Ricardo “Ricwa” Klassen has his name stamped on the recent South African Television & Film Awards nominee list in the ‘Best Achievement in Directing’ category, for the much-loved SABC 1 television soap, Skeem Saam.
Skeem Saam is a local drama series that follows the lives of three boys who grapple with tough conflicts. It is a blend of stories about the journey to manhood that examines the plight of today’s male children.
Ricardo, who has proudly been in the industry for over eighteen years, has also already been nominated for a Royalty Soapie Award and has also won a Next Gen Award. Furthermore, he has edited over 400 episodes and directed over 180 episodes for television.
Not only has he produced and directed his own debut independent movie titled ‘Die Hustle’ in 2022 that sold over 3500 tickets around South Africa, but also notably produced two television commercials for MTN and Assupol.
Having also worked on big shows such 7de Laan, Skeem Saam and Big Brother Africa, Ricardo’s industry resume is one that keeps growing from strength to strength.
Ricardo hails from the streets of Johannesburg to a life of purpose, and his journey is one of redemption. He grew up in a community plagued by poverty, drugs, and crime. As a young boy, he idolized gangsters who cruised in flashy cars with girls.
Following the neighbourhood tradition, he joined a gang at age thirteen, where he got the name “Ricwa” from a gang leader. Unfortunately carjacking and drug dealing became his reality, but by the grace of God, he escaped the cycle. Many of his friends were not as lucky as he was to escape the gang life. Today, Ricardo dedicates his life to fulfilling his purpose, which he believes is telling stories that uplift and empower his community.
“I am determined and focused on continuously building a name for myself in the directing space, I have excitingly welcomed the nomination and yet still have my eyes set on doing even more”, says Ricardo.
