South African celebrities who failed to act on Soapies
Of late South African soapie industry has managed to stay relevant on screens due to improved scriptwriting, and healthy competition across various production houses. Despite facing competition from American movies streaming platform Netflix which has ever since incorporated local series and movies to capture lucrative South African market, our local soapies defeated the test of time.
Over the years some soapies were phased out after over a decade on our screens the likes of Isidingo and now Isibaya is the latest to fall on the sword. In recent years showrunners have bolstered their casts with celebrities and influencers to win viewers. Despite some big money moves some of the celebrities and influencers have failed dismally to wow Mzansi. Here is a list of celebrities who failed to act on soapies.
Kuli Roberts
The Queen pulled a shocker back then when it introduced Kuli Roberts as Mildred Sefasta. The seasoned presenter failed to blend in given the fact that she had not begged an acting gig before. However, on The Queen Mzansi regarded her as too loud and annoying and she received backlash and criticism regarding her role.
Rumour has it that approaching co-producer Connie Ferguson for a job. Her acting was so bad to the extent that co-actor Sello Maake-Ncube offered her free acting lessons.
“I’ve had a lot of positive feedback but Sello Maake-Ncube called up and said, ‘Hayi … you are doing a terrible job, you’re stiff and you should have come to me for master classes …'” she said.
South African celebrities who failed to act on Soapies
Lunga Shabalala
He is best known for his stellar performances as a television presenter. He is best known for his SABC1 show Selimatunzi which thrust him into stardom. In a bid to lure viewers Lunga was introduced to the cast of The River but the show received a backlash because it seems as if he failed to deliver.
Lunga might have been taken to The River for his charming looks. Yes, he is a great, awesome presenter but seriously acting is not for him.
Emtee
During his prime time, the Rap star Emtee was regarded as one of the most followed celebrities in Mzansi. In a bid to save the face of Muvhango which was having some viewership problems the showrunners added the ace to their cast. Yes at one point Emtee joined the Muvhango cast.
However little was known about their contract but during his cameo role, he failed to pull a show. Just like those before him Muvhango – Emtee relationship ended in tears. Rumour has it that the rapper’s contract was prematurely cancelled by show producers due to rapper misconduct. It was also established that it was terminated after failing to vow viewers as expected.