The Rise of Bonani Ngamlane: From Samora Machel to Netflix Stardom

Bonani Ngamlane’s rise from humble beginnings in Samora Machel to starring in Netflix’s newest South African series, “The Queenstown Kings,” is a tale of triumph and dedication to his community. Ngamlane didn’t just want to achieve personal success, he also wanted to help his community ascend. He recently established his production company, Black Seed Productions, to act as a launchpad for emerging talents from his community. Ngamlane’s story is one of resilience and giving back, and he hopes to inspire future generations.

The Rise of Bonani Ngamlane: From Samora Machel to Netflix Stardom. South African actor, Bonani Ngamlane, rose from humble beginnings in Samora Machel to star in Netflix’s newest South African series, “The Queenstown Kings.” Ngamlane’s pursuit wasn’t solely about personal ambition but also to help his community ascend. He recently established his production company, Black Seed Productions, to act as a launchpad for emerging talents from his community.

Section 1: Humble Beginnings and a Dream

South African acting marvel, Bonani Ngamlane, carved an intriguing tale of triumph, resilience, and dedication to his community’s revitalization, rising from the common roots of Samora Machel, Philippi, to the lofty peaks of Netflix’s newest South African series, “The Queenstown Kings.”

Ngamlane’s story unfurls in the modest confines of his community centre in Samora Machel, where he wasn’t born with a silver spoon, but where he deftly mastered the silver screen. He started his journey by enacting roles in plays, his spirit always yearned to join forces with Jahmil X. Qubeka, amongst South Africa’s most esteemed directors.

His aspiration came true in a rather unconventional setting – a shack where he carried out a life-changing audition. He recollects, with a hint of amusement, how he had to hastily clear his bed and wardrobe out of the way to improvise an auditioning area.

Section 2: Giving Back to the Community

However, Ngamlane’s pursuit was not solely about accomplishing personal ambitions. His triumph was entwined with a firm resolve to help his community ascend. Assisted by Hlubi Nontlanga, his drama professor from Wits University, Ngamlane organized a three-day seminar for budding actors in Philippi. This was under the aegis of Samora Machel Kas’lam Arts Platform (SAMI’KAP), an initiative aimed to capture the unique ‘kasi culture’ of Samora and instil the belief in young hearts that their dreams are achievable.

The venture took place between 28th November and 1st December. It concluded with a splendid event where the children enthusiastically performed short plays at the Tsoga centre in Samora Machel. Ngamlane stressed the significance of parental participation in children’s activities, encouraging the youth to involve their parents proactively in their artistic endeavours. He is convinced that this is essential in receiving the suitable backing to cultivate their dreams.

Section 3: The Rise to Stardom

Bonani Ngamlane’s leap to fame occurred when he played a part in the Netflix drama “The Queenstown Kings,” which debuted on 17th November. He portrayed Qhawe Jobodwana, a vibrant member of the Queenstown Kings football team. Directed by Qubeka and produced by Layla Swart via Yellowbone Entertainment, the series presents the tale of the 16-year-old soccer prodigy Fezile Gigaba from Komani.

This acting voyage led Ngamlane to interact with renowned actors like Zolisa Xaluva, Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, Thoko Ntshinga, and Sandile Vincent Mahlangu. He acknowledges Xaluva for mentoring young actors on their professional conduct and how to manoeuvre the precarious landscape of the entertainment industry.

Section 4: The Journey and Future Endeavours

Born in Eastern Cape, Ngamlane spent a significant part of his life in Samora Machel, Cape Town. He ventured into acting at 15, participating in theatre performances and becoming a part of a local drama group at the Tsoga Community Centre in Samora. His initiation into the professional stage was through the Zabalaza Theatre Festival at the Baxter Theatre during his high school days. His role in the play “Uloyiko” led him on an enthralling tour, including a phase at the esteemed Market Theatre in Joburg.

Presently, Ngamlane is pursuing a Bachelor in Dramatic Arts at Wits University alongside participating in the DOCi-Emerging Filmmakers Programme. He gratefully acknowledges his family’s unwavering support as a fundamental pillar of his career.

In an exciting development, Ngamlane has taken the lead in establishing his production company, Black Seed Productions. The company is made up of a devoted team of local actors who have been appearing in plays written by Ngamlane. He aspires that his initiative will act as a launchpad for many emerging talents from his community, thereby ensuring that the vivid ‘kasi culture’ of Samora Machel continues to flourish and inspire future generations.

1. Where did Bonani Ngamlane grow up and how did he start his acting career?

Bonani Ngamlane grew up in Samora Machel, Cape Town and started his acting career by participating in theatre performances and becoming a part of a local drama group at the Tsoga Community Centre in Samora.

2. What is Samora Machel Kas’lam Arts Platform (SAMI’KAP) and how did Ngamlane contribute to it?

Samora Machel Kas’lam Arts Platform (SAMI’KAP) is an initiative aimed at capturing the unique ‘kasi culture’ of Samora and instilling the belief in young hearts that their dreams are achievable. Ngamlane, with the assistance of his drama professor from Wits University, organized a three-day seminar for budding actors in Philippi under the aegis of SAMI’KAP, to help emerging talents from his community.

3. What was Bonani Ngamlane’s role in the Netflix series “The Queenstown Kings”?

Bonani Ngamlane played the role of Qhawe Jobodwana, a vibrant member of the Queenstown Kings football team, in the Netflix series “The Queenstown Kings.”

4. What is Black Seed Productions and what is Ngamlane’s goal for it?

Black Seed Productions is Bonani Ngamlane’s production company, made up of a devoted team of local actors who have been appearing in plays written by Ngamlane. His goal for the company is to act as a launchpad for many emerging talents from his community, thereby ensuring that the vivid ‘kasi culture’ of Samora Machel continues to flourish and inspire future generations.

5. What other actors has Ngamlane worked with?

Ngamlane has worked with renowned actors like Zolisa Xaluva, Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, Thoko Ntshinga, and Sandile Vincent Mahlangu, among others.

6. What is Ngamlane currently pursuing?

Currently, Ngamlane is pursuing a Bachelor in Dramatic Arts at Wits University alongside participating in the DOCi-Emerging Filmmakers Programme.