In the latest episode of African Voices, CNN’s Larry Madowo sits down with South African actors Gugu Gumede and S’dumo Mtshali, the stars of Netflix’s breakout hit ‘The Polygamist’. The pair discuss the show’s unexpected global success, their personal journeys into acting, and why they believe African storytelling is reaching new audiences around the world.
The interview explores how a Zulu language drama set in South Africa became a worldwide phenomenon. Reflecting on the series’ popularity, Mtshali tells CNN, “The fact that it blew up this big across Africa, and then the United States, and then Europe, that was a big surprise for us.” Gumede recalls watching the show’s audience grow almost overnight, saying, “Every new day you’d wake up and it was like a new country had discovered it.”
CNN also hears how audiences have become deeply invested in the show’s characters. Speaking about his portrayal of Jonasi, Mtshali explains that fans frequently approach him as the controversial character. “It’s a great feeling that we can go this far as storytellers. We can reach the world,” he says. Gumede adds that viewers have become equally fascinated by the actors behind the roles, explaining that many people want to know “who are you?” and how they bring such complex characters to life.
The conversation looks back at the beginnings of their careers and the moments that sparked their love of acting. Mtshali reflects on performing in a school play as a child and realising the power of storytelling, while Gumede recalls creating imaginary worlds from a young age. “I loved seeing how people would come and meet me where I was in my imagination,” she tells CNN. “I just wanted to do it from that age.”
The programme also offers a candid insight into Gumede’s personal journey. She speaks openly about caring for her mother following a stroke and how the experience motivated her to focus on her own health and wellbeing. Reflecting on the changes in her life and career, Gumede credits her faith for helping guide her path and tells CNN, “I thank God for it.”
Beyond its success as a television drama, ‘The Polygamist’ has prompted wider conversations about relationships, power, and society. Mtshali argues that audiences have connected with the story because its themes reach far beyond the subject of polygamy itself. “The show is so much bigger than just polygamy,” he says. “As long as there’s someone in power who’s able to oppress another person… that’s Jonasi.” Gumede adds that the series encouraged audiences to reflect on their own experiences and sparked conversations about relationships, accountability, and personal empowerment.
Looking to the future, both actors share ambitious hopes for African storytelling. Gumede says the success of ‘The Polygamist’ shows the potential of stories from the continent, telling CNN, “We’ve seen how big this can be. We can’t keep playing small. We’ve seen how far we can go with our storytelling.” Mtshali hopes the industry’s growing profile will create new opportunities for collaboration across the world, adding, “My dream is to really tell South African and African stories at that highest level.”
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Author: Tshegofatso Nkubone from Burson Africa on behalf of CNN.
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