Kayise Ngqula is aiming for the Grammys. The aspiring actress and vocalist is fast finding her place in the entertainment space and is a talent to watch.
The 25-year-old was born and raised in the Eastern Cape and has an uncle and mentor, former Simunye continuity announcer Dicksy Ngqula, to thank for paving the way and inspiring her.
In spite of the family bond, her mother was still shocked to learn that she wanted to go into showbiz.
"He [Dicksy] has taught me everything I need to know about the industry and business, and also reassured me that I could be anything I want to be."
Ngqula says her mother's a pproval was everything to her.
"I am my mother's daughter, through and through. Although it may have taken some time for her to get used to me wanting to do the entertainment thing, she eventually became my biggest fan. She'd even tag along to some of my auditions just to let me know that she has my back."
It's no secret that it's hard to break into the entertainment industry and Ngqula can vouch for that: "I'd say the most challenging thing for me has been finding that one opportunity that would change everything. As a fairly new actress, I found it most difficult to break into an industry that had been paved with so many greats. But I'm happy to know that I'm finding my way and only great things can lie ahead for me."
Last year, Ngqula played a journalist in It's Complicated on Mzansi Magic. This year, she appeared in SABC1's Sunday night drama series Mina Nawe.