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IN THE LIMELIGHT: Rhythm City actress Itumeleng Bokaba

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Meet Itumeleng Bokaba who was born in Alexandra, Johannesburg, but grew up in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni.

Bokaba is the latest addition to e.tv soapie Rhythm City's acting crew.

On how Mampho - in Rhythm City - came about, Bokaba said: "I got a phone call about the new role and went to audition. To my surprise I got it. I feel very lucky and blessed to be part of it all since I've always loved watching the show".

The 19-year-old actress, who plans to study music performance next year, recalls some of the pressures of the entertainment industry - plus weight issues - that she has had to endure.

"Like other ordinary people I had bad days too," Bokaba explains.

As a teenager Bokaba felt pressured to do things such as drinking liquor and smoking cigarettes with friends. But she always knew that, unlike other wayward youths, she feared seeing herself featured in "bad" newspaper articles or radio and television shows.

"I also felt pressured to look and talk in a certain way, because people expect that from a person they consider a celebrity," Bokaba explains.

As a chubby young girl, Bokaba had weight issues.

"I have to tell myself every day that I have to accept myself for what I am or else my mind will find ways to find something wrong with my body," she says.

She believes that there are only certain roles available to overweight girls - and most of the time for comedic actors.

"Most of the times there always has to be an agenda when someone is overweight on television," she explains.

She gave the assurance that both Mampho and her personality will be full of life and energetic.

"I am a 'crazy' person, and I love to have fun."

Comments

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Tue May 21 19:52:23 SAST 2013 ::

Sep 21, 2012

MorenaWaPolelo

Get them girl
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Sep 21, 2012

goodvibes

good for you young lady... you are a brilliant actor and will go far one day. go on with your bad self and love that chubby body... after all you only have one life!
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Sep 21, 2012

jerico

19 yrs? i thought she was 13.but anyway i love your personality,BIG 2 up.
no!no!no! not in that kind of way.what i mean is keep up the good work.
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Sep 21, 2012

mashima?

Baby girl never mind your body weight, who are you inside, learn to accept yourself before others do. if you were skinnie some will also complain.
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Sep 21, 2012

golezwa

ohhhhh, i love Mmampho character, I love you Mmampho
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Sep 21, 2012

Zulumacansi

Mtanami, you are doing great. All the best
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Sep 21, 2012

thinya

I'm a follower of this interesting soapie, i also thought you were 13, you are so energetic and lovable and i wish your character lasts long in the soapie.
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Sep 21, 2012

Galfrend

I just love you gal!!! You and reneilwe killll me ...all the best hun,
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Sep 21, 2012

Doctor247

You are beautiful ka hara mafura ao. Don't feel pressured to loose weight just to please others. Nna ke o rata o le jwalo, nkgolwe.
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Sep 21, 2012

ThirdEye

she is lovable
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