Scripting success

Lungelo Tyson Mathonsi has had an eventful year. Joining the cast of three major productions, he is making his mark as a rising star in South African entertainment

- Shannon Manuel

ACTOR AND MUSICIAN Lungelo Tyson Mathonsi has steadily built his career through standout roles in various television productions. Lungelo's acting credits span several popular South African TV shows, including DiepCity, The Queen, Grown Woman, and Isono. His role in the third season of MTV Shuga: Down South, as Sandile aka 'Snacks, a wealthy and flirtatious young man, showcased his versatility as an actor. In the Mzansi Wethu series Sibongile & The Dlaminis, he portrays Jabu Mazibuko, a man grappling with the legacy of his father's sacrifices while striving for justice. This performance reflects Lungelo's ability to bring depth to complex characters.

It has been a busy year for the actor; he recently joined the SABC2 drama series Muvhango as Sakhile Ramabulana, the son of Dr Nonhlanhla Ximba, who is portrayed by legendary actress Leleti Khumalo. He has also been cast in the new Netflix film, Umjolo: The Gone Girl, summarised as "A couple's seemingly perfect relationship falters when one of them learns about the other's infidelity."

The four-part Umjolo film collection is set to explore the unique love lives of four women. The star-studded film's cast includes Shezi Sibongiseni, Gugu Gumede and Ntando Mncube.

Tell us more about yourself and your background.

I am a South African actor, producer and musician born and bred in the township of eSikhaleni [popularly known as eSikhawini] in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal. With the prospect of success being very low and it seeming near impossible to make it out, I was determined to become part of the 1% that [made it out].