Why Simphiwe Dana won't play whore
Dana cherishes role in her first movie Themba
NEW ROLE: Simphiwe Dana is following is the footsteps of many musos who dabble in acting. PHOTO: BAFANA MAHLANGU
MUSICIAN Simphiwe Dana, who acted the role of Mandisa in the award-winning South African movie Themba, says she will give acting another shot.
Other South African musicians who over the years have dabbled in acting with various degrees of success include kwaito kingpin Mandoza, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Lira and KB.
Overseas musicians such as Beyoncè, Tupac, Will Smith, Janet Jackson, Gill Scott, Snoopy Dog and Jeniffer Hudson successfully work in music and acting.
Themba was screened on DStv at the weekend, showing another side of Dana's artistic pedigree, which until now had not been explored.
But the multi-award winning Afro-jazz artist set certain conditions to taking another acting role in the future.
"For example, I would never take a role that requires me to act the character of a prostitute.
"I would not be able to act such a role because I do not relate to such people, whereas the role of Mandisa made it possible for me as a first-time actor to be able to act her convincingly," Dana told Sowetan yesterday.
"The reason I could do that role was because when I grew up I knew such people in my own community.
"But when it comes to a prostitute role it would be hard for me to relate to such a role," she said.
In Themba, which also stars Rapulana Seiphemo, Dana's role is that of a woman whose husband works in the mines and never bothers to come home to where he left a son and a daughter with his wife.
About the emerging trend of South African musicians to take on acting roles alongside music, she said that was a good thing, but also cautioned: "I had a lovely time acting for the first time, and got to respect actors because it is really hard work.
"But, musicians should not just take on acting roles for the money.
"They must be passionate and excited about the roles they play," she said.
Vhamsanda
Hi Simphiwe, I watched your role as Mandisa on DSTV over the weekend and I am compelled to say that you were stunning as a mother and and an ailing AIDS patient.As a beginner in acting you were damn gud and I know that you do not suffer from the dreaded desease.Acting a role of a prostitute will fit you perfectly as you have the body and the face and you will be a good role model in teaching our youth about this proffesion and its consequences.
Believe you me, no one will call you a prostitute, but a good actress.
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Allan
Didn't watch the movie but based on the storyline it sounds like it's the same as "Yesterday" starring Leleti Khumalo. HIV+ mom with the husband working in the mines.Report Abuse
Xmaq
Ur not A real Actress if there are Certain You cant PlayU need More Practice Before We can regard you as a Actress
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KUKU
Gud luck Gal - o shomile. Not the stupid artist complaining abt Piracy all the time and do nothing abt it.Gud luck le go tsuba Whoonga.
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Socrates
@tpaz...you need to get close to Simphiwe to undersatnd the great legacy she will leave your childen after you left them with stupidity. Simphiwe is one of the few quality..I mean Quality womne the country has. learn from her you might grow to not follow all corrupt officials with penchantReport Abuse