I have always liked Hlubi Mboya. Her raspy voice, diminutive stature and knockout looks make that easy, for sure. But it’s that air of playfulness, mystery and intelligence that she exudes in interviews that has intrigued me.
Luckily for us, she’s not content to just be a soap star, and in the last few years, has appeared in four films, including a South African kung fu film. Now she is appearing in a well-received DIFF drama - A Small Town Called Descent.
Directed by first time Director Jahmil X.T. Qubeka, the film also co-stars veteran Hollywood character actor, John Savage (Salvador, The Deer Hunter), Fana Mokoena, Vusi Kunene and Paul Buckby.
Set against the backdrop of xenophobic riots, two Zimbabwean brothers and a local girl (Hlubi) are brutally attacked, prompting an investigation by three Scorpions agents. But the agents might not be the best men to deal with what went down. The film has been on at the Durban International Film Festival, between 22 July and 1 August.
Colin: How often do people call you Nandipha ?
Hlubi: (Laughs) Oh my goodness, for the last 10 years, everyone has called and still calls me Nandipha!
It happens all the time, wherever I am. Even special moments I have with people - they call me Nandipha. In fact, people use Nandipha more than they use Hlubi. I don’t ask for this, but I’m used to it...
Colin: Tell me about your role in the DIFF film?
Hlubi: Well, I play a Xhosa girl who lives with her mother, in the township. She’s got nothing going for her, and she’s a prostitute at best. She’s viciously attacked, along with two of her Zimbabwean...clients...and that's what opens the film.
Colin: How different is this role compared to Nandipha, and did you relish playing someone else?
Hlubi: I took the role for that very reason! I’ve been Nandipha for 10 years and I wanted something fresh for me, and for audiences who know me as Nan, I’m trying my best to stretch my acting - to be different. I think its crucial for me, for my career, for my lifestyle. And the girl I play in a Small Town is dirty - like nasty!
There were no hair extensions, no glamour whatsoever and it was very phyiscal. I mean, I have a huge scar on my butt cheek from one of the action scenes we did, and I’m so proud of it. It’s like my war story scar on my bum.
Colin: I was going to ask what the craziest part of the shoot was, but I think you just answered that...
Hlubi: (Laughs) Yes, well, it really was a physically demanding role - it was an action film - like a real action packed film, with some rough stuff. And you know, we don’t have stunt doubles and training here (in SA) – here you just sorta do whatever the director tells you to do, risks be damned.
I mean, I didn’t feel any pain until the next day, because of the adrenaline rush - but the next day I was taken to hospital and given a tetanus shot... and it wasn’t just me, many of the actors were injured at some point (laughs)... But you know, it’s a risk, and you either jump in all the way, or not at all. And you know me...
Lindelani Nkosi and Fana Mokoena in a scene from the film
Colin: How did you get the role - did you have to audition or what? And what made you say yes?
Hlubi: I worked with the director Jahmil Qubeka before, on Shogun Khumalo – a kung fu film, and the experience was unbelievable. He’s an actor’s director, you know?
He has vision and he’s one of those hands-on directors whose also the cameraman...he can multi-task. I respect him immensely. Plus, he’s gonna make me a star!
Colin: You’re already a star! Did you learn any special skills on this film?
Hlubi: Not really, not with this role. But I can tell you what I have learnt after doing four films - that it’s a game of hurry up and wait.
You have to wait for the right kind of daylight, for the planes to clear the sky before you shoot, for the set to come together, for all the pieces, especially the smallest ones, to fit.
We don’t have a lot of resources or big budgets for films, and you have to rough it and be patient. We shot this film in a small town, and everyday people would come and watch us film - it’s not a closed set. And it was cold! - 1 degree cold! So to see all the actors involved still to deliver such great powerful performances - you learn patience.
Colin: From playing a maid to a kung fu film and a prostitute - what influences your choices?
Hlubi: A great script, a great role and a great director. But even A-list Hollywood celebs struggle to get all three. I’ll settle for at least two out of three. And I want an Oscar!
Colin: What do you think people will be surprised to learn about you?
Hlubi: That is a great question. That I actually am a good actress! Really, that I’m not just Nandipha and that it’s not all I can do. I know where I come from, and I know where I am going. I want them to love me, as Hlubi!
Colin: Does it feel like you’ve been Nandipha for 10 years?
Hlubi: You know, time flies. Sometimes it feels like 10 years. I think I want more. I feel that as a TV character, she’s done all that she can. My task is to stilll tell good stories even after 10 years.
Colin: So does that mean you’re thinking of leaving Isidingo?
Hlubi: You know it’s tough out there and I’m not stupid. I want to do as much as possible, and the industry is growing so I can go beyond or outside the borders of TV. I know where I came from. I still remember the maid uniform I wore - when I was Cherel’s maid.
Colin: What are your hopes with this film?
Hlubi: I want people to see it! I want people all over the world to see it. I want it to be something people love – something that is 100 percent entertainment, but I want the acting in this film, which is phenomenal, to be recognised.
Colin: Will you be at the fest?
Hlubi: Oh I’m so there! This is my first festival film -it’s small baby steps for me- but I want to be there - at the hub of such creativity. I’m excited, I’m so excited for this. I’m there to celebrate so if you see me come say hello, I’m very friendly!
Ends