If you’ve watched Zone 14, Soul City or Tsotsi, you know legendary actor Owen Sejake. The veteran actor plays General Moeti, a powerful political figure who wants to run for Deputy President, in Showmax Original Empini.
OWEN SEJAKE ON HIS ROLE IN ‘EMPINI’
Known for his deep and authoritative voice, Sejake distinguished career dates back to 1971 and includes winning Best Supporting Actor at Monaco International Film Festival for Beat the Drum.
According to Sejake, Empini reveals many things that people don’t see, especially what happens inside Parliament. He shared that he is interested in how Empini shows the public that politicians are supposed to be serving the country and not the other way around.
Speaking about his character in the series, Sejake explained that it is more stoic.
“He is aware that he has seen it all, especially in the warzone (empini). He has spent time in caves and holes, sometimes drinking dirty water to survive. He has witnessed so much and is very calculating,” he said.
On what his character has taught him, the actor said: “If there’s one thing General has taught me, it’s discipline. Through this character, I learned how people behave when they are put in a corner.”
VETERAN ACTOR OPENS UP ABOUT HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH SIYABONGA THWALA
Empini is a 52-episode series starring Siyabonga Thwala as Khaya Bhodoza, a prominent businessman and political stalwart.
Sejake also reflected on his relationship with Thwala and the lessons he taught the Isibaya star.
“I met him through theatre. The first time I saw him, he was a tiny little boy; we were doing industrial theatre. He was playing a naughty type of young man. That’s where he really built himself. We travelled the whole country. It’s always nostalgic when I look at him and remember those days.
“Now he’s grown, and he’s a husband. A few weeks ago, we were talking, and he said, ‘You know, bra Owen, as you grow up, it’s important to have someone who’s a friend. All those things you taught me, now I also have a wife.’ I was very encouraged and proud hearing that.