ONLINE BONUS: MEN FULFILLING THEIR DESTINY

More on Makhaola Ndebele's memorable shows and productions and his love for the art industry.

Did you always want to be in the art industry? What was the attraction?
I come from a family that values the arts, culture and education. I grew up in a home of books, music, paintings, photographs, sculptures and storytelling. I started going to the cinema, theatre and live performance shows at an early age. I gained an appreciation for these things very early on, but it was not until much later when I decided to engage professionally that I realised the freedom and limitless possibilities of work in the art.
I also loved the people in the arts – Ronald Reagan (the actor who became USA President), Mpharanyane, Marlon Brando, Black Five, Kori Moraba, Teddy Pendergrass, Abba, Gary Coleman, John Travolta, Alex Haley, Richard Roundtree, Barry White, The Bee Gees, Michael Jackson, Salvador Dalí, Miles Davis, Fela Kuti, Muhammad Ali, Juluka, Bruce Lee, Al Pacino, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Spike Lee, Nimrod Ndebele, Chicco Twala, Gerard Sekoto, Richard Pryor, Ken Gampu and Roger Moore. All these people seemed to be enjoying life to the fullest. I wanted to be like them.

Describe a typical day for you.
My day varies according to the projects I’m involved with.

What challenges did you face in your career? How did you overcome it?
One of the main challenges is to cope with the relative uncertainty of the industry.

Is it a lucrative career?
I believe so.

What productions have you been part of?
Stay with Me, a 2009 short film by Teddy Mattera – A beautiful meditative story about love and loss. I loved the process of putting the project together. I loved the team.

Man on Ground, a 2011 feature film by Akin Omotoso – A love project about human ignorance and hate. I love the way the project was put together, from finance and the creative side, a great team of people.

The Mother of All Eating, a 2010 satirical play by Zakes Mda – My debut as a theatre director. The show played to enthusiastic audience responses in Joburg, Maseru and Gaborone.

What do you attribute your success to?
The love and the support of my family and friends. Being focused and all the sacrifices I have made.

What would you like your legacy to be?
It will be what it will be.

What is the standard of the industry in SA compared to the rest of the world?
We compare favorably with the best in the world.

To read the full version of this story, go to page 82 of the January-February 2012 issue of DESTINY MAN.