Connie Chiume’s departure from popular e.tv soapie Rhythm City left most her fans stunned and wondering how the Khuze family will fit in the storyline without Chiume’s Mamokete role, a character she played since its launch in 2007.
Speaking to Move Magazine, Chiume explained that it wasn’t her choice to leave the soapie.
“I didn’t resign. The production company I work for came to the decision that my character is no longer relevant. I was told that they want the show to have younger actors,” she said.
“I wasn’t ready or prepared to leave Rhythm City. It’s really not a good feeling to leave a place that you have been so comfortable with for so many years. When you have spent so much time with people, they end up becoming more than just people that you work with, but they become your family,” Chiune added.
The actress who has been in the industry for over 30-years disclosed to the magazine that she was told that her contract would not be renewed last year in October.
“I would be lying if I say the process of me leaving Rhythm City was an ugly one. I was told well in advance by the producers,” she said, adding: “In most soapies, actors sign one-year contracts.”
The award-winning actress from Benoni played an honourable and ethical woman, who was a mother to all, loved by numerous viewers and her fellow Rhythm City cast members.
Chiume is also best known for her role as Stella Moloi in the SABC1 drama series Zone 14. She says this break from television will allow her to focus a bit on her passion for farming as well as an art and film school she is planning on opening with her business partners.
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