Actor, fitness trainer and Men’s Health Cover Guy Challenge winner Mnqobi Kunene is having a big year, with starring roles in 1Magic’s How To Manifest A Man and the hit Showmax Original Outlaws.
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MNQOBI KUNENE ON BAGGING A ROLE IN ‘OUTLAWS’
In Outlaws, Kunene plays Kwanele Dlamini, whose love for Sihle (breakout star Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku) goes way back to when they were kids.
Kunene says he feels like Outlaws chose me.
“Coming from an agricultural background and attending an agricultural school, I truly believe this role was meant for me.”
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The actor says he found it interesting that the story is more like the life he wanted for himself, a life that was the plan when his dad was around.
“The first audition was on the anniversary of the day that my dad passed away, so it felt like it was a gift from him. With my agricultural background, it now feels like I am incorporating my experiences into the story and reliving my life.”
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THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN KWANELE AND SIHLE
Speaking about his character, Kunene says that Kwanele is a certified lover boy, and his main desire is to marry Sihle. However, he’s also a spoiled brat, adding complexity to his character and creating interesting dynamics.
“In some ways, I relate to the character. It’s about being deeply in love and cherishing a connection with someone you’ve known since childhood. All you want is to marry this person, and he doesn’t see anyone else besides her.”
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He also speaks about his chemistry with Sihle, saying: “The chemistry between Kwanele and Sihle is really good in the beginning because they have known each other since they were teenagers, until the loss of her parents, which then changes the chemistry between them because she finds someone who is able to fill that gap of grief.
“Working with Nirvana was great. We met during the audition process of the show so we developed a friendship before we started filming.”
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