Muvhango actress Liteboho Molise, popularly known as Tebogo, chats about her acting career and joining the natural hair movement.
By: Fundiswa Nkwanyana
1. My acting career kicked off in 2012 with Muvhango. I remember going to the auditions and asking myself why I was there because I was not an actress. But, something inside me pushed me to go still. The auditions were intimidating, but I managed to impress the panel, and the rest is history.
2. The growth of my character Tebogo continues to amaze me. When I got the gig, I was told that it would be a three-month contract, so I thank God that the character continues to grow. I love Tebogo because she is feisty and unpredictable. It’s funny that the viewers love to hate her, but the overall response has been great.
3. When I started acting, the producers and directors shaved off all my hair. I was surprised and shattered because I had long relaxed hair, which I loved. Having my hair cut off moved me to embrace myself without being defined by my look. Looking back, I’m glad they shaved it off because it forced me to go on a life-changing journey.
4. The natural hair protest by students from Pretoria Girls High moved me to fully embrace my natural hair. I have had natural hair for a while, but I used to S-curl it or blow-dry it. After seeing school girls protesting for the right to have their natural hair, I was moved to join them and recently decided to fully embrace the natural hair movement with BLM. I am a mother to a beautiful daughter, and it is important for me to lead by example.
5. Joining the natural hair movement has been amazing. Today, I proudly and boldly wear my natural hair to celebrate myself as an African woman. Natural hair for me is more than just a fashion statement – it’s an affirmation of my culture and identity. I’ve tried so many styles over the years, and ultimately, it’s my natural hair that makes me feel the most beautiful and confident.
