The city’s about to get a clean-up
AFACE easily recognisable in theatre and television, Nat (full name Nathaniel) Ramabulana doesn’t wear his successes on his sleeve.
He is rather humble about his achievements and at the same time hungry to hone his craft in further offerings.
Ramabulana is noted for his role as Blessing in SABC2’s Askies (2009) and he has been in Isidingo, Home Affairs, Nomzamo, Jozi H, Justice for All and Life is Wild. On the movie front he has The Crossing, The Trail, Blood Diamond, Surprise and The Bang Bang Club to his credit.
On why he left The Wild, which surprised the industry by claiming several honours at this year’s The South African Film and Television Awards , Ramabulana says: “I played Khumo Lebone (Diksie’s husband). I left because I wasn’t really happy about the contract – I’m sure you have heard about it? It was lovely shooting on location. The cast was awesome. Unfortunately, the contract didn’t live up to my expectations (I was a lead character).”
After leaving the soap, he spent the better part of last year on stage at The Market Theatre starring in The Girl in the Yellow Dress.
“Oddly enough (given his role in Rhythm City), I played a French-Congolese student,” he laughs.
On bagging the Rhythm City role of William, who is a Congolese GP who, because of the violence, flees to SA and ends up working as a cleaner at the hospital where Tshidi Khuse is an intern, he says: “After The Wild, I was looking for another place to settle. Then my agent told me about Rhythm City and the role. I felt confident about playing the character. And, so far, I have been loving it.”
Although his contract is for three months, given the scope for the character, Ramabulana could very well see his stint extended, should viewers warm to the character and his battle with xenophobia. The actor says working alongside Nokuthula Ledwaba (Tshidi) has been most enjoyable as they share the same ethos as actors.
“We quickly realised we both have a great passion for acting. And that made it more comfortable for us to do justice to our romantic storyline. She is also very down-to-earth,” he says.
As for playing a character who, in leaving behind his career as a doctor, has to adjust to the low-level job of being a cleaner, Ramabulana says: “I approach every character the same. They are just people reacting to a given set of circumstances. What the writers and myself discussed is ensuring William comes across as genuine. Someone with a lot of pride and integrity despite his current status. At the end of the day, it is really about survival for him.”
Working alongside industry stalwarts such as Connie Chiume (Mamokete) and Setlhabi Taunyane (Kops) was nerve-wracking at first, but the actor says their warmth helped bridge the experience divide. And, it looks like Ramabulana might return to the big screen sooner than he expected – he is looking at a few possible projects, but can’t divulge more. And there are his plays, two in fact – Identity Pending and Hayani – which he co-wrote with a close friend and have yet to be staged.
Rhythm City viewers can catch Ramabulana on the small screen on e.tv at 6.30 tonight.