KB Motsilanyane to play Lebo
Controversy over casting finally settled as BET Africa says biopic will be a ‘celebration of black excellence’
BET have confirmed KB Motsilanyane has replaced Kelly Khumalo as the lead in the upcoming Lebo Mathosa biopic.
The 7de Laan star has already started filming Dream: The Lebo Mathosa Story.
The six-part series will cover the life and times of one of South Africa’s most celebrated musicians.
The story begins in the ’90s during the kwaito evolution when Mathosa rose to fame and became a South African household name and role model for the youth.
She was renowned for her unapologetic demeanour, provocative dance moves, edgy fashion sense, hairstyles and infectious tunes.
Motsilanyane will portray the adult Mathosa as she experiences the highs and lows of the music industry, which placed her on a global stage.
Bahumi Madisakwane will play the young Mathosa as she starts to realise her dreams.
“It’s not an easy journey to play this character because it’s beyond imagination, larger than life, and every single thing is a new experience. Walking in Lebo’s shoes is definitely one of the greatest things I have ever done,” said Motsilanyane.
Madisakwane said: “The fondest memory I have of Lebo Mathosa was from when I was five or six, and we went to the Rand Easter Show, a show where she and my father were performing.
“I remember she was this amazing powerhouse on stage and was always so maternal and protective over me, and I think that is why I really want to tell her sincere, humble and emotional side.”
Monde Twala, vice president for Youth, Music and BET at Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa), said the Lebo Mathosa biopic was unique to the continent for BET Africa and followed the success of internationally produced biopics like
The Bobby Brown Story and The New Edition Story, which aired in 2017 and 2018, respectively. “This biopic is a celebration of black excellence and depicts intimate moments in Lebo’s journey. She was a pivotal force in the entertainment industry, and we are honoured to have partnered with local producers and Department of Trade and Industry in telling this authentic African story while opening up the industry for fresh young talent.”
The docu-series is a collaboration between BET Africa and the Lebo Mathosa Foundation, which is dedicated to empowering young talent. The Gauteng Film Commission and the Department of Trade and Industry have endorsed the project. When news broke of Madisakwane playing young Mathosa last month, many felt she got the part because of her father Somizi Mhlongo’s influence.
Mhlongo took to social media to defend his daughter. He posted a message he sent to her: “Never ever question why u get certain opportunities in life. U deserve everything and u must take anything and everything they said u wud never have. F*** the haters. It’s not your fault that U are my daughter if the best that’s ever been. Embrace it. That’s a blessing. It’s my will but God’s. Ur gifted. Loving. Good hearted. Talented. Smart.” (sic) Dream: The Lebo Mathosa Story will premiere on November 6 on BET Africa (DStv channel 129) at 9.30pm.