Uzalo’s Majozi lands big movie role 

Thabisile Khomo

Well acclaimed comedian and actor, Simphiwe Majozi hopes to light up his fans’ hearts with a new development in his career. The KZN-born star, who plays S’bu Makhathini on SABC 1’s​ telenovela Uzalo, landed one of the lead roles in a new comedy movie called ‘Mzamo’ that premiered at Mzansi cinemas recently.

In this fun-filled production which is an offering of Njabulo Media, Simphiwe co-stars with veteran actor, Mncedisi Shabangu of Khulekani Ngobese fame in e.tv’s Rythm City.

“It was shot at Vosloorus in Gauteng during the beginning of​ lockdown months last year. Mncedisi and I are both main characters. I play the first main character Mzamo, a naughty and funny married man who cheats on his wife. Mncedisi plays the second main character James who also does the same. Our combination is crazy and our fans will laugh until their stomachs hurt. Laughter is therapeutic and I love it when people laugh and get healed from their daily struggles,” said Simphiwe laughingly.

He continued that initially, the writers and directors of the production intended to have simple romantic drama as the outcome.

“But things unexpectedly took a different turn when we started shooting. It turned out to be a comedy movie. Mncedisi and I get along very well and we both have a good sense of humour. Our working relationship dates back to 2014 when we both worked in Bheki Mkhwane’ theatre play called ‘Have We Been Heard’,” he said.

Simphiwe told the Purpose Magazine that he still draws his inspiration from the late legendary Joe Mafela, especially because he had a good relationship with him.

“He was my biggest role model when I grew up. Even after his death, he still is. Mafela is the only Mzansi comedic actor who impressed me at a young age. He had a very good sense of humour and would utter something very funny with a very straight face. He never worked very hard to convince people that he was a humorous man,” he added.

Reminiscing about the golden moments he shared with the late Thohoyandou  born star, Simphiwe said in 2017 his biggest dream was fulfilled when he got to meet ‘Sdumo’ in-person.

“We were attending the South African Traditional Music Awards at the University of Zululand. A person came to me and said Mafela was calling me inside the venue where the event was held. When I got there, the star said he had long wished to meet me.

“He complimented my acting skills and wished me all the best in the industry. He advised me to stay focused and not to drop the ball, saying my future in acting seemed very bright. That alone lifted my spirit,” continued Simphiwe.

He said in less than five years to come, he sees himself having a very big television production of his own.