Actress Nolwazi Ngubeni: I gave Mbali everything I have'

Actress Nolwazi Ngubeni: I gave Mbali everything I have'Award-winning actress Nolwazi Ngubeni says she loved playing the villainous role of Mbali Khubeka in Scandal!'.

by Rae Seleme

23-02-2023 11:28

in Soapies

Scandal!'actress Nolwazi Ngubeni as Mbali Khubeka. Image via Twitter @BekithembaZ

Former Scandal! actress and casting director Nolwazi Shange Ngubeni made her final appearance as the villainous Mbali Khubeka last week in the e.tv soapie.

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ALSO READ: Scandal!': Inside Nolwazi Ngubeni's dramatic exit as Mbali

NOLWAZI NGUBENI: I TREATED THIS ROLE LIKE A BLANK CANVAS' The actress Nolwazi Ngubeni reveals in an interview with Drum that she loved playing Mbali Khubeka in Scandal! so much that there were times she laughed hard while playing the role.

The actress adds that this was her first time playing a villain, and that she treated the role like a blank canvas she could colour as she pleased.

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I treated this role like a blank canvas on which I could colour her however I pleased. Playing Mbali was the best time of my life. It was easy for me to leave her behind. I knew that I was the body and the tool that would be used to tell Mbali's story, and there was always a clear preparation in my head between myself and Mbali. She would cry a lot at times, which made me exhausted because I had to use my body to cry.

Ngubeni adds that it was a mental exercise to portray Mbali and doesn't remember how many times she said that Mbali is crazy.

I went to the audition with the sole requirement of giving the role my all as motivation. I'm a person who values excellence above all else. I can't do anything half-heartedly because my time is a very expensive commodity that I will never return to. I'm taking some time off from my family and me, and when you get there, you don't give it your all? If I'm not 100% behind myself, then what's the point? How can I expect others to back me?

ALSO READ: Suicide attempt, fake baby': Scandal!' fans worry Jojo is onto Mbali

PREVIOUS ROLES BEFORE SCANDAL!' Nolwazi Ngubeni also tells Drum that her grandparents encouraged her to pursue a career in the creative industry before she became popularly known as Mbali Khubeka from Scandal!

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I have been out of the business for some time, but that is what Mbali's role was about. I came with Umzali Wam, and then Scandal came, which was my chance. Because of the show's longevity, I decided to use it to my advantage and wake up every day and give Mbali everything I have excellence or nothing was my objective. Because I owe it to myself to show up and shine, I must seize this opportunity and run for it.

Ngubeni is also a casting director for Mzansi Magic's upcoming telenovela Umkhokha: The Curse and a producer when she's not in front of the camera.

I enjoy growing in the industry. I feel like the older I grow, the more I become myself and determined to improve in my skill. None of it feels too old for me. It doesn't feel like I have been in the industry for a while. It still feels like I am just starting. I have recently learned how to be a director, and I have never done TV before, I am so excited about learning how to do that. I am excited about learning because I want to do a lot in this industry, and I am excited for what the future holds for me.

TVSA reports that she's also appeared in season two of A Place Called Home as Precious, Intersexions season one as Ntombi, Mina Nawe season one as Sheila, The River seasons two and three as Minister Patience Mhlongo and season five as Gugu, etc.

ALSO READ: Scandal!': Cat's out of the bag Mbali Khubeka is living a double life

ALSO READ: Muthi magic': Scandal!' fans react to Jojo and Winnie's fling

I can't live without you - Mbali. #etvscandal pic.twitter.com/pluZoaUceE

Scandal! (@etvScandal) July 29, 2022

Mbali almost dropped her stomach yesterday!!!! Yhey this lady is playing with fire #etvscandal #sceneofthenight pic.twitter.com/Hd4CwgoSzJ

Scandal! (@etvScandal) August 10, 2022

What will happen when Mbali, Winnie, and Petunia face off?

Will Mbali really sacrifice her own mother?

How far will she go?

Find out tonight on #etvscandal at 19:30! pic.twitter.com/IOHvQNFM6L

Scandal! (@etvScandal) February 15, 2023

STUDY ABROAD: Study in Australia for an all-around experience. READ MORE HERE!

LINK:	https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/soapies/scandal-actress-nolwaz...
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