Toka Mtabane. Picture: Instagram
To make a good impression in any working environment, one has to prove that you have the ability to adapt to whatever situation you are thrown into – this was exactly the case for actor Toka Mtabane.
After securing a role in the popular South African series, Youngins, the 22-year-old actor has had to go the extra mile to adapt himself to the role – even if it meant becoming fluent in a new language.
Providing insights about his experience behind the scenes of the Showmax series he spoke to the news and entertainment publication Daily Sun. In his conversation with the publication, Toka highlighted that he enjoyed portraying the role of Khaya, adding that it has pushed him to excel in his craft.
One of the biggest challenges for the Eastern Cape-born actor was mastering the skill of learning to speak IsiZulu, a language that forms a vital part of his character’s identity. While this may not have been Toka’s first language, the passionate actor explained that he felt motivated to give his best to do justice to the character.
“This role pushed me as it’s a lead role, and the storyline is intense. It taught me a lot about contextualising things that weren’t directly relevant to me then. I also learned a lot about isiZulu.
“I speak isiXhosa, but with Khaya, I had to learn a lot of the language. In my preparation, I spent a lot of time going to places where I knew I could pick up this kind of slang, and it helped,” Toka said.
With his character now firmly having cemented himself a special place in the hearts of viewers, Toka says that he has always known that Youngins is the show for him
“I wasn’t entirely surprised by how much people love Khaya. I’m incredibly humbled by the support and grateful to see viewers rooting for him. The reception has been amazing,” he said.
While most young actors often wait for their big break, he further adds that his introduction was felt like the case where his hard work opened doors.
“It felt like a perfect moment where preparation meets opportunity, almost like it was meant to be,” he explained to Daily Sun.
Also see: Thabiso Ramotshela on Youngins S2 – ‘This is the Yizo Yizo of my generation’ | Bona Magazine
