At 23, Kealeboga Masango has already made a name for herself in the South African entertainment industry, playing nuanced characters in popular shows such as Rhythm City and Youngins. Her latest role is Bulingile Dhlomo "Buli" Dhlomo in The Four of Us, a character that may seem carefree on the surface but struggles with emotional wellbeing. Masango recently spoke to Sowetan about her colourful career thus far and her experiences working with industry veterans.
Masango described working with Sindi Dlathu and Sdumo Mtshali as an amazing experience, saying she has learned a great deal from them. She mentioned that they have been a source of guidance and support, helping her navigate challenging scenes and sharing their expertise. The cast has also become like a family to her, providing a supportive environment that allows her to grow as an actress.
According to Masango, her past roles have shaped her into the actress she is today. She believes that every role pushes her further and teaches her something new about the craft and about herself. She credits Rhythm City as her first big step, while Youngins was a major turning point that brought her recognition. With The Four of Us, she is learning from experienced actors and taking her craft to new heights.
Away from the camera, Masango described herself as a chilled person who loves sleeping and trying new things. She enjoys being around people and having good energy around her, similar to her character Buli. Masango also revealed that she is not a fan of being alone and values the company of others.
When asked about her next role, Masango expressed interest in playing a character who comes from nothing, as she has played several wealthy characters in the past. She believes that playing someone outside of her comfort zone would challenge her as an actress and allow her to showcase her range.
Masango revealed that it wasn't easy to get into character at first, but as she developed Buli's story, she realised that the character has many layers. She described Buli as someone who has always had a comfortable life but struggles to cope when things start falling apart. Masango also noted that Buli uses partying and drinking as a way to avoid dealing with her emotions.
Masango tackled Buli's struggle with alcohol by portraying her as someone who doesn't necessarily see herself as having a problem. Instead, Buli uses drinking and partying as a way to escape her emotions and family drama. Masango's nuanced portrayal of Buli brings depth to the character and highlights the importance of addressing emotional struggles.
Key points
- Masango is learning from industry veterans Sindi Dlathu and Sdumo Mtshali on The Four of Us.
- Masango's past roles have shaped her into the actress she is today.
- Masango is interested in playing a character who comes from nothing in her next role.
