Lesedi Nkosi has bagged her first television acting role, on Queen Modjadji. The industry newcomer stars as Kheale, the king's favourite daughter, alongside thespian Thabo Bopape.
We chatted with Nkosi recently and got to know her and the character she portrays.
Mzansi Magic (MM): What did you do when you learnt you landed the role of Kheale?
Lesedi Nkosi (LN): I was so excited because this was a dream come true for me. It’s my very first acting gig, and it also happens that it’s on a massive production and in my home language, Khelovedu.
MM: How did you prepare for the role?
LN: For me, preparing for this role wasn’t hard, because last year I was part of a theatre show where I played a similar role, so I could already relate.
MM: What did this role allow you to do as an actor that you had not done before?
LN: I had to reveal my body, which is something I’ve never done before. I wasn’t comfortable with my body from a young age. I wasn’t comfortable with revealing my breasts. It was quite challenging for me, but I did it because I got to understand that my body is a tool, and I decided to be an actress.
MM: Can you share any fun or funny behind-the-scenes stories?
LN: The language and the pronunciation of our names. The crew couldn’t pronounce the name Kheale. They kept saying “Khaele”. Also, our directors were super amazing. We had fun and laughed with them.
MM: Had you worked with any of the cast before?
LN: No, I had never worked with this cast before. It was my first time. I feel like it’s a great opportunity. It's a breakthrough and a dream come true because it’s my first time working with big people. People I’ve only seen on television.
One would think swimming with the big fish would make you drown, but in this instance, they taught me how to swim. They never made me feel small. Instead, I felt like I'd been doing this for a long time. It has been a pleasure working with them.
MM: How did you tackle the language? Was it new or familiar to you?
LN: I am familiar with the language. There are however some things I didn’t know and had to learn. It was very informative.
MM: If you had to give yourself a royal name (e.g. the Rain Queen), what would it be?
LN: It would be Mapula, the rain mother.
MM: Are you watching the show? Who are you watching it with?
LN: I'm watching the show with my family and we enjoy it. It's a beautiful show.
MM: What do you hope people take away or learn from watching Queen Modjadji?
LN: Khelovedu as we know was never recognised as a language. I hope that people right now know that we exist in this country, and we also have some mysteries. We have a Rain Queen.
MM: What are you watching on DStv?
LN: I’m watching Gqeberha: The Empire.
Watch Queen Modjadji every Sunday at 20:00 on Mzansi Magic or stream it on DStv Stream. Join the conversation on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok using #QueenModjadjiMzansi.