Of life changes for Daddy’s little girl
NTANDO Duma is young, beautiful and blessed with a vivacious personality. In the past three years, she has experienced what it is like to work in the retail industry before going on to explore the administrative world. But none of those posts made her come as alive as she is in front of the camera.
She was propelled into the world of showbiz when she emerged as one of the two winners of last year’s Craz-e Presenter Search.
In the entertainment industry, as much as doors can slam shut rather fast, they also open as easily for promising talent.
Such has been Duma’s good fortune – her work as a presenter became the catalyst in her bagging her debut role in e.tv’s Rhythm City.
She shares: “I’ve been wanting to be an actress. It wasn’t something I expected to come at this moment. But I have always wanted to explore the industry as a whole. Honestly, I don’t know anything about acting – I’m still wondering how I got this (role).”
Humility aside, she clearly gave a fantastic audition to have clinched the part of Zinzi Dandala, Doc’s (played by Dumisani Mbebe) defiant 16-year-old daughter.
Shedding light on her character, Duma notes: “Zinzi is a troublemaker. One thing I know about her – and it’s what I like about her – is that she is really smart and a go-getter. She loves taking risks and is unpredictable.”
Of course, that means that she finds herself in a litany of Catch-22 situations, being rescued by either her cousin Thandeka (played by Hlubi Mboya) or Daddy dearest.
She also has lots of praise for her two co-stars: “Dumisani has been amazing. At first, this was so emotional (an experience) for me. I didn’t fully understand what acting was about – two months later, I do. I’m even more passionate about it.
“I love Hlubi. She has been helping me so much. We also have performance coaches who have been incredible – and the directors as well. Me listening and following orders has made it easier to get into it.
“I won’t lie to you, when I started, it was the worst feeling ever. I was anxious. And I knew I had to work hard. With me, if there is something I want, I go for it immediately.”
Aside from finding her rhythm now, she is delighting in her character’s wardrobe.
Duma admits: “I love it so much, I would wear what Zinzi wears. I love showing skin and legs and I’m very comfortable in Zinzi’s wardrobe. Like her, I’m comfortable in my own skin.”
In case you are wondering if, given their almost sibling relationship, Zinzi and Thandeka have a rivalry going, think again.
The actress shares: “They are cousins, but they grew up together.
“In many ways, they are like biological siblings, who fight and love each other. Whenever Zinzi is in trouble, Thandeka gets her out of it and gives her advice.”
While Zinzi is a wild card in the storyline, she is entertaining in the same breath.
Interestingly, she hasn’t relinquished her presenting days.
At the moment she is juggling both callings… and studying Media Practices at Boston Media House.
Fans can catch Ntando Duma on
which airs on e.tv on weekdays, 7pm.