Cornet Mamabolo plays the role of Tbose in Skeem Saam coming to SABC1 soon. Cornet was born in Limpopo and attended Eqinisweni Secondary School. He has always been a popular, entertaining guy who always got involved in school activities.
He remembers wanting to be a performer or biotechnologist when he was little, he says “but my mom says I wanted to be a doctor.” Cornet studied for a Bachelor of Arts, Dramatic Arts at the University of Witwatersrand. He began performing arts in 2005 during high school, starting with community theatre in Ivory Park, Tembisa and then moved onto mainstream theatre two years later. “The passion and love grew more and more as I watched plays directed and written by Aubrey Sekhabi and performed by Phillip Tipo Thindisa.”
Cornet says the drama Skeem Saam “is about three young boys, surrounded by family and mentors who play important roles in their lives. The series challenges South Africans to think critically about traditional ideas of masculinity. The youth are inspired to live responsibly and positively. My role as Thabo ‘Tbose’ Maputla reflects on how parents who spoil their children and don’t instill discipline and honesty can take away the power in their children. Tbose is 16 years old, very cute and lives a very classy lifestyle, he is very good at maths and wants to be a detective when he grows up. He wants to grow up fast but can’t accept responsibilities.”
Achievement highlights in Cornet’s life include being nominated best male poet and most promising actor while at Wits, a certificate of leadership at high school, and most promising student in performing arts and movement at Wits University in Dramatic Arts Department.
Cornet grew up with his grandmother, uncles and aunts. He was the only grandson at the time “I was very naughty but smart. I moved to Johannesburg in 2004 to stay with my parents; they are very supportive, religious, and straight forward. They love the arts, my siblings respect and look up to me. I love them so much; they know their big brother will do anything to make sure they get a better life. They love listening to me reading stories.”
Aubrey Sekhabi is Cornet’s inspiration “he is a very creative and intelligent playwright and director. His craft reflects on issues affecting ordinary people. He never disappoints me when it comes to producing great art. He is just the best.” In his spare time Cornet supports theatre performances, writes plays and short stories.
Cornet’s favourite movie is Pursuit of Happiness, his favourite actor is Phillip Tipo Thindisa and best TV show is Death of a Queen. He enjoys reading humour and identity stories, “humour makes me laugh and identity gives me a deeper understanding of who I am and I get to understand why things are the way they are.” Cornet’s biggest dream is to be recognized as an international performing arts practitioner for theatre and screen.
Watch Cornet in 13 episodes of Skeem Saam scheduled for broadcast on SABC1 Thursdays at 20h30 from 13 October. Skeem Saam is produced by PEU Communication Solutions for SABC Education. It tells stories about how boys know when they become men. It examines the plight of today’s male children and the tough challenges they face transitioning into manhood. The underlying premise for the series is that real men are made, not born.
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