Creative Director: Ayanda Sithebe, Article by: Tumelo Mogoane, Producer: Felicia Sithebe, Photographer: Ken Khutso/, Makeup: Mamello Mokhele, Production Team: Tshepo Marema, John-Otto Phike, Glen Nkuna, Bonolo Maswanganye, Tumelo Mochochoko, Wardrobe Accents: IFUKU.
This week, Sikelelwa Vuyeleni takes centre stage as Actor Space’s “Young, Gifted, and Black,” an accolade that celebrates her artistry in the industry. Recently, viewers were enthralled by her portrayal of Khosi in the 1 Magic Telenovela “1802,” a testament to her evolving prowess and range.
Her breakout role Thando in the Moja Love telenovela “Hope,” marked her debut as a lead actress on TV and left a lasting impression on audiences. Her journey into professional acting began in 2014 with a memorable stint on the e.tv police drama “Traffic!” where she portrayed the role of the street-smart Zen. Since then, Sikelelwa has continued to captivate audiences with her versatility and depth. In 2020, she graced the screen in “Vula Vala,” embodying the character of Owami Kwena with finesse and nuance. Sikelelwa’s talent further shone through in the Showmax series “Adulting,” where she portrayed Natasha to widespread acclaim from audiences. Among her notable credits, Sikelelwa has left her mark on Mzansi Magic with appearances on acclaimed shows like “Isikizi,” “Umalume,” “Ukuphila Kabili,” and “Ingozi yothando.”
Image by Ken Khutso for Actor Spaces
Join us as we delve into her journey in the world of acting:
Tumelo Mogoane : Yeah Sikelelwa, thank you for joining us, before going deep, let’s take it back to primary school. Do you remember what your interests were?
Sikelelwa Vuyeleni : Where do I start, Siks was really just being a kid, playing outside with other kids and doing different things. At some point I did drummies majorettes, read quite a lot and enjoyed end of year productions in my late primary school years. I was a flexible kid, I think.
Tumelo: Loved that you did year end productions, When were you first introduced to the arts?
Sikelelwa: I was first introduced to the Arts in my first High School (I went to 2 Arts & Culture focused high schools). This is where I discovered drama could be a subject. Before this time it was other art forms, specifically dancing. I enjoyed dance growing up (high key still do) and this was apparent in my vested interest in all the school productions, where I’d find myself taking center stage in these.
Tumelo: Speaking of taking center stage, are you the first actor in your family? Tell us more
Sikelelwa: I am! “First one in my family to do this, I’m the prototype” is a quote that made this dawn on me. There’s definitely a lot of drama though(in a talent kind of way), these are moments that get to expose that maybe I’m the chosen one to represent all the ones that didn’t know this was even a possibility in my family. Being the first in anything has it’s ups and downs and I’m grateful to say it’s been a journey of immense support from my family throughout (without taking away their concerns and reservations about my chosen career, of course.)
Image by Ken Khutso for Actor Spaces
Tumelo: Looking at your upbringing, what would you say has influenced your love for the craft?
Sikelelwa: The truth is, I’ve never really had this as a dream until I decided maybe drama is a great idea, only to find out it really is. In hindsight though, I’d say performance was always inside of me, it just needed time and space to get it realised. My upbringing has influenced my love for the craft on a character/human experience level. I’ve moved around a lot in my life and this exposed me to different people, spaces and parts of myself too. All those have been major contributors to who I am and how I approach my craft.
Tumelo: How did growing up in the Eastern Cape influence the type of aActor that you are?
Sikelelwa: Growing up in the Eastern Cape continues to be a gift that keeps on giving in an age of expressing our characters/roles in our mother tongues. The kind of IsiXhosa I am able to serve my characters stems back from EC.
Tumelo: And Do you apply any of what you’ve seen growing up into your acting?
Sikelelwa: I think it’s impossible not to. Some things almost jump out immediately making you think of a person or a situation that could be referenced for a certain story or character. And it’s partly (if not fully) our job to be observers of our worlds and what’s happening in and around us as actors. Our job mostly depends on how well we can tell the truth of our characters’ stories, so an active collection of life experiences is essential.
Tumelo: Siks, You have an ND in Film and Video Technology/Production …at CPUT (Cape Peninsula University of Technology), how has this equipped you in your craft?
This has managed to give me a full scope or atleast close enough of what’s happening behind the scenes when I’m both in and out of the room/set as an actor. It has also helped with relating with my colleagues differently because I also somehow identify with them. It’s also empowering to know the technical details of what I am a part of
Tumelo: You have played various roles with different personalities, what does range mean to you as an Actor?
Sikelelwa: Shuuu, It means being in possession of a colour wheel and being able to use different colours for different purposes, as needed. The ability of using one’s canvas to represent an array of artistic expressions. To invite and host different types of people in and through one’s body- the instrument.
Tumelo: What’s your go-to method for getting into character before a scene?
Sikelelwa: Breath work has a way of bringing me into the present moment, providing a stillness that allows space and time for the character to connect and find a voice in and through me. So I will do a whole lot of breathing.
Tumelo: You have been a part of various shows with impactful actors like Sello Maake, Warren Masemola, Tina Jaxa, Thembisa Mdoda etc… Do you think working alongside such greats has affirmed your space in the industry?
Sikelelwa: To a great extent, YES. It’s also such a beautiful thing to create with people that really care about and love what they do. It’s humbling, really.
Tumelo: A few years ago, about 5, you went on to join the Actor Spaces Academy, where you had the privilege of working with various facilitators. What are the main things that you took away from that experience that have helped you navigate this industry?
Sikelelwa: One of the best decisions of my life, especially being new in Jozi. That space exposed me to so much of the industry’s realities. I came out of there hungry to “play”, to use my body(movement) in my work, and to not be afraid of making choices and sticking to them. The idea of trusting your co-stars and being able to LISTEN as an actor. These are just a few of the things I am still using and refining with each new project.
Tumelo: You have said that you’re working on building your own production company. Is that your end goal and what do you intend with that?
Sikelelwa: (Takes a breath)…Siks Lense (to render a sixth sense through the lens) is a baby of mine that exists and needs more attention from mommy. That is a space that will keep redefining itself. I am slowly coming to what I want this season to be. But essentially, I want to create a space that can preserve artistic expression, freedom, and creativity. This year I look forward to showing a short or 2 at the next ARIFF.
Tumelo: You are big on spirituality, what has this taught you?
Sikelelwa: Nothing I am right now can be accredited to how great I am. I’ve seen God hold me down through the challenge that is this industry. I know there’s a call on my life. I know that what I do is a gift from God, so I must be intentional in serving and glorifying my Creator in every room/role I step into. And really, if it’s in His purpose, it won’t miss you. Prayer will save us from so much, may we never cease to do so.
Tumelo: What would you say to an aspiring actor out there trying to navigate their way into the industry?
Sikelelwa: I would say; they should seek to know themselves, be strong in their identity and what they stand for so that whenever the time to be a chameleon comes and for them to get into different spaces and different characters and the congruence of stories ; they can still be themselves and take care of the actor they are so that they can carry these stories with grace and wisdom.
Tumelo: Siks we have so much to unpack and this brings us right to the end. What type of stories would you like to tell going forward?
Sikelelwa: Stories that challenge me as an actor, stories that honour the people we love and dream to be. Stories of impact, told in creative and beautiful ways. I just want to be a part of a remarkable artistic journey with fellow artists.
