Kwanele Mthethwa: from TikTok Star to Actress

by | Dec 14, 2021 | CSA Celebrates, Entertainment, Talent

  • Providence: SOUTH AFRICA
  • Small screen beginnings.
  • “No more fooling around, I’m an actress.”
  • To the movies.
  • Telling important stories.

South African talent keeps shattering the notions of how and what entertainment should look like. Kwanele Mthethwa was undoubtedly a TikTok star, with her formidable 209.9k following and enviable 1.6 million likes. Her charisma and talent are clear, but the WIRE powered by CSA is celebrating her elegant leap from the video app platform to the world of acting.

Small screen beginnings.

There is no mistaking that the Durban-born actress would land somewhere in show biz. In an interview on Jongalist.com she shares: “I’ve always wanted to be in the entertainment industry, whether it be singing, presenting, or acting, but my strength lies in acting and singing. I am a singer, even though I haven’t put out any music yet. I started out just doing Tik Tok videos as I liked imitating people and acting out some of the scenes I’ve seen in movies. I found myself getting good at it and I started getting a huge following on TikTok. That’s how it all started, and I then developed an interest in storytelling.”

@kwanele.xx

inspired by @itzdaniel04 weird and not ashamed

♬ Its a compliment - lily
@kwanele.xx

inspired by @daniellerenaee for your info I can handle my alcohol ?

♬ original sound - Miranda crisp

No more fooling around, I’m an actress.

TikTok would serve as a bootcamp for Kwanele to hone her instincts. Her acting debut in Mzansi Magic’s drama series, Isithembiso was well received. Although the show was axed after one season, it was a critical hit with multiple South African Film and Television (SAFTA) awards.

To the movies.

Undaunted, Kwanele then landed her first lead role in the Mzansi Magic movie Intandatho Yokukhanya, starring alongside veteran actors Muzi Mthabela (Isibaya) and Mpho J Molepo. The supernatural thriller in the tradition of “Bioscope” films tells the story of a timid and overly cautious girl who discovers her parent’s spirits were taken by the dark one. Her mission is to save them and others before they are all turned into evil spirits for eternity.

Kwanele is a working actress now, starring in season 2 of Abomama, but it is also her recent role on the movie Umakoti Wethu, streaming first on Showmax, that has steered critical attention to her serious talent. In the film, Kwanele plays the role of Nobuhle, a respectful small-town girl who works at her father’s tuck shop. A rumor surfaces in the community that she is gay. As a result, her parents orchestrate an arranged marriage with a polygamist to kill the rumors, but things don’t go exactly to plan.

Telling important stories.

The film is poignant – especially topical in the light of extensive gender-based violence – and important given the recent violent and deadly attacks experienced by the LGBTQI PLUS community. Kwanele’s message is heartfelt:” I just want people to understand what queer people go through almost every single day of their lives. I also hope that people will learn that sometimes you should do what you want because life is too short.”

Kwanele Mthethwa is undeniably a talent to watch through 2022.

C.S.A.’s monthly cultural portal, The WIRE connects the dots of culture. With concise stories, many with video content, take a premium dive into the world of African entertainment & cultural fluidity. It’s one thing to be hip to what’s happening but it is another to know why.

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