The new Mzansi Magic opera Gqeberha: The Empire will feature social media influencer and actress Lonalinamandla Bawuti alongside her hero Zikhona Sodlaka.
Bawuti, who was born in Mthatha in 1987, has always desired to perform alongside Sodlaka. She reflected on social media and published an Instagram direct message she had previously sent to Sodlaka.
“I hoped she would text me back so I could inquire about working with her. I lacked wisdom at the time,” wrote Bawuti.
“I was eager to collaborate with her. And in 2017? Oh no, I have to work with her. “Beautiful things happen to those who bumble around with no idea what they’re doing, but figure it out eventually.”
The social media star, who previously donated over R100,000 for a disadvantaged boy to attend initiation school, stated that she has experienced a good amount of online harassment.
“We shy away from celebrating our victories because there is a perception that we are conceited when we applaud ourselves,” she explained.
“I recall mentioning that I’ve been unsuccessfully auditioning since 2015,” The social media bullies instructed me to cease, since it is evident that I am not good. I am so glad I didn’t stop.”
Bawuti portrays Nobom Mxenge in Gqeberha: The Empire with seasoned actors and actresses such as Sodlaka, Phila Madlingozi, Akhe Mfenyana, and Zandile Msutwana.
The highly anticipated soap will premiere on Mzansi Magic on January 16. It will replace The Queen, whose run has come to an end.
»Bawuti was ecstatic to be working with her idol Zikhona Sodlaka«