Back and Unapologetic

KB MOTSILANYANE, 38, is on our screens again, more confident and not holding back.

- Phila Tyekana

KB, real name Keabetswe Motsilanyane, has had her fair share of trials and tribulations. But, she’s lived to tell the tale her way. In 2015, after wrapping up filming of the last episode of the year as popular Lucilla Vilakazi on e.tv’s Rhythm City, the soapie’s producers told her her services were no longer needed. “After seven years of giving the show my all, and a further three years of trying to leave so I could revive my music career, they let me go, so nonchalantly, without prior warning. They’d always begged me to hang around for ‘one more year’. Then out of the blue, I was being dismissed. I was shocked and disappointed, but I decided not to dwell on it. There was nothing I could do but move on,” reveals the actress.

Fortunately the singer had been working as a consultant for an art company focusing, in particular, on community projects ranging from workshops, talent spotting and events (among others), all emphasize the transferring of skills and creating opportunities for young people. KB also owns Mamosadi Entertainment, which is responsible for leveraging her brand as an actress, singer, songwriter, motivational speaker, creative director, project manager, choreographer and brand ambassador. She also continued to perform at corporate and private events. The mom of one also has a few properties, which provide a much needed income to raise her son.

“I also starred in the drama series Thola, alongside actresses Masasa Mbangeni and Kgomotso Christopher. It was the show’s second season and I was replacing Nthato Moshesh – a powerhouse actress – so you can imagine the big shoes I had to fill. I was intimidated. But I used Nthati’s talent to my advantage.”