WITH two albums under his belt, Kabomo Vilakazi has become the darling of the local music scene.

Now the singer has turned to acting and will appear in Mzansi Magic's new soapie Zabalaza .

Acting has always been Vilakazi 's passion, but he says Zabalaza is his first big acting gig.

"This is my biggest acting role. I have only played small parts in plays. I also had a part in Soul City, but it was so insignificant that I don't think anyone even recognised me," he says.

Vilakazi adds that he would love to appear in movies some day soon.

Zabalaza is about the Cele family, who live in Soweto, with Seputla Sebogodi as Jazzman, the family patriarch.

Vilakazi plays Herbert, Jazzman's accountant. He is a principled man and challengesJazzman' s shady business behaviour.

For Vilakazi, working with veteran actor Sebogodi, is a wonderful opportunity and great exposure.

Other members of the cast are seasoned actors Zandile Msutwana and Baby Cele, who plays the Cele matriarch .

Vilakazi says that Zabalazaspeaks the language of ordinary folk, so the soapie will appeal to a wide audience.

"Even though the Cele's are well off, they are actually quite a simple family," Vilakazi says.

M-Net's director for local interest channels Yolisa Phahle says the soapie evolved from the Lokshin Bioskop genre, which has become quite popular.

Though the Lokshin Bioskop stories are usually a full-length movie , Phahle says this time they decided on a series for variety .

Phahle says although Zabalaza is essentially a township story, it has universal elements that will resonate with a wider audience.

"Everyone struggles to raise teenagers, put their marriage on track and many people have issues with crime and corruption.

"I believe that good soapies educate through entertainment and this is an opportunity to give viewers guidance and support," Phahle says.

Zabalaza airs on Mzansi Magic tonight at 9pm. - mahopoz@sowetan.co.za