After a recent lull in the violent action scenes for which The Queen Mzansi is known, the 27-year-old son of celebrated actor, Jerry Phele, brought much needed drama to the Ferguson Films produced telenovela. Ntshepe Phele plays Madanone, a petty criminal whose string of robberies had caught the attention of Tembisa Police.
What happened on The Queen Mzansi?
Phele junior’s character is involved in a violent altercation with top cop, Lieutenant Vuyiswa Jola (real name Zandile Msutwana) after he resisted arrest at the iconic Corner House diner. Moments before the frightful scuffle, Detective Georgina Zulu (real name Sibusisiwe Jili) drew her weapon and attempted to apprehend Madanone as he tried to relieve a female Corner House customer of her handbag. But the arrogant thug palmed aside Detective Zulu’s gun before attempting to flee. However, Madanone’s flight was quickly thwarted by the fiery Lieutenant Jola who one-arm slammed him to the floor before straddling him and hammering him several times with her pistol. Behind Vuyiswa, a cluster of stunned Corner House customers watched in horror.
Madanone would have died on the scene, were it not for the intervention of newly reformed scam artist, Schumacher (real name Vuyolwethu Ngcukana) who pulled away Jola. After being separated from the suspect, the blood-soaked Jola sat on the floor weeping, as weeks of concealing marital tension finally broke her. Jola has since been suspended from work and Madanone pardoned for his crimes by Tembisa Police station commander, Hector Sebata (real name Rapulana Seiphemo) after a video of the assault went viral, bringing pressure from the police minister.
Later on, Madanone returns to the scene of the near-fatal beating and kidnaps Georgina in her police bakkie. Shortly after, Madanone is once again at the centre of a physical altercation as Schumacher rescues the drowsy Georgina.
In an exclusive interview, Quick Read Magazine recently caught up with the rising young actor.
Ntsepe Phele on being son of Jerry Phele
Being the son of a film and theatre legend can open doors, but the name of a famous parent also comes with its own pressure. Speaking to Quick Read Magazine, this is what Ntsepe Phele had to say:
“A lot is expected from me because apparently, I have ‘big shoes’ to fill. But I don’t have any pressure on me. I believe my time will come and everything happens for a reason.”
Born and raised in Soweto, Ntsepe Phele was educated at Johannesburg Secondary School and Cosmo City Secondary School before attending the AFDA and Market Theatre Laboratory. Being a professionally trained actor, Ntsepe is not just banking on the family reputation. Despite the hard work he has put into becoming an actor in his own right, the label of “son of a legend” began as far back as Ntshepe Phele’s school days.
“I was very popular in school and in our neighbourhood, but that didn’t change who I am. Even today, people tend to be happy to be with or met an actor’s son. Not just any actor, but their favourite actor. Alot of people give me that ‘Really! Ene niyafana’ moment once they find out whose son I am”.
The 65-year-old veteran actor, Jerry Phele, originally from the Free State, Parys, is most known for playing the role of Mofokeng on SABC’s Emzini Wezinsizwa. He has held numerous other theatre and television roles which include the character Morena on Skwizas, Innocent on Abo Mzala, Bra Seputla, a cunning taxi driver on Samsokolo, , Tsepho on Stokvel, Jonas on Abomama, and Malome Moswabi Kwena on another Ferguson Films production, The Throne Mzansi.
Jerry Phele reaction to Ntshepe acting
When asked if his veteran actor father ever gives him guidance and valuable pointers, Ntsepe said:
“Yes, all the time. We would be watching something (on television), and he’ll give me some pointers about performance, reactions, beats, breathing and the like.”
Jerry Phele, whose acting career, like many legends of his time, began in theatre, in the 1970s, has another child, daughter Lesedi who, along with Ntshepe, are affectionately known as the ‘Mofokeng Children’ in reference to his most prominent television role. The talented Phele senior is ‘excited’ about son, Ntsepe’s appearance on The Queen Mzansi.
“He (dad) was excited for me, like any other parent would be. It’s really amazing to have his support and see him be proud of me.”
Phele’s dream role
Ntsepe Phele has held other television roles; guest presenter on SABC1’s Mzansi Insider, a cameo on Greed and Desire and, little known fact, he was gang leader of ‘The Untouchables’, small time drug dealers who terrorised Khaya Khoza (real name Paballo Koza) along with his manipulative older girlfriend Cici (real name Nosipho Silinda) on The Queen Mzansi, season five.
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Ntsepe’s celebrated father, who could really be his much older twin, is synonymous with humorous roles. Despite their physical likeness, the two acting Pheles, it seems, have their differences. Asked about his dream film or television role, the Soweto raised Phele said… villain.
Catch Ntsepe Phele on The Queen Mzansi, available on DSTV Catch-up and Showmax.