Actress and model Buhle Samuels is reprising her role on soapie Muvhango as the devious Matshidiso. She chats to us about why she left, and what to expect from her return. By Kwanele Mathebula
I grew up in Protea North, Soweto. I was raised by my parents along with my older sister. I was shy as a child. So, my mom suggested that I enter beauty pageants because she believed that they would help build my confidence. Indeed they helped me to become a strong and independent person. Growing up, and even now as an adult, I didn’t have many friends because I enjoyed being on my own.
SEE ALSO: 5 minutes with actress Mathabo Mothibe
Speaking things into existence helped me to get them in life. Growing up, I knew that I wanted to be in the entertainment industry. When I got my first job at Good Morning Africa, I didn’t know anything about cameras or how to work them. After that, I started attending acting classes. This gave me the confidence to attend auditions for The Lion King. Two years later, the producers of Muvhango saw my audition clip and called me for a role on the show. I was excited, but also nervous because it was my first big role since I was just starting out in the industry. I wanted to prove that I was the best, and so dedicated time and effort to making that happen.
My biggest challenge was breaking into the industry. But, the fact that I was spotted and given a role on one of the country’s biggest soapies made me believe that I could do anything. After that, I had to learn things quickly about acting as well as the industry in general. I realised that once I was in, there was no turning back. I always have to be on my A-game and deliver. I live by the motto: never stop learning and never stop growing. This has helped me to overcome challenges.
SEE ALSO: 5 minutes with Darlington Michaels
Working with some of the best acting talent in SA is a career highlight for me. Acting alongside people that I grew up looking up to is inspiring. To also have been positively received by the audience is affirming. As a young actress, this is a sign that I am on the right track. Additionally, meeting people who watch the show and are touched by my character is also incredible.
I took a break from Muvhango because I needed time away from the spotlight. The break was for me to rejuvenate and feed my spirit. It also gave me time to do other personal things that made me happy. I got into the industry at a young age, which came with a lot of pressure. At some point, I was overwhelmed. That’s when I decided to take some time off. This allowed me to get back in touch with myself, grow and pray. During this time, I was also able to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and career going forward.
SEE ALSO: 5 minutes with actress Mathabo Mothibe
I am ready to get back on screen. After my break, I met with the producers of the show, and they told me that they wanted my character to return. I missed playing Matshidiso and the fans missed seeing her on their screens, so I jumped at the opportunity. Fans can expect her plots, nasty and devious side to shake things up!