Nambitha Ben-Mazwi has landed a groundbreaking new role as Moya in German-language’s longest-running crime drama, Tatort.
The 37-year-old actor exclusively spoke to Sowetan about joining the international German-Swiss show that has been heating up television screens for five decades.
What is it like to join the show?
Ben-Mazwi: As much as I had to learn Swiss German quickly, I had no idea how big Tatort was. I was more drawn to the role of Moya, and the idea of entering an unprecedented market space, which has always been a goal – but I didn’t think it would happen to this extent.
I’m now in a non-English-speaking market where I’m leading, and I have this challenge of learning a whole new language. It’s the longest-running show since 1970. If I had to compare it to something, it’s like a bigger version of Generations. It has the Bold and the Beautiful effect, but it’s not a soap opera.
How did you get the role?
Ben-Mazwi: My research started at the audition phase, which I believe set me apart. The producers auditioned all around Europe, but they couldn’t find anyone. Then, I came along. This is the first time they’ve crossed continents and cast an international actress.
There was no hesitancy from the director, Claudio Fäh, who’s Swiss but a Hollywood director.
What is it like playing Moya?
Ben-Mazwi: I built Moya from scratch – her journey, her backstory. In call-backs, they bought into how I portrayed her and even adjusted the script based on my research. They’d never seen that. I felt an immense responsibility for authenticity because I’m representing a whole continent and the dignity Africans carry.
I also wanted Europeans to see refugees as people. Like all my characters, Moya also has a playlist. I mapped where she came from, her reasons for leaving, and her music. I used inspiration from my grandmother – the first black nurse to get into nursing school in England, who lived through adversity and lived in Switzerland too. Being in Switzerland helped; I was a minority, which fed into the character.
I want to be at the forefront of African representation.
— Nambitha Ben-Mazwi, actor.
What does this role mean for your career?
Ben-Mazwi: That I was challenged in an industry and culture so far from ours. Switzerland really lives its neutrality. Even though 80% of the time I couldn’t understand what was happening as everyone spoke Swiss German, I saw a transformation happening on set with Moya and with me being myself.
This experience taught me to adapt but remain myself. It’s opened a new market, a new audience. It’s broadened my producing interests. I want to be at the forefront of African representation.
How would you sum up 2025?
Ben-Mazwi: 2025 was scary for us. The industry had fewer jobs. The US pulled out of a lot of international work. That forced me, as a strategist and businesswoman, to diversify. I learnt a new skill set.
I learnt I can master a language in weeks. 2026 is my year to step into new roles like executive producer. I’m in post-production for my first project, where I’m EP (executive producer) and also starring. I want to grow globally, inspire people to believe in the impossible, and also focus on personal goals.
