With the Eastern Cape film industry expanding, last year South African film director and screenwriter Jahmil X.T Qubeka left people talking when his latest movie, The Queenstown Kings was released. The movie is based on an original story by Clyde Berning.
The movie sparked many conversations as many people related to it, however, we could not miss the breeze of the lead actor Fezile who was portrayed by Likhona Mgali who is new to our screens.
Likhona Mgali is a born and bred Eastern Cape actor and model, when he spoke to BONA, he said, “I’m a creative and adventurous person who loves exploring and new stories. Aside from modelling and acting, I’m passionate about photography which helps me tap into my imagination and observe the world around me.”
As we continued to get to know the new talent, he shared that he chose acting because of his love for storytelling, the need to connect with people, and his enthusiasm for understanding the human condition.
“I believe the main reason I became an actor was the opportunity to experience another person’s life, hardships, and victories by putting myself in their shoes,” he added.
Likhona also shared that he does not only have his eyes on acting but would also like to further his studies and become a successful entrepreneur who makes a variety of sources. He shared that when they shot the movie, he was doing grade 11 and he would miss four to five weeks of school because of the shooting, “I would have to catch up on my schoolwork later. But I was determined to keep my grades up and not compromise my education.”
We cannot run away from the fact that the Eastern Cape is one of the provinces that lacks when it comes to a lot of things. It is not easy to tap into the industry, he shared with us how he managed to get himself a Netflix gig, especially for his first job.
He replied, “I think God worked a miracle for me to get to getting cast on a Netflix film for my first job, considering I’m from the Eastern Cape, where there aren’t many prospects for young creatives. I had always thought someone from my background couldn’t make a breakthrough in the industry until god proved to me nothing is impossible.”
The movie had a lot of experienced actors such as Zolisa Xaluva and for a new talent their presence must have been a bit intimidating but that did not stop him from putting up his A game, he shared with us, “Acting alongside seasoned actors in The Queenstown Kings was an incredible experience for me as a newcomer. It was both thrilling and humbling to be surrounded by such talented individuals like Zolisa Xaluva who I grew up watching.”
“At times, it was a bit intimidating to share scenes with them considering they have such a wealth of experience, and it was my first time acting but it also pushed me to elevate my performance. Their presence challenged me to step up and match their level of skill and commitment. It was a great opportunity to work with them,” he added.
With the movie being received well by viewers, Likhona shared that the most enjoyable aspect was witnessing the film’s resonance with both reviewers and viewers, “It was quite moving to hear folks talk about how the plot and characters had a personal meaning for them. It was incredible to watch how our movie could arouse feelings, start discussions, and motivate viewers in many ways.”
Likhona told BONA that he is yet to grace us with his acting skills as he has shot two more movies, so ladies and gentlemen brace yourselves he is coming to our screens yet again.
We concluded with him giving words of encouragement to young children who would like to pursue acting, “I understand how intimidating it may be to take the initial step, having recently entered the acting world myself. I would advise all the young children out there who wish to pursue acting to go for it! First off, don’t be scared to dream big.
“Although acting is a difficult profession, if you are passionate about it, don’t allow anyone to make you less brilliant. Even if people don’t believe in you or your skills, have faith in yourself. Secondly, get ready to put in a lot of work. It takes commitment, self-control, and a readiness to change and evolve to be an actor,” he added.
Also see: The internet reacts to The Queenstown Kings movie debut
