Umhlobo Wenene's Bavuma now on small screen

Broadcaster debuts on Blood Psalms

Mafa Bavuma is known by Umhlobo Wenene listeners for his infectious laugh on the station’s breakfast show, however they will now get to see him on their television sets.

Bavuma, 38, made his debut acting in a local movie called Blood Psalms, a co-production deal struck between global broadcasting TV operator Canal and MultiChoice Group. The movie is based on SA’s pre-colonial mythology and will be broadcast on Showmax next year. The movie was shot in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and the North West and it tells a powerful story of a fierce teenage African queen, Zazi, who battles a world-ending prophecy to navigate her people through complexities, politics and endless wars.

Bavuma said it was his colleague Luck “Luckees” Matyholweni who encouraged him to audition for an extra role in the movie after he heard about auditions taking place in the Eastern Cape.

“I drove more than 200km to Graaff-Reinet in Eastern Cape for the auditions and to my surprise I was cast for the role. It was such a great experience to be among the great actors and actresses. However as an extra, I didn’t really rub shoulders with them. Everyone was busy but there is one guy, Thembekile Malwande Komani, who made me feel comfortable. I had watched him in Knuckle City and he welcomed me with warm hands,” Bavuma said. He said even though he enjoyed himself, it was extremely cold as the shooting was done at night in chilly weather conditions.

“I was topless with isibheshu [traditional attire] and sandals. We had to go underground but Komani kept me calm as I was following behind him,” he said. Bavuma said he always thought acting was child’s play but he has learnt a lot from being part of the production.

“I have learnt to never take someone’s job [as] simple. The two chilly nights I spent in

Graaff-Reinet taught me endurance. I also learnt about things that actors and actresses go through to create scenes we enjoy when we are watching movies. Some of the actors had to do scenes in water in those low temperatures,” he said. Bavuma said this was the beginning for him as he had already set his foot in the film industry.

“With the positive feedback from Komani, Bra Dez Desmond who was the head of auditions and Luckeez, a creative of note, there is no looking back. I have learnt that I am able to challenge myself and try new things in life,” he said.