Outlaws, set to premiere on 6 September, is the latest Showmax Original show to grace our television screens. Starring TV legends such as Mmabatho Mogomotsi, Siyabonga Shibe and Nolwazi Shange, Outlaws also showcases fresh faces Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku, Mnqobi Kunene and Lehlohonolo Mayeza.
Set in the lush but lawless land on the border between Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal, Outlaws is the story of two families at war with each other: The Zulu, cattle-farming Biyela clan and the Basotho, cattle-raiding Tseoles.
Without giving to much away, Nirvana, Mnqobi, and Lehlohonolo share brief descriptions of their characters as well as what it was like on set and what viewers can expect.
Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku
Nirvana, who is an actor, musician, model, and activist, hails from Johannesburg, although she largely identifies with her roots in KwaMashu in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Playing a doctor, Nirvana describes her character Sihle Biyela as the princess of the family who has a humble and gentle heart. “She’s very self sacrificial and doesn’t allow herself enough grace to feel her own feelings.”
Sihle also has a close relationship with her brother Bandile (played by Thembinkosi Mthembu) and her father Bheki (played by Siyabonga Shibe). “She loves them both dearly,” Nirvana tells BONA. “They are a trio of sorts with their own special bond. Sihle’s love for Bandile is largely her duty to her. She doesn’t really know all of herself so she’s never really shown all of herself to her brother, which is exciting because she’s discovering herself and so is Bandile.”
Mnqobi Kunene
Originally from Emondlo and now residing in Johannesburg, Mnqobi’s character Kwanele is a man who has lived his whole life under his father’s shadow. The budding actor describes Kwanele as “your typical young Zulu man who has been in love with the same person since childhood,” that person being Sihle. “The chemistry between Kwanele and Sihle is really good in the beginning of the story because they have known each other since they were still teenagers but there’s also a twist,” hints Mnqobi to BONA.
Lehlohonolo Mayeza
Lehlohonolo is a Mosotho man, born and raised in the remote areas of Lesotho in Thaba-tseka Mashai constituency, Ha-Tjope village. “I went to Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. I am holding a degree in film production and TV. I am an actor, author, writer, director, cinematographer and editor,” he proudly shares.
While talking about his character Leruo, Lehlohonolo shares with BONA that he is also a Mosotho man. However, he does not know much about the urban life due to him being raised in the mountains of Lesotho where his late father left him a legacy to keep.
The three actors also shared what it was like working with the cast and crew.
Nirvana shares that she found family in the Outlaws team while also creating very special bonds with people. “There were so many people that it would take a long time to mention that I absolutely cherished and adored and they know our bond. I really grew on this set.” Mnqobi shared the same sentiments, stating that the entire cast created a positive environment to break into the industry in.
Regarding what viewers can expect, Lehlohonolo shared, “To the viewers, this is the best epic drama or TV series ever produced in South Africa. I think it is the first of its own kind. We are talking about two great nations with history, at loggerheads, one would never ever regret watching it.”
