OVER 500 EMASWATI AUDITION FOR ETV’S ‘ISITHA’

MANZINI – In a remarkable display of talent, over 500 aspiring actors auditioned for ‘Isitha’ yesterday at the Manzini Arts and Culture offices.  

These thrilling auditions were made possible by the visionary Black Brain Pictures Founder Mandla Nqongwane, popularly known as Mandla N, in collaboration with the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC).
Notably, Nqongwane had promised these auditions during this year’s invigorating Eswatini Arts Summit, showcasing his dedication to fostering local talent.  

‘Isitha’, is an engaging South African television drama series, brilliantly created by Mandla N and Mpumelelo Nhlapo. This etv original series, produced by Black Brain Pictures, serves as a captivating spinoff from the adult-themed drama series ‘The Black Door’. It showcases the incredible talent of renowned actress Dawn Thandeka King.  

Yesterday, a staggering 501 contestants gathered to audition, each showcasing their unique and compelling skills. According to Nqongwane, Eswatini is home to a wealth of extraordinary talent, enriched by boundless creativity.  
“There is immense talent in Eswatini, and I was thoroughly impressed by the confidence and artistry displayed by the contestants. We had 501 individuals auditioning, all of whom will be featured in a series we are planning to produce in Eswatini. With the support of ENCAC, we are optimistic that this project will come to fruition soon,” he remarked with enthusiasm.  

Unearth

Nqongwane further revealed exciting plans for additional auditions in the kingdom. “In the near future, we will be conducting auditions specifically for directors, film producers and other creatives. Our aim is to unearth the hidden talents in Eswatini through these various auditioning opportunities,” he explained, his eyes alight with passion for the arts.  

ENCAC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stanley Dlamini expressed heartfelt appreciation for South African drama series producer Nqongwane and actor Sello Maake kaNcube, whose support is instrumental in rejuvenating the local film industry.  

“We are immensely grateful for the assistance provided by our South African colleagues, as they are significantly contributing to the advancement of our film and television industry. We are eager to collaborate further with them to enhance the creative economy of our nation,” Dlamini stated.

He also shared that they had registered over 300 contestants for the auditions when registration closed on Thursday evening. Due to high demand of the opportunity from local creatives, they had to consolidate the Thursday registration lists with contestants who had registered with Larry Mhlanga and Sipho Makhabane, hence 501 ended up auditioning yesterday.

Opportunities

Among the bold contestants was the popular comedian known affectionately as Magongo - The Comedian, who participated in the auditions. In an inspiring interview with this publication, he expressed his hope that these transformative opportunities could change his life for the better.  

“I have been acting professionally for five years now, and securing such an opportunity propels me to new heights, where I aspire to truly benefit from my talent. The auditions served as excellent lessons, as I learnt valuable insights, especially regarding the importance of maintaining focus and exhibiting good behaviour as a creative,” he shared thoughtfully. 

The atmosphere during the auditions was electric, filled with anticipation and excitement as contestants showcased an array of skills, from dramatic monologues to infectious comedic performances. Each aspiring actor brought their own unique story and charisma, capturing the attention of the judges and leaving a lasting impression.  

Participants

As the auditions progressed, hopeful participants filled the room with infectious energy and enthusiasm. Many displayed their dedication through intricate character portrayals and powerful emotional expressions. The excitement was palpable, creating a sense of camaraderie among the contestants, each supporting one another on this challenging yet rewarding journey.

 The commitment to elevating Eswatini’s film industry was evident in every corner of the audition space, with enthusiastic discussions about future projects sparking the imagination of budding filmmakers and actors alike.
The event not only highlighted the remarkable talent within the kingdom, but also ignited a sense of hope within the local creative community, paving the way for new opportunities.  

As the auditions concluded, the air was filled with anticipation for what lies ahead. With the backing of passionate individuals like Nqongwane and Dlamini, the future of Eswatini’s film and television industry appears bright and promising.

Support

‘Isitha’ is set to showcase the incredible talent from this vibrant nation, offering a platform for artists to shine and connect with wider audiences.  The call for widespread support and encouragement remains vital to foster the blossoming art scene, ensuring that local talent is not only recognised, but also celebrated.

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