She's been found. South Africa's own version of Ugly Betty will be hitting the screens soon and it's going to be filled with fresh faces as well as some familiar ones.
SABC 1's new TV drama uBettina Wethu, boasts of the series’ very first African lead, played by actress Farieda Metsileng.
uBettina Wethu’s cast were required to submit online auditions earlier this year and they wowed directors.
Tshepiso Sello, Known Associates Entertainment producer said, “We wanted to cast the net as wide as possible and to give a fair chance to talented actors and actresses who may not usually have access to agents or auditions.”
Read more l Are you South Africa's Ugly Betty?
Farieda will play the lead character, Betty Sikhakhane.
“I resonate with so many of the issues that Bettina is going through,” Farieda says.
“I loved everything about my character, except for the interesting hairstyle. It reminds me of my childhood where my mom and sister did the same look. So, Bettina has moments of nostalgia.”
Zweli Dube plays the charismatic Dingaan Jiyane.
Tsholofelo Mashishi plays the matriarch of the family, Linda Jiyane and Lesego Tlhabi (Coconut Kelz) will play the bubbly Zaza Moloi.
“Zaza tackles some issues I’ve dealt with on my personal capacity; issues on weight, and body-shaming. She is a social media influencer, I can’t call myself an influencer, but I am very active on social media,” Coconut Kelz says.
“Zaza is an exciting character. It is my first role as an actor and it is nerve-wracking to be working with people who are established, actors. But I have given it my all and ready for people to see the versatility.”
Supporting cast members:
Michael Potter – Brandon Thomas
Elliot Makhubo – Israel Sikhakhane
Mbasa Msongeli – Mpilo Hadebe
Brighton Ngoma – T-Bang Moeketsi
Ayanda Bandla – Lakhe Amon
Mhairi Fergusson – Amanda
Motshabi Tyelele – Ethel
Jason Willemse – Wendell
Alex Sono – Reggie
UBettina Wethu will play on SABC1 and Viu every Monday to Wednesday at 19h30 from April 2021.
