e.TV’s Nikiwe bags 100 episodes and Lungelo Mpangase shares her experiences on the show
E.tv’s local daily drama Nikiwe, produced by duo Thomas Gumede and Lungile Radu, recently celebrated its milestone of airing its 100th episode this past week.
The star-studded telenovela is set against the backdrop of Soweto’s Diepkloof Extension, the telenovela introduces the complex lives of the Radebe family led by the formidable Themba “Bhungane” Radebe, who is married to Mirriam Radebe, the couple shared a loving bond and together, yet destiny took an unexpected turn during a night meant for celebration, forever altering the course of the Radebes’ lives.
The show features actors such as veteran actress Clementine Mosimane, Kenneth Nkosi, Liopelo Maphate, Lehlohonolo Moloi, Israel Zulu, Bheki Mkhwane, Dududzile Ngcobo and the lead actress Lungelo Mpangase.
Lungelo spoke to Frontpage and had the following to say:
FP: How has it been like playing the lead role of Nikiwe?
LM: It’s been amazing. It has also been a rollercoaster in terms of the emotions, the things that she goes through. Just being an ordinary child and then next she has to take up so much responsibility. It’s been challenging but also so beautiful to see the character grow and unfold.
FP: Taking a character that the entire show is named after must come with some pressures. Were there any for you?
LM: It wasn’t that hard as I didn’t have to do anything different than what I had been doing in all the other lead shows that I played before. When I heard that the show is named after my character, I wondered what that meant but it turned out to be another lead role. It comes with equal responsibilities of any other lead role.
FP: Did you have to audition for the role?
LM: I auditioned for Nikiwe before it was named Nikiwe. It was called Umthwalo then and I never knew that it would change until the day we went for script reading.
FP: How has it been working alongside the incredible cast that you are acting with?
LM: Amazing. We are always helping each other grow, we are always letting each other shine. If it’s your scene, I’ll support you because I understand that this is your time. I found that we all have that relationship towards each other and it’s been amazing.
FP: What does it mean for a show to reach its 100th episode?
LM: It’s a big deal like any other thing. If you keep doing something and reach a milestone like the 100th mark, it is worth celebrating. It means you are consistent and kept putting in the work even though the road to it might have been challenging. And because there are no easy days, you pull through and that means a lot. So we celebrate the stride we have made as an entire team.
FP: What about the show do you think is making people watch?
LM: It’s different. It tackles real stories, the hood that we know. It is relatable, original and not far fetched nor is it make believe. These are stories that happen everyday, when you look at the families – you can relate. Most importantly, it is fun. Really fun