Article by: John-Otto Phike, Article contribution: Lindokuhle Mbonani, Photographer: Katlego Mokubyane, Photographer Assist: Sandile Mkhize, Junior Creative Direction: Modise Motaung, Creative Assist: Thembi Zikalala, Production Coordinator: Siyanda Buthelezi, Wardrobe: Kojo Africa, Makeup: Phumzile Mhlongo, Transcribed by: Felex Badza
KHOJANE MORAI is a South African actor known for his break through role starring role as Nolo, a young man from QwaQwa in search of his biological father in the city, on the SABC2 telenovela Lithapo, alongside legendary Clementine Mosimane. Morai was born and bred in Mthatha, Eastern Cape where is love for acting was also born.
Morai’s debut screen role was in a lead in a film, Easy Way To Fall, Road to Redemption as a Lead, which open the door to roles of shows such as Isithembiso, Lithapo and currently Umbuso.
Morai is thinker, he would often take walks or bask in the sun alone, in-between shots. He speaks when spoken to and this is what he had to say about being part of Actor Spaces The Next!
John-Otto Phike: What does being part of this series mean to you?
Khojane Morai: It feels awesome! It is an achievement and a life changing moment. It is an honour to be recognised by Actor Spaces.
John-Otto: This series is about highlighting impactful actors, in what ways have you created an impact in your career?
Khojane: Showing up and proving to the youth that one can believe in themselves and their dreams. My story of landing a lead role after my first professional audition, motivated a lot of people from disadvantaged backgrounds that you can still make it. It has also shown people that the industry is accessible to anyone across the country.
Khojane Morai image by Katlego Mokubyane for Actor Spaces
John-Otto: You speak multiple languages, which is a good skill to have as an actor. What is the importance of being linguistically versatile?
Khojane: In South Africa we have 13 languages. As an actor, being versatile means I am able to reach a much broader audience and represent all South Africans authentically. It allows me to touch to many households across the country and I hope to learn more languages internationally in the future.
John-Otto: What is essential about knowing your weakness & strength as an actor?
Khojane: It all comes back to the actor, knowing that you have to trust your preparation and being present in the moment.
John-Otto: How has being introspective helped you develop characters and career?
Khojane: It’s very easy for us as actors to get lost in the ‘concrete jungle.’ Being introspective the best way or me was remembering who I am ,being rooted to my roots and upbringing
Khojane Morai image by Katlego Mokubyane for Actor Spaces
John-Otto: How does imagination influence your performance?
Khojane: In so many ways, I remember when I played Nolo on Lithapo Sabac2 , I used what most call method acting ,using my real life experiences. My personal experiences influenced my imagination and performance .
John-Otto: One impactful thing learnt from working with a legends such as Clementine Mosimane on Lithapo?
Khojane: Discipline, being humble, respect and that I should not chase fame but the craft
John-Otto: What does impact mean for you in the industry.
Khojane: Leaving a mark,making sure people will remember me for the good deeds I have done in my time in this world .
John-Otto: What kind of stories do you wish to tell in the future.
Khojane: Stories that will have an impact in the world, it’s time the world knew our stories.
John-Otto: Khonjani is impactful because?
Khojane: He is a tool destined to spread love via story telling.
Khojane Morai image by Katlego Mokubyane for Actor Spaces
