While the Netflix Film Umjolo: The Gone Girl sits firmly at Number 1 in the Top 10 most watched movies in South Africa, lead actor Tyson Mathonsi still pinches himself when he thinks of just how far he has come in the industry.
What started out as a shattered dream, turned into Tyson’s reroute to plough into an old love. This has changed his life in ways he didn’t think were possible as a young man from Esikhawini in KwaZulu-Natal.
“I used to be a profound rugby player and that’s what I thought I would be doing for the rest of my life.
I was a disadvantaged kid from Esikhawini and rugby was a way out for me, that talent paid my way through school from age 12 until the end of my high school days.”
Unfortunately, in Grade 11, just as Tyson had qualified for the prestigious SA Schools Rugby tournament, he suffered a major ankle injury that resulted in him being told that he could not play the game for seven to 10 years.
“From that day I had to make a decision – I was in a dark hole for a good few days after hearing the devastating news – maybe there was something more in store for me and this was a change in direction.”
One day he saw a poster at UKZN (University of KwaZulu-Natal) for a part in a play and he jumped at the opportunity.
“I used to do community theatre when I was younger but rugby was my centre, so theatre and other cultural activities took a backseat. So seeing that poster was like a revelation to me.”
From there Tyson fully indulged in the arts. He did a few movies in Eskhawini and bagged a presenter gig for 1KZN TV. As his confidence in his talent continued to grow he threw himself into honing his skill every day.
He eventually came to Johannesburg after saving up money from his theatre gigs and hustling. He started studying towards a degree and during that time he landed a gig with Selimathunzi as a presenter.
As his star continued to rise Tyson landed more gigs on shows including Isipho, Isono, Diep City, The Queen and MTV Shuga: Down South.
“I would get roles and try different things to pave my way to the top. My ultimate goal is to become that leading actor. It was that role in MTV Shuga that really exposed me to the people that needed to know who I am and see what I can do. That was my leap into the industry and directors and producers started to know me.”
For Tyson, there is no such thing as a small production. He believes actors should always view the productions they are a part of as a stepping stone to greater opportunities.
“Productions for me are never small, they are an opportunity to grow. If you place someone respected in their craft in that space – automatically it raises the value of that project.”
His most recent role as Jabu in popular Mzansi Wethu telenovela Sibongile and the Dlaminis catapulted him to a larger audience and allowed people to experience his acting capabilities.
“The show has been my biggest break into the industry and has people really getting to see me in my element. It has been amazing because at the end of the day we tell these stories to heal people.”
Over the last eight years since Tyson began his journey, the most important lesson he has learnt is ‘resilience and discipline over talent’.
“Talent is replaceable, just having it with no hard work behind it is not sustainable. You won’t get duration in the industry – you’re only as good as your next gig unfortunately, so you have to keep pushing and upping your game.
I have been doing this for eight years now and I am only now getting my big breaks. Imagine If I decided to give up five years ago or a couple of months before I got my first break, where would I be today?”
When the opportunity to audition for the Netflix first film collection Umjolo: The Gone Girl came, Tyson was taking a break from being in front of the camera.
“Because I am always eager to learn and develop myself more, I was doing behind the scenes work when the gig came. I eventually went to audition and the feedback I got – I was their distinct choice – I was like oh wow, I am growing in my craft and I am always trying to exercise as many muscles as possible. When I go for these auditions I try to play it differently from how it’s expected to be perceived.”
Tyson’s character Lucky is a philandering boyfriend who just can’t seem to give up relations with women other than his long time girlfriend, Lethu.
“I think he really is just a guy in general, besides him giving into the temptations that life brings him, you will get to see him and fall in love with the character because the chemistry Lucky and Lethu have, outside of the infidelity, is crazy.”
The 27-year-old adds that the film explores many things that aren’t openly discussed like open relationships.
“Men often think they can do whatever they want, but when women do the same thing, it becomes a problem. We play a lot with that perspective. Lucky is not a playboy at face value, so you fall in love with the relationship first before you see how ‘assholey’ he is. Even in his approach, he is not that bad. When he is confronted with his dealings he is apologetic about it and takes ‘responsibility’ by trying to work a way forward.
Sometimes when you find someone cheating they can be quick to get angry, Lucky is accepting of it and tries to explain his feelings. So you see them navigating this openness in their relationship throughout the film.”
The film is cast with actors including Gugu Gumede and Ntando Mncube who play a married couple navigating infidelity in a more humorous way.
“Ntando plays my older brother and his character is one I think I would be able to play if I didn’t get the role of Lucky. In a lot of supporting roles I get I tend to gravitate to the more comedic stuff. That is why this character is so different for me. He is really calm and trying to find a solution more than anything else.”
Starring in a production that is set to reach an international audience is quite exciting for Tyson.
“I was super anxious and nervous because we have a whole spectrum of people to see our work. As an ensemble we worked very well together and people from different parts of the world will get to see that and there is something everyone can relate to. People will understand the story, even with some language barriers, it is a relatable topic that transcends language.”
As his star continues to rise, Tyson is continuing to grab every opportunity presented to him. He is currently shooting with the Tshivenda soapie Muvhango.
“I am really enjoying the role. I feel that Duma ka Ndlovu of Word of Mouth Productions really takes talented individuals and exposes them as much as he can. He plays such a pivotal part in this industry and so many of us have benefitted from working with him. He elevates people to the next level.”
Speaking about the next level, Tyson shares his musical abilities with the world as well as part of a duo called The Incredibles.
“I actually dropped a song on the same day as the release of the film on 8 November. I am a music producer and DJ and already have a song that has hit 1 million streams.”
Tyson is definitely running his race at his own pace and is showing people that a setback in life does not determine your future.
“I really just thank God for all these opportunities and I say to the hungry youth from Eskhawini to never give up on their dreams. There are a lot of hardworking individuals who are just disadvantaged and can’t find a way out at the moment but I want them to know that they must never give up on their dreams.”
**Umjolo: The Gone Girl is the first instalment of a captivating four-part series that takes viewers on a heartfelt and humorous journey through the highs and lows of modern dating. Set against the vibrant backdrop of KwaZulu-Natal, the show not only highlights the relatable challenges of finding love in #Mjoloville but also serves as a platform to showcase the beautiful city’s attractions, locations and its immensely talented actors and crew.
**Stained Glass TV is committed to propelling South African stories and creating an impact in KwaZulu-Natal, the province they proudly call home. It is their mission to actively showcase KZN’s attractions, locations, and talent on a global platform—creating valuable opportunities for the region’s emerging and veteran creatives.
