of Marang that has been evolving with time is now a regular, and one of the longest serving Batswana on the set. Besides the actors, local songstress, Debbie with a T clinched the role of Rafiki on The Lion King. She jetted off to France last year for the role in the production. Speaking on behalf of the organisers of the auditions, Michael Mosipidi of Semi House Productions, explains that the whole idea behind these auditions, open to anyone aged 19 years to 45 years, is to scout for fresh talented Batswana for database. Those who will make the final cut at the auditions will stand a better chance of securing a role in one of Ndlovu’s productions.
In an interview, Mosipidi, who has a relationship with Ndlovu points out that there are a number of opportunities that exist.
He shares, their role is to negotiate with Ndlovu who has a soft spot for Botswana talent to come this side and have auditions. In terms of qualities that they are looking for, he says they cannot pin point anything specific and that the directors are better placed to highlight the qualities that they are particularly looking for, for a specific role. “We are holding these auditions as there are several opportunities that exist.
We are calling on all actors and actresses to come and try their luck,” he says. In the meantime, he notes that one issue that is still pending is that they, alongside Duma Ndlovu, proposed to Botswana government to create a fully sponsored soapie in the country.
As of now, the government is yet to bite and jump at the opportunity. The story, he says has been conceptualised, and that it is their wish for the story to be made in Botswana by Batswana companies in partnership with Word of Mouth Pictures. “We have not given up on that dream,” he stresses. He also explains that
Ndlovu has wishes for a Botswana television drama. The drama, he says might cost less money. “Batswana are ready for these opportunities, and they are really talented,” he points out. Those who will be successful at the auditions stand a better chance of being called for a specific role. In other news, he also pointed out that they are in the process of continuing with the Masterclass in Acting which were halted by the Covid- 19 pandemic. Once they are done with the auditions they will proceed with another training opportunity for local actors.