Master Of His Craft

GQ caught up with the everbusy thespian, playwright, and director John Kani to look back at his storied life

- Kirigo Kamore

He’s earned a singular reputation for being a talented force both on and off screen, deftly straddling old and new genres with his artistic range. Long revered for his craft, Kani has captured audiences with his commanding presence and dramatic Kani is still going strong. As international audiences await the much-anticipated Black Panther Jon Favreau remake of The Lion King.

GQ: You participated in plays when you were at school in the Eastern Cape. What convinced you to become a professional actor despite the political and social climate at the time?

John Kani: I come from a long line of storytellers. In the 60s, when things started to get really bad in the black communities, you couldn’t fail but notice the conversations of a home. Apartheid and oppression became part of the colloquium of conversation. That’s what motivated us, that there must be something we can do about this as young people, and the desire to have dignity and respect for your parents, not you. Just to see your parents being so dehumanised and humiliated every day of their lives, by the white South African society and government, made you think, ‘There’s something I can do.’ That’s what motivated me.

GQ: Take u back to the Athol Fugard and Winston Ntshona years.