Aphiwe Mkefe returns to TV with ‘Spinners’

The anticipated second season of hit drama Spinners has found a new home on Mzansi Magic, after the shutdown of Showmax.

The first season will rerun on Mzansi Magic on Sunday, with the second season premiering when the first season wraps on October 25.

The second season premiered to its first audience at the weekend at the Silwerskermfees Festival in Cape Town. Mondli Makhoba, Clementine Mosimane, Aphiwe Mkefe, and Luyanda Zwane join lead star Cantona James in the second season.

Sowetan chats to rising star Mkefe, 32, known for his roles in local films The Queenstown Kings, Surviving Gaza, and Letters of Hope about returning to TV – where it all started in the drama series Nkululeko.

What makes your role in Spinners different from anything you have played before?

This is the first time I get to play a character who is an antagonist. I have always been playing characters who are young protagonists and goodie-two-shoes kids. I finally get to play a bad guy, which was an interesting challenge for me. I know this is going to propel me into something completely different in terms of future castings. I also did put in some weight and muscles for this role.

What does joining season 2 of Spinners mean?

This was an important moment for me just as a fan of SA film and television – as a thespian and practitioner in this industry. I found this moment to be incredible because this was a cross-cultural moment that we should continue on. If we are all chasing the goal that I think we all are, it will only ever work if we are doing it together.

How will you define your acting journey thus far?

I started on television and pivoted by only doing films. This is my return to television, back where it all started on Mzansi Magic. I will define myself as a film star.

Who is Aphiwe Mkefe?

I’m the protagonist. I’m a young South African man, trying to make the best out of every opportunity offered. Trying to tell SA storytelling through film and television.

What will Sowetan audience be surprised to learn about you?

I’m calm and chilled. I’m way calmer than people perceive me to be, which some people may consider boring.

What has been the greatest highlight of your career?

Spinners and I will add what transpired this weekend at the Silverskermfees Film Festival, premiering season two of Spinners. Getting to see people’s live response to the episode, we don’t get that opportunity to screen in a cinema, and that was a highlight.

What has been the hardest lesson to learn?

That this is not Hollywood and this industry will need a lot more effort and dedication to get to where we need to get.

What type of role do you want to play that you haven’t?

I want to play a romantic lead in a romantic drama, comedy, or film.

What is next after Spinners?

Projects with more action.