In an engaging conversation with Nolo Phiri, the talented actor and producer delves into her multifaceted career, shedding light on her journey through acting, producing, and her aspirations in the South African entertainment industry. Known for her iconic role as Niki in Rhythm City, Nolo shares how the character helped shape her approach to acting and left a lasting impact on her perspective. “Playing Niki remains one of the most iconic breakout roles of my career. She was a dynamic and immensely popular character who pushed me to shape and refine my approach to performance. Over the seven years I played her, I experienced significant personal and professional growth, both as an actress and as a woman. During that time, I also became a mother, mirroring a pivotal journey Niki herself undertakes,” she reflects. The emotional depth and complexity of Niki’s storylines provided Nolo with an opportunity to explore themes of hope, betrayal, seduction, and ambition, connecting deeply with audiences who saw reflections of themselves in the character’s journey. Through this experience, she mastered the art of reinvention and learned to approach every character with empathy, honouring their truth.
As a producer, Nolo has successfully balanced the creative and business aspects of storytelling, a feat she attributes to her dedication to curating stories with intention. “At its core, my work revolves around the art of storytelling. Stories hold immense power, they reflect who we are, the world we live in, and the world we dream of creating. This is why I dedicate significant focus to the process of bringing stories to life and curating them with intention. It’s this process that shapes the business we aim to build around storytelling.” She explains that once the essence of the story is realised, it guides every detail and decision, ensuring a seamless balance between creativity and cost efficiency. “Ultimately, the magic comes from the team you build, as they are the ones who bring the vision to life and create that delicate balance,” Nolo adds.
Among the many milestones in her career, finding her unique voice and carving out her creative identity stand out as particularly fulfilling achievements. She speaks passionately about creating opportunities to nurture emerging talent in the industry, saying, “I’ve been fortunate to work on compelling shows with leading broadcasters who have placed great trust in my abilities. This experience has opened doors for me to focus on development, a passion of mine, where I create opportunities to train and nurture emerging talent. Watching these creatives grow and take on key roles in groundbreaking projects continues to be one of my greatest joys.”
Nolo’s approach to building strong female characters is deeply rooted in authenticity and balance. She believes that women’s unique perspectives as nurturers and emotionally intuitive individuals are essential in shaping narratives that resonate with audiences. “Given that women make up the majority of television and film audiences, involving them in shaping stories and characters ensures content that resonates deeply and meaningfully with viewers,” she explains. By amplifying women’s voices in the storytelling process, Nolo ensures that the characters she develops reflect both the realities of the world and serve as sources of inspiration.
When it comes to South African stories, Nolo is passionate about narratives that explore identity and belonging, particularly in light of the country’s history of prejudice and injustice. “Redefining these narratives empowers us to reclaim representation and tell our stories through our own lens. By envisioning realities of strength and resilience, we can challenge past limitations and celebrate perspectives that were long denied a voice in our storytelling,” she says. This vision underscores her commitment to bringing authentic South African stories to the forefront.
As a producer in a highly competitive industry, Nolo embraces challenges as opportunities for growth and reinvention. “I believe in continually reinventing oneself and staying attuned to the evolving landscape of content creation. With the rapid global acceleration of digital platforms, it’s essential not to be intimidated but instead inspired by the opportunities they offer,” she says. She views these advancements as a means to take control of content creation and distribution, reshaping how stories are shared and consumed. “This shift has reshaped audience consumption trends and, consequently, how budgets are allocated. I’ve embraced these challenges as an opportunity to adapt and reinvent myself as a creative.”
Reflecting on a project that taught her invaluable lessons, Nolo recalls her first long-form production experience with the soap opera Muvhango. “Joining a show that had been on air for 19 years and was undergoing a reinvention was no small task. My team and I faced the immense challenge of devising turnaround strategies to not only retain loyal viewers but also attract new audiences,” she explains. Balancing the expectations of a traditional audience while introducing modern elements taught her the importance of cultural preservation and innovation. “At just 29, with no prior experience producing a show of this scale, I learned a great deal about myself and what it takes to create a production-friendly show,” she adds.
Staying ahead of trends in the South African entertainment space requires curiosity and an audience-centric mindset. Nolo emphasises the importance of consuming content across platforms, testing the market, and leveraging available resources. “Be fearless in creating projects with limited budgets—collaborate with your peers and tap into your networks to bring your ideas to life. Take ownership of your creativity and understand that being a creative starts with creating opportunities for yourself, which in turn can lead to opportunities for others,” she advises.
For aspiring creatives looking to produce their own work, Nolo highlights the value of proactivity and resourcefulness. “True creatives take initiative, creating work and opportunities for themselves rather than waiting for validation or endorsement. They leverage their networks, platforms, and available resources to bring their ideas to life,” she explains. By focusing on what they have and testing the market, creatives can build an audience and gain valuable insights when pitching to larger broadcasters or distributors.
Looking ahead, Nolo expresses her desire to explore new genres and formats. “I’m eager to produce a gripping crime drama infused with South African humor. One thing we truly excel at as South Africans is laughing at ourselves while telling compelling stories,” she shares. This vision aligns with her passion for authentic storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences.
Nolo Phiri’s journey in the entertainment industry exemplifies resilience, creativity, and a commitment to empowering others. Her work reflects a deep understanding of the power of storytelling and its ability to inspire, connect, and challenge perspectives. Through her roles as an actor and producer, she continues to shape South African narratives, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
