RAPHAEL Griffiths is a young actor whose budding career is steadily making him a familiar face on our television screens.
The pretty boy started his career in 2009 as a presenter on SABC2's youth programmes Q-base 28 and Music Moves Me. After the shows ended early last year, the 23-year-old ventured into radio, hosting The Playground Show on online radio station TransAfrica.
His time on radio led him to his first acting role in the soapie Muvhango as Vusi Mukwevho .
We asked him to talk about his ups and downs.
How is the entertainment industry treating you?
It taught me that once you think you've arrived you realise that you've just started. It's cruel.
There are no grooming processes for youngsters. Some people pretend to support you but you are responsible for yourself.
You were without a job for about a year after Q-base and Music Moves Me ended. How did you survive?
On my savings. I thought I was well known and would get another job easily but I missed out on eight shows. I went back to church to seek spiritual guidance.
Before TV, where was Raphael?
In high school. I wanted to study political science. I was the first black head boy in my Afrikaans school. I loved my leadership role.
What are your other interests?
African literature. The stories have depth. If I could tell a story it would be about a kid with an imaginary friend because I was that kid.
I also love writing poetry and music. My single, Goggles, has just been released.
Where do you come from and what are your roots?
I have a mixed background. My father is a coloured from Dundee. My mother is half Zulu and half Zambian.
I grew up in Joburg south and my life was very unstable. I know a bit of many languages so you can imagine how confused I was growing up.
What is your obsession?
Nike sneakers. I had about 40 pairs but gave away half of them last year to people who needed them more.
Tell us about your Muvhango role?
It's hard. I have no acting background but I'm glad I got the opportunity. I haven't fluffed my lines, but the acting side is very challenging.
What is it like working with big names such as Duma Ka Ndlovu?
I'm being taught by the best. Duma broke me to pieces and my deep, dark secrets came out.
He is very intelligent and he inspires me. Themba (Nofemele) and Nthabiseng (Mphahlele) are my biggest support on set.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
As an entrepreneur . I plan to create a fashion brand, focusing on the skater-boy lifestyle.
As soon as I have enough money I'm going to get a degree in TV production and media music composition.
TV actor Raphael sets sight on fashion
RAPHAEL Griffiths is a young actor whose budding career is steadily making him a familiar face on our television screens.
The pretty boy started his career in 2009 as a presenter on SABC2's youth programmes Q-base 28 and Music Moves Me. After the shows ended early last year, the 23-year-old ventured into radio, hosting The Playground Show on online radio station TransAfrica.
His time on radio led him to his first acting role in the soapie Muvhango as Vusi Mukwevho .
We asked him to talk about his ups and downs.
How is the entertainment industry treating you?
It taught me that once you think you've arrived you realise that you've just started. It's cruel.
There are no grooming processes for youngsters. Some people pretend to support you but you are responsible for yourself.
You were without a job for about a year after Q-base and Music Moves Me ended. How did you survive?
On my savings. I thought I was well known and would get another job easily but I missed out on eight shows. I went back to church to seek spiritual guidance.
Before TV, where was Raphael?
In high school. I wanted to study political science. I was the first black head boy in my Afrikaans school. I loved my leadership role.
What are your other interests?
African literature. The stories have depth. If I could tell a story it would be about a kid with an imaginary friend because I was that kid.
I also love writing poetry and music. My single, Goggles, has just been released.
Where do you come from and what are your roots?
I have a mixed background. My father is a coloured from Dundee. My mother is half Zulu and half Zambian.
I grew up in Joburg south and my life was very unstable. I know a bit of many languages so you can imagine how confused I was growing up.
What is your obsession?
Nike sneakers. I had about 40 pairs but gave away half of them last year to people who needed them more.
Tell us about your Muvhango role?
It's hard. I have no acting background but I'm glad I got the opportunity. I haven't fluffed my lines, but the acting side is very challenging.
What is it like working with big names such as Duma Ka Ndlovu?
I'm being taught by the best. Duma broke me to pieces and my deep, dark secrets came out.
He is very intelligent and he inspires me. Themba (Nofemele) and Nthabiseng (Mphahlele) are my biggest support on set.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
As an entrepreneur . I plan to create a fashion brand, focusing on the skater-boy lifestyle.
As soon as I have enough money I'm going to get a degree in TV production and media music composition.