Two East London actors have struck gold and landed lead roles in an upcoming Mzansi Magic drama series Grassroots.
Lihleli Tini and Oros Mampofu play the roles of two Eastern Cape Xhosa teens who are uprooted and taken to a Johannesburg private school, where they explore the journey of manhood and what that means in a multicultural city.
The show, which premieres on the channel on July 19, features stellar actors Zikhona Zodlaka, Lereto Mvelase, Sibulele Gcilitshana and others.
Tini plays the character of Asanda Debeza, an ambitious rugby player who comes from a royal family.
His dream is to become a professional rugby player, in stark contrast to what his father, Buzwe, wants for him.
His character is challenged by Monwabisi Nala, played by Mampofu, who is a strong rival on the rugby field.
Tini said working with an experienced cast had been “amazing”.
It is one of those shows that focuses on the journey of what it means to become a man
— Lihleli Tini
“You do get nervous in front of the camera and acting opposite such experienced actors.
“But they were so helpful and patient on set. They gave me pointers and tricks on how to portray and enhance my character,” said Tini.
The former Selborne College pupil has been balancing his studies at Afda in Johannesburg and other acting gigs.
He has appeared on a few TV adverts and recently played a guest role in popular drama series The Queen, created by television stalwarts Connie and Shona Ferguson.
“It was a role in a short film titled Ilifa, that was the catalyst for my acting career,” he said.
“It was through such a production that I fell more in love with the craft of acting.
“My enrolment at Afda was what led to my keen interest in directing and producing.
“I have always known that I want to entertain people and at the beginning I didn’t know how I was going to do that.
“Now I have all these great opportunities at my disposal and I want to use them as efficiently as I can, to do what I set out to do,” said Tini.
He said the creator of the show, Khayelihle Dom Gu mede, had been working on the project for a few years.
“The idea for Grassroots came about three years ago from Khayelihle, along with his creative team from Clive Morris Production.
“One of the main themes is manhood. It is one of those shows that focuses on the journey of what it means to become a man, as well as where we look for that manhood.
“Dom and the team thought it was an important story to tell and we hope the audience will feel the same way,” he said.
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