SIBIYA FACES IDENTITY CRISIS IN DRAMA UZALO ’
HE IS one of the fresh faces in the new SABC1 drama series Uzalo, playing one of the two sons who were mistakenly switched at birth by nurses.
Khumbulani “Kay ” Sibiya ’ s character in the drama series is Ayanda Mdletshe. He is in fact the son of a thug, but because of the mistaken swap at birth, he ends up being raised by a preacher as his dad.
first aired on Monday night and, in his first scene, Ayanda is seen flirting with a female congregant inside church while his father, played by Bheki Mkhwane of
fame, is on the pulpit. It is clear why they chose Sibiya, 27, to play the role of 24-year-old ambitious and charming Ayanda he ’ s also a hit with the ladies. “Not really, I wouldn ’ t say that,” he shyly laughs off the suggestion. “The main similarity I have with Ayanda is that we both want to prove that we are our own persons.”
Sibiya went through a gruelling auditioning process which began in March last year. “I only got a call two months later [to come and attend workshops], and then had to wait for months before getting the final call,” he says.
Most people have compared the new drama series with Mzansi Magic ’ s which is also set in KwaZulu-Natal and with its dialogue drowned in deep Zulu accents.
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But Sibiya argues: “I wouldn ’ t compare it with because it ( touches on many things. It tells the story of babies that were swapped at birth. In between that it tells stories of upbringing in the township, childheaded households and living up to parents ’ expectations. ”
The drama is shot in KwaMashu township outside Durban. “KwaMashu has its own personality, character and its own voice. We also use KwaMashu lingo in the story.”
However, Sibiya is not from the township, het hails from Tongaat in the North Coast.
Most TV viewers will recognise him as host of music show
which he co-hosted with Kedebone Mkhabela. “That was actually my first gig. Before that, I was doing some modelling.”
Sibiya can ’ t decide on which is his first love modelling, presenting or acting. “They all pay the bills man,” he says. “In modelling, I get to escape and do something different at various shoots. Hosting is also great because I get to captivate people for the duration of that specific show, and with acting I get to tell other people ’ s stories.
“They are all good because they allow me to be a different person and explore my talent.”
Sibiya dropped out of his music culture and history degree studies in his first year. “I felt pressure studying after matric. I think I was immature and not grounded enough for school. I missed tutorials and wasn ’ t focused, but now I ’ ve found my calling,” he says.
Sibiya is now pursuing a degree in communications.
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