Zakhele Mabasa-Mokone has made a name for himself in the industry over the years.
The actor has earned widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the beloved and comical taxi driver Skhaleni Mnomezulu on “Isibaya”.
He has starred in the Mzansi Magic telenovela since its inception, while also featuring in productions like “Durban Gen”, “Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema”, “Heartlines” and “Wild at Heart”.
The 48-year-old is now relishing his leading role on the new Showmax Original series, “One Weeks”.
Asked about how he felt about reaching this point in his career, he told “Independent Media Lifestyle”: “I am very happy, especially about this role”.
“Working on this show has been different from other projects I’ve done in my career because I was driving the whole storyline, meaning, I had to be more focused for the whole duration”, he added.
“It also made me understand that, as a lead character, I had to understand that a production is like a vehicle that has to move from point A to Z, so obviously as one of the lead characters, I had to drive this vehicle.
“I had to have a better understanding of each and every character so that I can understand my role around them”.
But playing Fana, a charming high-school drop-out from the streets of Soweto who can’t believe his luck when he finds himself dating Lihle, a successful lawyer (played by “Soweto Love Story’s” Sihle Ndaba) was not always smooth sailing.
“Another challenge was that people’s energies vary when on set, so I felt it was my responsibility to make sure that it doesn’t affect me and the development of my character,” he explained.
“Remember, if I am not happy, it can affect everyone on the set of which I think would be unfair. I view a main character as a leader that needs to lead by example on a set. By the way, for me, doing good to others it’s not a strain or duty, it’s a joy”.
“One Weeks” is a family comedy which people from all walks of life will be able to relate to.
It sheds light on the different financial dynamics between partners in a relationship. It stars youngster Mangaliso Aluta Mthembu, cast as Lihle’s sharp-witted 10-year-old daughter, Angie, who tries to prevent her mother from dating wealthy men.
Created and written by Chris Q Radebe, who has worked on “Icala” and “Isifiso”, it also features Siphiwe Mtshali from “Entangled” and “Rhythm City” as well as Mpho Malatsi who starred in “Backstage” and “Scandal!”.
Mabasa-Mokone said that he wanted to be part of this show because he believed that it would appeal to South African viewers.
“I decided to star in ‘One Weeks’ because the story seemed interesting and exciting. It reveals to me the lives and situations of people I relate to”.
“What I think will surprise viewers the most about the show is the storyline. Yes, it’s written as a comedy but it will be so relatable. I think that every township person will be able to see themselves or someone they know closely, within this story,” he said.
He added that some of the themes that the series explores include “communal living, typical township life and the influence of bad company”.
Mabasa-Mokone said that while he shares many qualities with Fana, he is also very different from his character.
“Fana is a very loving and family-oriented man. He’s a person who cares about others more than he cares for himself and these are the similarities I have with the character”.
“‘The only difference between myself and the character is that he lies a lot. He takes stupid risks, he always gets away with nonsense, he likes short-cuts, he takes chances and he doesn’t think of the consequences that come with such decisions”.
Mabasa-Mokone added that “One Weeks” will also give viewers a chance to unwind and escape into the show’s shenanigans.
“As South Africans, we’ve been through so much,” he said.
“A lot of things have been quite stressful and I just believe that now is the time that people can enjoy some feel-good, family-orientated content like ‘One Weeks’.”
“We’ll always be confronted with problems and now is the time to really sit back and laugh at ourselves and what we as a society go through.”
Mabasa-Mokone also hopes to inspire aspiring actors.
“My advice to aspiring actors is (if you haven’t made it yet) don’t give up, it’s only a matter of time”.
“Keep finding those characters and the right time will come. You don’t need to take drugs or alcohol. I know it’s not easy but hang in there. Dreams delayed are not dreams denied”.