MY HOMETOWN: NKANYISO MCHUNU

Actor, musician and model Nkanyiso Mchunu has made Mzansi laugh, love, and cry with his roles on hit shows, including Imbewu: The Seed, Ingozi, Muvhango, and Skwizas. He has come a long way from the dusty streets of Imbali, Pietermaritzburg, but even the bright lights of fame don’t warm his heart like his hometown. Kyle Zeeman speaks to him about living and playing in the province

I GREW UP IN Imbali, Pietermaritzburg. The area was plagued by drugs and many parents feared for their children’s future. My father and other men in the area came together to form a soccer club for boys in the community to keep us all off the streets and out of trouble.

I WENT TO SCHOOL AT

Sinamuva Primary School and Mehlokazulu Secondary School. That was where my love for the Ekasi grew. I realised that while living in the township might have its problems, it has a sense of community you seldom get anywhere else.

MY PARENTS WANTED ME TO BE AN ATHLETE,

They showed us how to go to Gauteng, grab the bull by the horns and bring it back home

but I was rubbish at it. They would force me to go to soccer practice, but I told them I wanted to be a performer. Even at a young age, I knew I wanted to tell stories and touch people’s lives through the arts.

THE PROVINCE HELPED ME BREAK INTO THE INDUSTRY.

When I was still a teenager, I entered a music competition hosted by the health department and judged by Zwai Bala and Jabu “Okumhlophe” Sithole. Some friends and I created a rap song to bring awareness about the HIV/Aids epidemic.

I PERFORMED AT 16 WITH MANDOZA AND DEBORAH FRASER AT KINGS PARK STADIUM.

I was just a kid and sharing the stage with legends. It was surreal! It was my first taste of fame and I was hooked.

I MOVED TO JOBURG FOR 12 YEARS BUT MISSED HOME.

After matric, I left KwaZulu-Natal to study music. I landed my first job in Gauteng, but work brought me back here and I am so happy. Nothing feels better than home.

I WALKED INTO THE THEATRE A FAN, AND OUT AN ACTOR.

I fell in love with acting when a friend of mine invited me to the State Theatre in Pretoria to watch Sello Maake Ka-Ncube in Rivonia Trial. When I came out of that show, I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

I ALWAYS LOOKED UP TO BABA MBONGENI NGEMA, DJ SOX AND DJ TIRA FROM KZN.

They showed us how to go to Gauteng, grab the bull by the horns and bring it back home. It was tough for local entertainers to look for inspiration when everyone around them was leaving the province.

THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IN THE PROVINCE IS DOING WELL.

There are more opportunities now than there have been in the past. We have three KZN-based TV shows, several production companies and numerous record labels. We also have some of the most talented actors and musicians working and residing in the province. We are growing and it’s exciting.

PRODUCER DUMA NDLOVU IS ONE OF THOSE AT THE CENTRE OF IT.

He has given us Muvhango, Imbewu: The Seed, and Uzalo. Not only has he shown TV audiences the best of KZN through his productions, but has also opened the industry to so many young performers on stage, on screens, and in the music industry.

UBUNTU IS SOMETHING WE LIVE.

Caring for others is not just a saying, we really live it in KZN. We look out for each other. You don’t even need to ask for help; if someone sees you are struggling they will step in and get involved.

I LOVE HOW WE EMBRACE OUR CULTURES.

The people of KZN love their heritage and language. We embrace who we are and protect it. There is a shared identity in that, which makes us all family and responsible for each other.

MY FAVOURITE SPOT IN THE

PROVINCE has to be Max’s Lifestyle in Umlazi. Max Mqadi has transformed what used to be a spaza shop into a thriving cultural village you can see from kilometres away. It is a monument to black excellence, alongside Maponya Mall, and evidence to everyone in the area that we can come from nothing and make something iconic.

IF YOU WANT A TASTE OF WHAT THE WORLD THINKS AFRICA IS LIKE,

you need to visit Ngodini Bunduz in Eshowe. It gives you a sense of what life would have been like before civilisation.

WHEN I WANT A DAY AT THE BEACH I HIT AMANZIMTOTI.

Growing up, we used to head to Durban beaches for a day in the sun and sand but I now take my family to Toti. The beaches are beautiful and not too crowded. There are also two spots you can choose from: near the rock pools or on the open beach. It’s a gem.

I GOT MY FIRST JOB AT LIBERTY MALL

in Pietermaritzburg. So when I want to feel nostalgic, I hit the mall.

I LIKE TO KEEP IT LOCAL.

I frequent Mojos Carwash and Shisanyama near Mayville and Chesterville in Durban, and Touch of Class in Pietermaritzburg. I grew up in the township and always keep that with me.

THE FLOODS CAUSED UNTOLD DEVASTATION AND HEARTBREAK.

There is nothing worse than getting a call saying someone you know has died. I have a friend whose brother lost his wife and children. How do you even begin to console someone in that position? It was a dark moment in our history. It affected a lot of people, and it’s still affecting so many.

I SAW THE BEST OF HUMANITY IN THE DAYS AFTER THE FLOODS.

When shacks near Umgeni Road were destroyed in the floods, the most heartwarming moment was seeing people — so many of them — banding together to help those who had just lost their homes and possessions.

MY ADVICE TO ASPIRING ACTORS AND MUSICIANS

would be to get training. We rush to get into the industry, but miss the theory. As a creative, you need to tap into another realm, and studying the arts gives you that edge. You also need a thick skin because you will likely be rejected more than you will get the job. You need to see a “no” as a learning process and not a failure.