Zimkitha Nyoka has come a long way in a short space of time.
The 25-year-old Eastern Cape native is currently solidifying her status as one of film and television brightest young stars.
Fans will be familiar with her roles as Badanile on SABC1's Mutual Friends and Olwethu on et.v's Gold Diggers.
Nyoka says she always had a love for the arts from a young age.
"I went to an arts school. I tried to be responsible and study something else in varsity but I had a calling to answer so I auditioned for the University of Johannesburg Drama Theatre. That's when I started to pursue my love for drama."
In 2014, she got her big break when she got a call to audition for Mutual Friends during her last year at UJ. That is when her acting career began.
And she has not looked back since. She says her preparation is intense
"I try as much as I can to follow my characters' lifestyles. Use their language, eat their food and even wear their clothes.
"For example, when I started on Gold Diggers, I stopped shaving (smiles embarrassingly) and swearing because Olwethu does not. That way I can fully embody the character I am playing at that specific moment."
Fans are waiting in eager anticipation for the return of the e.tv telenovela, in which Nyoka plays Olwethu Gumede.
"This season has been a challenge as my character is going through a massive change. It is full of pain for her family.
"Olwethu is no longer the little naïve girl and gets out of her comfort zone. Being in the township exposes her to a lot of things and at the same time she starts befriend other girls that are unlike her morally.
"For the first time, she understands where her brothers come from when they get to do things that she normally would not approve of."
Nyoka's biggest achievement in her career thus far is her role in Akin Omotoso's new film Vaya, which has been selected to premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival.
"Being on that set was amazing. It is a beautifully written story and working with Akin was unfathomable."
Asked how she felt about being a part of a film that has been selected at one of the biggest film festivals in the world, she said she in disbelief.
"I don't think my mind has registered how unbelievable that is. In fact, it does not seem real. I have not fully grasped the idea."
Zimkitha living her dream as rising actress
Zimkitha Nyoka has come a long way in a short space of time.
The 25-year-old Eastern Cape native is currently solidifying her status as one of film and television brightest young stars.
Fans will be familiar with her roles as Badanile on SABC1's Mutual Friends and Olwethu on et.v's Gold Diggers.
Nyoka says she always had a love for the arts from a young age.
"I went to an arts school. I tried to be responsible and study something else in varsity but I had a calling to answer so I auditioned for the University of Johannesburg Drama Theatre. That's when I started to pursue my love for drama."
In 2014, she got her big break when she got a call to audition for Mutual Friends during her last year at UJ. That is when her acting career began.
And she has not looked back since. She says her preparation is intense
"I try as much as I can to follow my characters' lifestyles. Use their language, eat their food and even wear their clothes.
"For example, when I started on Gold Diggers, I stopped shaving (smiles embarrassingly) and swearing because Olwethu does not. That way I can fully embody the character I am playing at that specific moment."
Fans are waiting in eager anticipation for the return of the e.tv telenovela, in which Nyoka plays Olwethu Gumede.
"This season has been a challenge as my character is going through a massive change. It is full of pain for her family.
"Olwethu is no longer the little naïve girl and gets out of her comfort zone. Being in the township exposes her to a lot of things and at the same time she starts befriend other girls that are unlike her morally.
"For the first time, she understands where her brothers come from when they get to do things that she normally would not approve of."
Nyoka's biggest achievement in her career thus far is her role in Akin Omotoso's new film Vaya, which has been selected to premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival.
"Being on that set was amazing. It is a beautifully written story and working with Akin was unfathomable."
Asked how she felt about being a part of a film that has been selected at one of the biggest film festivals in the world, she said she in disbelief.
"I don't think my mind has registered how unbelievable that is. In fact, it does not seem real. I have not fully grasped the idea."
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