#Behindtheselfie with... Nomzamo Mbatha

Every side is a good side for Mbatha...

1. Where do you live, work and play?

Mbatha: I live and work in Johannesburg and play in Cape Town.

2. What’s your claim to fame?

Mbatha: I was a finalist on the MTV VJ Search in 2012 and am now an actress, on soapies Isibaya and Umlilo as well as in movies – my role in 2015’s Tell Me Sweet Something, garnered a nomination for ‘Best Actress in a Leading Role’ at the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards and I was recently announced as Most Promising Personality at the annual African Women Awards (AWA2016).

3. Describe your career so far.

Mbatha: It’s been an incredible ride and I’m enjoying every minute of it - a lot of successful projects in just a handful of years.

4. Tell us a few of your favourite things.

Mbatha: I’m obsessed with macarons, beautiful sunsets and going to Cinema Nouveau on a random night to catch a 10pm movie. I love being in comfy, boyish clothes. I’m a creep when it comes to analysing people and then thinking of them as characters in stories.

5. What do you love about your industry?

Mbatha: The amazing opportunities that come with being put on a platform of influence.

6. What are a few pain points your industry can improve on?

Mbatha: Bashing women in tabloids every week. It’s sad and needs to come to an end.

7. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.

Mbatha: 15-hour work days. No rest. Muscles aching. Major fatigue. All accompanied with having fun on set, being someone other than myself, which is so exhilarating.

8. What are the tools of your trade?

Mbatha: Talent!

9. Who is getting it right in your industry?

Mbatha: Young women. They are seriously making their mark and working twice as hard as the guys. It’s inspiring to witness.

10. Tell us some of the buzzwords floating around in your industry at the moment, and some of the catchphrases you utter yourself.

Mbatha:

• Death
• What must happen
• Fix it Jesus
• Come now!
• Slay
• On fleek

11. Where and when do you have your best ideas?

Mbatha: When I’m engrossed for hours watching YouTube videos. I always find inspiration. Otherwise, it’s when I watch a fantastic film or read a really good book.

12. What’s your secret talent/party trick?

Mbatha: I’m really good with impersonations.

13. What would we find if we scrolled through your phone?

Mbatha: Missed calls. I never answer my phone.

14. What advice would you give to newbies hoping to crack into the industry?

Mbatha: Don’t sell yourself short. Be confident in your talent enough not to do anything that would jeopardise your reputation.

Simple as that. Follow Mbatha on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more. You can also tune into #MyNightShift weekdays on Touch Central from 6pm to 8pm and click here for a reminder of the Tell Me Sweet Something trailer.

*Interviewed by Leigh Andrews.