In a candid conversation with Nothando Ngcobo, an accomplished actor, shares insights into her craft, journey, and the challenges of navigating the limelight. From her approach to character building to her aspirations for the future, Nothando’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and dedication.
Nothando’s approach to preparing for her roles is grounded in understanding her character deeply and relating it to the everyday experiences of ordinary South Africans. She explains, “The first thing that I do is look at my characters and see how they can fit into an ordinary South African’s daily life. I then incorporate the character bio that has been given to me and make the character come alive.” This focus on authenticity and relatability is key to Nothando’s acting philosophy, allowing her to create characters that resonate with her audience while staying true to their essence.
However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Fame, in particular, has been a significant adjustment for Nothando. “My biggest challenge to date has been the fame. It gets overwhelming. Even people that I have known for years sometimes treat me like a celebrity when I am still the same person that I was before the fame. I truly appreciate those who appreciate me but it can be overwhelming at times. I’ve overcome this by just accepting that it is part of the job and staying true to who I am regardless of where I am at or who I am with.” For Nothando, maintaining her authenticity and staying grounded has been essential in navigating the pressures of fame, reminding herself that her worth goes beyond public perception.
When it comes to her craft, Nothando acknowledges the unpredictability of audience reactions. “That is a tricky one because you can never determine how the audience will react. You can only anticipate for them to see what you are trying to do on screen and hope that they connect with it.” This humility and openness to the unpredictable nature of acting reflects her dedication to the craft, where her focus lies in delivering her best performance, irrespective of how it will be received.
Looking ahead, Nothando expresses her desire to push boundaries and step into new, more challenging roles. “I’d love to play a superhero, kind of like Letitia Wright on Black Panther or Thuso Mbedu on The Woman King. That would totally be out of my comfort zone because I am super girlie.” This aspiration highlights Nothando’s willingness to venture beyond her comfort zone and explore new genres and roles that push her limits as an actor. It is this drive for personal growth that defines her ambition and shows her commitment to evolving as an artist.
For Nothando, South African culture is at the heart of the stories she tells. She emphasises, “South African culture is everything when it comes to how we tell our stories! They are our main audience and we need to tell stories that will be engaging and relatable to the everyday South African and then the world.” This deep-rooted connection to her heritage is reflected in her performances, where she embraces the nuances of South African culture and uses it as a lens through which to portray characters that speak to the lived experiences of her audience.
One of Nothando’s most defining experiences came on her first day on the set of Uzalo, a pivotal moment in her career. “My first day on the Uzalo set in 2021. It has been my biggest role yet. At the time I was living in between cities, between Johannesburg and Durban. I was overwhelmed with emotions and had tons of scenes today in one day. Everyone was super friendly and helpful so I am grateful for that.” This experience of juggling a significant role while adjusting to a new environment marked a milestone in her acting career, showcasing her ability to adapt and thrive in challenging situations.
Nothando’s inspiration comes from within, driven by the desire to do well and build a successful career. She explains, “My inspiration comes from the yearning to do well. In my head I have always thought that if I do well, bigger and better opportunities will come my way. I want to grow in craft and maybe one day take on international stages like HBO, Apple TV, and Netflix.” Her determination to continually improve and expand her horizons speaks to her long-term vision, aiming for global recognition and a career that transcends borders.
In terms of personal qualities, Nothando is proud of her patience and her ability to connect with others. “That I am a very patient person and have the heart for people. In my line of work, patience is a virtue! It’s basically a game of ‘hurry up and wait!’ And not to mention the long hours on set. We have to interact with a lot of people on a daily basis and in my eyes, everyone is equal and should be treated the same.” Her ability to stay calm under pressure and treat everyone with respect has made her a beloved figure both on and off the set, reinforcing her belief that kindness and empathy are integral to her success.
Nothando’s Zulu heritage plays a significant role in her career, particularly when it comes to embracing the cultural aspects of the characters she portrays. She shares, “More than anything, it’s in the language. I am Zulu, and most of the characters I’ve had to embrace the Zulu girl in me. I love my culture and I love being Zulu.” This pride in her roots and her commitment to honoring her heritage in her work enriches her performances, adding depth and authenticity to the roles she takes on.
Looking to the future, Nothando is driven by the desire to inspire others, especially the next generation of aspiring actors. “I’d love to inspire those that come behind me by letting them see that your wildest dreams do come true! I mean, I’m being interviewed by a magazine in the UK which I honestly never could have imagined happening anytime soon. It just goes to show that my dreams of being a global superstar are very close to becoming a reality. I need the kids to know God will never put a dream in your heart that he will not give you the resources, power, and strength to fulfill.” Her story is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the belief that dreams can indeed come true with hard work and dedication.
Nothando Ngcobo’s journey in the entertainment industry is a story of growth, self-discovery, and unwavering determination. From her first role to her ambitions for the future, she exemplifies the power of staying true to oneself, embracing one’s culture, and continually striving for excellence. With her eyes set on international success, Nothando is not just a rising star but a beacon of inspiration for those who dare to dream big.
