Man Oh Man – Thato Molamu
After 13 years in acting, THATO MOLAMU, 32, says his career is only now taking shape. He chats to us about this competitive industry.
Thato Molamu’s character, the ruthless Maru Makhetha on local soapie Greed & Desire, is so popular that rapper Get more made a song about it. Thato’s wanted to act since he was a boy in Mafikeng and appreciates it when fans recognise his effort. Maru is his first leading role but his big break came from playing Nicholas Nomvete on Generations, in 2010, before he and most of the original cast were fired from the show in 2014. Thato first made it onto TV in an episode of the HIV drama series, Inter sextions, playing a prison rape survivor.
“I was after a TV career since 2003 but it only kicked off seven years later. I did drama at TUT and only completed the first year because my mom couldn’t afford the fees. I then went to film school for a year but my aunt Snowy couldn’t afford it and I also dropped out. Before TV, I slowly grew my name at the Pretoria State Theatre by starring in a variety of productions. 2010 was a good year because I received a bursary to study at Europe’s Royal Shakespeare Company, where I spent two months studying the author’s work.” That same year he also starred in Ma Brr: The Musical, about Brenda Fassie.
Being part of Greed & Desire…
“Reminds me of mafia movies like The Godfather, which I loved as a kid. Maru killed his father and is dealing with the guilt but everything he does, just like in mafia movies, is for his family.”
I’m very particular about roles I play...
“I’ve turned down roles because they would discredit me. I’m currently sending my CV to Hollywood agencies and using Maru as a benchmark for my work. Greed & Desire has given me the confidence to show the world what I can do.”
When one door closes another opens…
“Is true because had I not left Generations, my career wouldn’t have grown. I knew Generations wouldn’t be the end. I’m also hosting All Access and also a show on East Coast Radio, every Sunday from 10am to 2pm. I’ve always wanted to be on radio and previously was at Voice of Tembisa. I’m also focused on my company, Gwede Media. We’re slowly growing and are in the process of making our first film.”
Walking out of Generations was…
“Satisfying. Our protest was so effective that the show came to a halt to rebrand. Some of us hadn’t received a raise in two years and got increments of as little as R50. We showed the country how actors get cheated. The soapie did, however, give me my big break.”
Financially things are…
“Comfortable. Six years into the business and I have only now started living the life I wanted. I’m grateful both my children’s mothers were supportive and believed I would make it one day. The main challenge now is seeing my two kids, who stay with my mother in Mafikeng. It’s hard seeing them because of my tight schedule.”
I wish to set the record straight…
“I met my son’s mother, Bongi Ndaba, before she was a writer on Generations and was never given preference because of her. I also never dated Xoli Zondi, who played Zodwa in the soapie. The perception is that I’m not friendly. I won’t say who I’m dating but I am in a serious relationship.”
In 2017 I want to…
“Expand Gwede Media and release my own productions while hopefully branching out as an international actor. Watch out for the work I’ll be doing with actor Motlatse Mafatshe (Isidingo’s Sechaba). I’m also a budding stand-up comedian and have started doing gigs. I’m also going back to soapies and am in negotiations on one of the big ones. Keep your ears to the ground.”