South African actor Mpilo Mbatha has bid farewell to his character, Shobane Mnisi, on Homecoming, reflecting on the role that earned him his first Best Actor nomination.
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Taking to social media, Mpilo celebrated the milestone, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to bring Shobane’s story to life and the recognition he received early in his acting career.
“This character just got me my first Best Actor nomination!” he wrote.
As he said goodbye to the character, Mpilo shared a heartfelt message acknowledging the end of Shobane’s journey on screen.
“Shobane Mnisi, as you bow out of the world’s eyes, siyabonga mfwethu ukukhetha thina ukuxoxela umhlaba ngempilo yakho (Thank you, my brother, for choosing me to tell the world your life story),” he wrote.
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From Wits graduate to award-nominated actor
Reflecting on his journey, Mpilo spoke about the transition from obtaining his degree at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) two years ago to making a living by portraying the lives of other people.
“From obtaining a Wits degree two years back to ending up experiencing lives of other human beings for a living is absolute bliss to me,” he shared.
The actor also expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has received, acknowledging that he is still finding his feet in the entertainment industry.
“Asiside kakhulu iskhathi esengisiphilile lapha emhlabeni (I haven’t lived on this earth for very long). In these few years to breathe that I have been given, life has been very good to me. I have not yet run short of breath; I have not yet regretted anything; I have not yet felt the yoke and the hardships of life. For this, I am grateful,” he wrote.
Mpilo added that he considers himself fortunate to have experienced so much in his relatively short time in the industry.
“I usually tell my brother that if, God forbid, the sun sets on me this very day, he should know that I’m closing my eyes an elated soul. I’ve lived, I’ve seen, I’ve felt.”
‘The reception has been nothing short of celestial’
Despite describing himself as a newcomer still finding his balance, Mpilo said the response he has received from the industry and audiences has been overwhelmingly positive.
The actor also thanked Lulu Hela for the opportunity to be part of the production, expressing appreciation for the chance to tell Shobane’s story.
He extended his gratitude to the cast and crew members he worked with on Homecoming, thanking them for the respect they showed him throughout their time working together.
“Kubafwethu nodadewethu esisebenzisane nabo (To my brothers and sisters I worked with) on Homecoming, ngiyabonga zingan’zakwethu ngenhlonipho eningiphe yona, kwande (thank you, my colleagues, for the respect you have shown me. May it continue to grow),” he added.
Grateful for his first Best Actor nomination
Mpilo also acknowledged the National Film and Television Awards for recognising his work, describing the nomination as an encouragement to continue developing his craft.
“Thank you for the recognition, fam. Highly appreciated and motivated to paint more!” he wrote.
Featured image: Instagram/@mpilo_mbatha
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