Veteran actor Tumisho Masha has reflected on his 25-year acting career, and heaps praise on legends such as Dr. John Kani.
Masha is involved in the making of a film titled Fences and he plays the role of Troy as it was meant to be played by Kani.
The legendary film and theatre director is ill and had to pull out of the production and Masha speaks of him as a father figure.
Fences explore the evolving African American experience while examining race relations and other themes which resonate with what South Africa experiences.
Having first worked with Kani on a British series titled Wallander with Kenneth Branagh, Bonnie Mbuli, and Deon Lotz, Masha is honoured to be taking on the role.
“I just loved being around him so much because he is a man of such great integrity.” When he received the call to be part of Fences, he jumped. “I was called directly by him to be part of his cast, and when Dr John Kani calls you, utata, you jump,” he said per Drum.
“I just wanted to hang out with this man, be around him and be as close as I can to him to be able to pick up all the wonderful pearls of wisdom and the gems of truth that he is got.
“He is not just a fantastic actor, that is not all that makes him a legend. What makes him iconic is he is a fantastic human being, someone who has so much to give to the upcoming, younger generation. I want to make sure I get as much as I possibly can, so I can also be able to pass that on.”
The talented actor also touched on the brilliance and Kani’s impact on his career, saying he is powerful and a good role model.
“When he is around, you feel like you have a dad around. As black men we need to look up to the people who are good role models,” he says.
“I am not saying he is an angel and has not made his fair share of mistakes, but he is a good man and good men like him need to be celebrated. We need to listen to them and try to emulate them so we can be better. Those are the people we must sit next to and ask how they did it.
“I have been doing this since I was four years old but professionally for 25 years. What I love about this industry is that it is filled with talented people, who are hard-working and care about giving something beautiful every single time. What I dislike about it is that those people are never given their flowers while they are still alive and are exploited a lot.”
Main Image: Tumisho Masha/Instagram