Tell us about Thobani, growing up in Fort Beaufort, how were you like as a child?
As a child i was very naughty, i mean like any othe kid. But my gran taught me well, she taught me respect and persistence.
Did the place you grew up in had an influence in your decision of wanting to be an actor?
Not really, i mean from the day i was born i think me and both my parents knew ukuthi i was born to entertain and tell stories.
You moved to JHB 2009 to pursue your dream of being an actor, was the move as easy as you thought or you had to face the JHB struggle first?
Moving to Joburg was not easy at all, i worked on Generations as an extra. I worked 12 hours a day and i earned R140, but because of the passion i have for acting i had to be strong. If you survive in Joburg trust me you can survive anything.
You worked as a waiter when you got to JHB, how did that motivate you not to lose the vision you had when you left Fort Beaufort?
Working as a waitor helped me alot i won't lie, the tips helped me to be able to move around Jozi. Working and studying is no child's play trust me. I had to focus and i had no choice but to prioritise.
How did you land your first acting gig and take us through the emotions that came with that?
My first acting Gig was Intersexions2 on Sabc1, yho when my agent called me to give me the good news i could not help but cry. I thanked GOD and i made a promise to GOD that i will not disappoint him.
2015 you landed a starring role Bhonyongo, a very interesting character i must say, how do you prepare so that you bring the right amount of realism ans emotions to a scene?
When God blessed me with that Bhonyongo character i told myself i need to make God, myself, my family and the nation proud. Working with Rolie Nikiwe, Charmaine Mtinta and Amanda Quwe has always been my dream. I mean growing up in the dusty streets of Fort Beaufort was not easy at all so i had no choice but to give that role my everything.
and Amanda Quwe has always been my dream. I mean growing up in the dusty streets of Fort Beaufort was not easy at all so i had no choice but to give that role my everything.
What is the most extreme change to your personality or body that you have done to land a role or roles?
Nothing drastic, i just had to gain weight for the Bhonyongo character and it worked perfectly.
You conduct acting workshops for young people interested in acting, how did that come about and what are you hoping to achieve with that?
I conduct the workshops under my company"Thobani Mseleni Entertainment"
Most people think its easy to act, they dont understand the industry at all. So what i do i teach them about everything within the industry, i train them to be better than others and i always tell them never try to be someone else. So its really helping alot of people.
Tell us more about Thobani Mseleni entertainment company?
Thobani Mseleni Entertainment aims to changing lives of the youth, not just the youth but anyone that lives on this earth. I do motivational talks at schools, community development.
Any word of advise to young and upcoming actors and your fans who look up to you?
Never let anyone tell you, you cant do it. Ive been rejected for more than 5 years but i never gave up. Always ask God for guidance and never allow unnecessary things like relationships, drugs, alcohol distract you. Remember: The essence of reward is patience
By
Khanyisile Maseko