Abdul Khoza tells all about his character in ‘Hlomu The Wife’ series

With just two days to go before the big release of the highly anticipated The Wife series on Showmax, actor Abdul Khoza, who plays one of the Zulu brothers – gave us more insight into his role on the show.

Showmax has commissioned three seasons of 40 episodes of the book series from author Dudu Busani-Dube, which includes Hlomu the Wife, Zandile the Resolute and Naledi His Love.

Khoza plays Nqoba, one of the more flamboyant Zulu brothers. There are eight of them and he says this role has been one of the most challenging for him.

The series follows the love story of Hlomu and Mqhele Zulu, and their trials and tribulations.

The Wife starts streaming on 11 November on Showmax.

The Citizen’s Q&A with Abdul Khoza:

Q: You play Nqoba in the popular Hlomu The Wife book series. For people who haven’t read the book, give them more information about your character?

A: Nqobizitha Zulu is the second born of the Zulu brothers. He has suffered from the sacrifices of raising his younger brothers alongside the eldest brother Nkosana, who he feels has neglected him and overlooks his role and position as the second born. This is because Nkosana never listens to him and believes the younger brother is more responsible than him.

Follow up: How did you prepare to play Nqoba?

A: This has been one of my most challenging characters to play. Firstly, [it’s] because he has been imagined by Sis Dudu Busani-Dube (author) and book fans. It made it a huge challenge to just step into his shoes. Nqoba is a role that made me search deep [into] what he could possibly be in real life. But the amazing team that we have, from our cast to the crew, have inspired my character choices so much. I remember how their reactions to Nqoba on set reassured me how unique this character is.

ALSO READ: Cast of Showmax’s ‘Hlomu the Wife’ revealed

With the help of wardrobe and seeing how close our voices were as the older brothers. Because we all have very deep voices, I made a conscious decision to give Nqoba his own unique and loud voice. Which would accommodate his loud fashion and crazy personality too. So yes, I would say that I had to breathe new life into this role and I do hope that the audience will appreciate that.

Q: Mqhele Zulu’s brothers in the book are portrayed as the ‘stereotypical’ Zulu men. However, there are themes of a violent past, domestic abuse and gender-based violence.

How will the Showmax series tackle this and how will the show display the brothers’ bond?

A: Nqoba keeps the money as the treasurer of the family. Owning a tavern makes it easier running that kind of business for money to be kept with him.

Each brother brings a very unique sense of style and also the uniqueness of each character. Yes, they may be eight brothers, but they are a well-oiled machine together. Everyone knows their place and plays their role independently, but we all play for the same team. Plus, we all have the pride of being the Zulu brothers who run this taxi industry and fight for everything we believe in. Whether in love or business, we all believe in family and our bond is unbreakable.

Well, except MaHlomu because she is the one our brother loves. Plus, she has taken care of the whole family upon her arrival, including our kids. Her being a journalist is the least favourite part for the brothers and it later causes conflict within the family. But nothing can ever tear this family apart not even on our darkest days.

Q: Many TV adaptions of book series try to stay true to the source. Will The Wife do the same?

A: I still can’t believe that I am a part of history in the making. I immediately went to buy the book “Hlomu The Wife” and I must say I have never been so happy to read a novel in my entire life. I remember how I couldn’t put it down as I got the news whilst back home in Durban. So flying back I don’t even remember what the airport looked like because I was submerged in my new world of Dudu’s incredible writing.

I was laughing and giggling like a school girl which fortunately did not bother me at all. I tell you I was reading that book everywhere and anywhere. So I am really blessed to be one of the “chosen ones” because I feel so immortal with this role. As it will be something I get to share with my daughters someday when they [are] old enough. I’m honoured to play uNqoba in this life.

Q: As actors, did you work closely with the author Dudu Busani-Dube? If so, what was the experience like?

A: Almost every day of this journey has had incredible moments. Sometimes I sit at the monitor watching scenes and I cannot believe the kind of talent that I’ve been blessed to share this with.

Q: The reaction to the series was of excitement. However, there was some hesitancy with the new faces as leads.

What would you say to fans who have some of these concerns?

A: Everyone here has put their best foot forward and I really believe that it will speak for itself once it reaches our audience. A lot of beautiful energy has kept this ship sailing and it’s all thanks to the cast and crew of this amazing production.

Q: What do you want audiences to take away from watching The Wife series?

A: There is nothing out there like it. And no one is ready for the kind of journey that we are about to embark on. This was made with a lot of love and passion from the entire team involved.