Nyaniso Dzedze, the renowned actor from South Africa, has lately been in the spotlight due to his recent performance in the much-loved SABC1 soap opera, “Skeem Saam.” Recognized for his ability to take on a wide range of roles, Dzedze has earned critical acclaim for his impressive depiction of Nkosi, a character he aspires to use to influence young males throughout the country.
Dzedze has openly expressed his excitement over playing the role of Nkosi, viewing this character as a stark divergence from the villainous roles he’s frequently ended up performing on television. In a frank conversation with Sowetan, he disclosed how most of his previous television roles have seen him embodying the antagonist rather than the protagonist. Nkosi, he feels, is a welcome departure for him. As a character, Nkosi is portrayed as someone who is strong in his beliefs and doesn’t succumb to intimidation, even from powerful characters like Lehasa, who is portrayed by Cedric Fourie.
A Shift in Narrative
Enthusiasts of “Skeem Saam” can anticipate a change in the storyline, propelled by Nkosi’s character who will compel Lehasa to face the ramifications of his actions. However, this confrontation may not follow the usual melodramatic pattern of soap operas. As affirmed by entertainment analyst Phil Mphela, Dzedze made his premiere in the soap opera on February 12, introducing a character deeply embedded in moral integrity.
In another commendable achievement, Dzedze recently took on a role in the Netflix series, “Soon Comes Night,” where he played the role of Khumalo. This marked his first collaboration with the international streaming platform. He shares the screen with Kwenzo Ngcobo, a distinguished actor from “The Wife,” who portrays a liberation champion-turned-heist master named Alex Shabane.
Exciting Roles and Personal Milestones
Dzedze’s journey as Khumalo proved to be an exhilarating experience, one that he felt signified a crucial landmark in his acting journey. He publicly voiced his thrill on his Instagram account, where he regularly interacts with his fans, providing insights into his professional life and glimpses into his personal journey.
However, not all characters Dzedze has portrayed have been fulfilling. His role as Dr. Dhlomo in “Durban Gen” proved challenging for him due to its close resemblance to his personal life. Dr. Dhlomo is an abusive husband, a narrative that was uncomfortably familiar to Dzedze. He admitted, “Playing this character felt like I was re-living my mother’s experiences with my father.”
Roles That Resonate
Dzedze’s father was abusive, which made him struggle to reconcile with this aspect of his past. Taking on this role was so emotionally taxing that he even contemplated giving it up. In an Instagram post, he revealed that he had called his agent in tears, struggling to separate his personal experiences from the character’s story. Nevertheless, he chose to persist, channeling his personal experiences to elevate his performance and bring a touch of realism to the character.
Through his diverse roles, Nyaniso Dzedze showcases the immense power of acting as a medium of storytelling – to inspire, confront, and even heal. His career stands as a testament to the transformational power of television and film, as well as the significance of raw, honest performances that strike a chord with audiences on a profoundly personal level.
