Actor and television presenter Jesse Suntele tells us how he strategically used talent search competitions to fast-track his career. By Fundiswa Nkwanyana
I was a nerd while growing up. I was short and skinny, and had a big Afro and braces. I also played chess. I was focused on my schoolwork and this resulted in me passing exceptionally well. Although academics were my main priority, I still made time to play with my friends.
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When I was 18 years old, I appeared on TV for the first time. This came after I entered the Jam Alley School vs School Talent Search because I am musically gifted. I won the competition and entered a few more similar competitions. I then joined an agency in order to help grow my career. Under the agency, I was cast in TV commercials that exposed me to playing different characters. This led to me getting small roles on soapies such as Generations: The Legacy, etv telenovela and Ashes to Ashes. In 2016, I entered the second season of BET Top Actor Africa which I won and received a 12-month contract with an international talent scout agency called J Pervis Talent Agency.
I’m happy with the direction in which my career is headed. After winning BET Top Actor Africa, I landed my first short role on Mzansi Magic drama series The Queen, as Constable Tuelo Hladi. I didn’t have to audition for this role because the producers had seen my acting skills in the competition. Shortly after that, I also bagged a presenting job on the BET A-List. I also didn’t audition because the producer was familiar with my work. I am excited to now have joined Rhythm City because it will provide me with the opportunity to launch and solidify my career as an actor. I play the role of Mzi, Suffocate’s son who comes back to SA to reconnect with his father and to get away from the new man in his mother’s life. I enjoy that I get the chance to act alongside, and learn from, some of the best actors in the industry.
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Just like any other, my career isn’t always smooth sailing. There are times when doubt creeps in, especially following negative feedback from several auditions. During these times, I reach out to my friends and family because they motivate and uplift me. I’m still struggling to balance being on set, attending auditions and making time for my budding rapping career. I have a hectic schedule, but I’m learning to pace myself.
