Siyabonga Shibe plays a chauvinist on new show ‘Inimba’

Actor Siyabonga Shibe is set to star in Mzansi Magic's new show Inimba, playing Sydney Zondo.

The story deals with love, sacrifice and the unstoppable force of a mother’s bond with her child.

Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Siyabonga said it was important for him to read the entire script, not only his scenes, to understand the story and the characters.

“You get to understand how the character fits into the story. I started to make references to people met during life's journey and to take what might work for the character I'm portraying. Watch certain movies that go with the character. I also spoke in-depth with the creative director to find out how they view the character's journey. Once I'm armed with a lot of information about him it becomes much easier to bring him to life,” he said.

The show, which first airs on April 14, also features Zenande Mfenyana with Nkanyiso Makhanya.

Siyabonga said the cast included actors he has worked with before, which made it easier, and some he has not worked with.

“I'm a calm person who is down to earth and Sydney is a chauvinist and full of himself. When he is put in a corner there's no telling what he will do to come out of it. He is rich, which I'm not. We do have one thing in common and that is he is ambitious and loves his work and family. However, he bulldozes his way to get what he wants.”

Shirley Adonisi, director of local entertainment channels at M-Net, said: “Inimba is a story of multifaceted themes looking at the challenges of being traditionally married while pursuing a career, a mother’s love and her attempt to regain the family she lost and the complexities of family dynamics where there has been hurt and betrayal. It’s a story that will surely have viewers coming for more.”