Newly minted actor Wanda Zuma and his House of Zwide star co-star Warren Masemola are both leading men in their own right. 

How does it feel to be the hottest leading man in town?

It makes me feel good because it means I’m doing something right. However, as much as I wanted to be an actor, I’ve always been someone who shies away from the limelight. I don’t like getting a lot of attention because of my introverted personality.

How do you plan to cement your name in the industry?

The plan is to remain very grounded in who Wanda is, despite the praise or fame. I plan to step up and showcase my capabilities as an actor — to show the type of range I have and my various dimensions.

How did you fall in love with acting?

It was not my plan to become an actor, as I used to love dancing in high school. I was a crump dancer and I thought I’d explore ventures in the dancing industry. I loved music and poetry. I would write a lot of poems, which turned into writing scripts by the time I went to art school; the focus then turned to acting.

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Umlazi in KwaZulu-Natal. I was living with my mother and her side of the family. My father was working and staying in Bluff, the suburban side of Durban. In preschool, my mother and I move in with my father in Bluff, where I attended an English school — mind you, I didn’t speak any English at the time.

I was the kid who sat with the helper at school translating everything the teacher was saying. Luckily, within that year I learnt how to speak English. Because I was staying with my parents and the white man my dad worked for, he was able to teach me a lot about literature and enhance my vocabulary.

What was your family dynamic like growing up?

I’m a middle child. I have an older and a younger brother, who is 20 years younger than I am. My older brother was living in Umlazi when my parents and I were living in Bluff. It was quite tough juggling these two worlds, as I’d be considered “too white” when I was in Umlazi and then “too Black” when I was in Bluff.

Are you considered the famous one in the family?

Not really. I’m still treated normally. But my mother, who at first didn’t get why I wanted to act, keeps telling her friends and anyone who’ll give her an ear that her son is on TV. She’s very proud of me and how far I’ve come in the industry. My family is surprised to see me on the screen and stage because I’m regarded as the “quiet one” at home.

What did you do before House of Zwide?

My first appearance on TV was in 2014 in a short stint on an e.tv show. I was there for a couple of scenes in one episode and didn’t have any lines. In 2016, I did Uzalo as a hitman and went on to act in Imbewu: The Seed in 2018 as Mthunzi. I then went on to Isibaya as Detective Mthaka.

What is your grooming routine?

I take long baths and make sure I am well moisturised. I use a face wash and crème. I also make sure to stay hydrated and I strive to eat healthily.