I almost forgot to entertain, says Siyabonga Radebe on nearly giving up on his career

Seasoned actor and comedian Siyabonga Radebe has opened up about almost giving up on his career as a performer, after being discouraged by those close to him.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday night, the actor recalled the first time he performed for a crowd, and subsequently fell in love with the craft.

"Early in life I found myself performing for a crowd at my grandfather's church and I remember feeling like 'WOW!' I really love this feeling, so I decided to keep that feeling and continue performing whenever I got the chance," he wrote.

Soon after, Siyabonga claimed he drew the attention of many fans and, as a result, made a name for himself as a performer. However, family and friends suggested that he should instead use his name to make "a certain point."

"Because of the love I believe they have for me and the love I have for them, I allowed my mind and spirit to believe they were right.

"I should stand for something, but in doing this, I almost forgot to stand for something much more important to me. Doing what I personally love and cherish, sharing myself artistically, learning everything about arts and bettering myself as a performer," he continued.

Siyabonga further explained that with the discouragement from those around him, he almost forgot the feeling he initially had, which led to him pursuing a career in performing arts.

"I almost forgot that feeling I had, that feeling that gave me purpose and channeled me to what later gave me a name associated with entertainment," he said, before expressing his keen interest in not letting that feeling slip through the cracks.

"With kindness and respect, I believe I should keep that feeling and I can't keep it and stand for what you want me to stand for...let me art how I feel, not how you feel," he added.