• Tweet

RICH ROCKS: Neo M Matsunyane says he has fallen in love with his character in the popular soapie.

 Manipulation is his middle name 

AFTER years of taking a break from performing in front of the camera, versatile artist Neo M Matsunyane is back on your television.

He plays Rocks Kgaditse, a character many would envy. He heads a conglomerate with significant holdings in mining, telecommunications and transport.

Talking to Sowetan recently, Matsunyane said he had auditioned for a part in the television soapie Rhythm City some years ago, but nothing came of that.

"This time when I was called to audition for the part of Rocks in Rhythm City, I read the script and I fell in love with the character immediately," he said.

"He is an easy character to play because he is your typical BEE-type guy."

Rocks is a kasi-born businessman married to a powerful businesswoman, played by Manaka Ranaka. Like her powerful hubby, she is a mover and a shaker and not someone to be messed with.

Ranaka is also not new to the small screen. She has portrayed many powerful characters, including that of tough-as-nails production company owner Vinolia Ntuli in the SABC1 drama series Tshisa and the jolly Lerata in the Mzansi Fo Sho comedy Stokvel .

For Rocks, Manaka's character is a catch. But that does not stop him from pursuing other women. His charisma and wealth, which are his powerful weapons, help him to have his way with anyone he likes or wishes to manipulate.

"Rocks is not the most intelligent or talented character, but his connections and the ekasi street-creed gets him in the circle without any hassle. Manipulation is his middle name," Matsunyane said:

Matsunyane is an actor, television presenter, voice artist and director best known for his leading role in the SABC2 drama series Kelebone in 1998.

He is familiar to many people because of his dreadlocks which he said he chopped off when he decided to pursue directing.

"When I got the Rocks character, it was easy to accept it without thinking of whether my appearance will need to be altered," Matsunyane said confidently.

"I have had dreadlocks for so long that cutting them felt right because most of the time actors can lose a role because they do not have locks. When you have locks, it is easy to cut your hair, but growing them back takes much longer," he laughed.

Matsunyane has directed many productions, including Soul City, Takalani Sesame I, II and Takalane Sesame IV, Take 5, Emzini Wezinsizwa IX, Dube on 2, Mzansi, Soul Buddyz III and Soul Buddies IV, Afro Café, Motswako: The Mix, Scandal!, Jika Majika, Muvhango, Backstage, Taxi To ..., Curious Culture and Usindiso - Redemptions.

Rhythm City airs on e.tv weekdays at 6:30pm.

Comments

• Sign in or sign up to comment

Wed Jun 19 14:00:11 SAST 2013 ::

May 18, 2012

tpaz

Bash is after you..... i number number
Report Abuse

May 18, 2012

Papoose

Bash and spesh are way in over their heads,this cat is not to be messed with
Report Abuse

May 18, 2012

sarmologadi

I have always liked you...al the best...
Report Abuse

May 18, 2012

molefelives

Living legend in the intertainment industry indeed.
Neo you are the pioneers of SA TV and keep it up.
John Kani
Nakedi Ribane
Patrick Shai and many more reminds us back in the day.

Report Abuse

May 18, 2012

WarrenG

Fell in love with the character...what a heap of shite...
Report Abuse

May 18, 2012

JUBJUB

I dont like the way he treats Nikki
Report Abuse

May 18, 2012

Budapat

Welcome back to our screens NEO, you the man son!!
Report Abuse

May 18, 2012

WarrenG

All soapies are a waste of time...see the ones in UK running for 35+ years... who cares, years of wasted time watching shite...
Report Abuse

May 18, 2012

Shredder

I see that you have been slapping Nikki's @rse. Welcome back to the screen
Report Abuse

May 18, 2012

Sizzling_Hot

@Editor

Rhythm City airs on e.tv weekdays at 6:30 not 6.... Please go through your work before it gets published..
Report Abuse

Read all 39 comments