COURIER hangs out with Ernest Msibi
Ernest Msibi (45) was born and bred in Zola, Soweto, but currently resides in the south of Johannesburg. He said acting saved his life and if it wasn’t for acting he could’ve been in jail or six feet under.
HE is one of South Africa’s most hilarious actors and a business person who is famously known for cracking jokes in every character he plays.
Ernest Msibi (45) was born and bred in Zola, Soweto, but currently resides in the south of Johannesburg. He said acting saved his life and if it wasn’t for acting he could’ve been in jail or six feet under.
He said back in the days, Zola used to be one of the dangerous townships and guys like him wanted to fit in.
“As a young man you think standing in the corner will make you look cool but little does one know such life puts you up in jail or your grave.
“I thought my life was going to be an unsteady life, but God had other plans regarding my life,” said Ernest.
Beginning of his career
Ernest told the COURIER while he was standing on a corner with his friends, having meaningless chats, he spotted a group of youngsters going into a class.
He was curious and went after them. When he got there they were rehearsing drama.
He wanted to join them but he was scared. But, he went back the the next day and luck was on his side.
They needed an extra to take a certain role and he jumped to the chance which paved his way to where he is today.
Yizo-Yizo
Wherever he goes his fans still remember him as Chester who played as an anti-hero.
Yizo-Yizo was a drama series which focused on young people’s lives at school.
Chester failed to finish school and tried by all means to prevent others from not completing their academics. He was loved by most South Africans, more especially those residing in townships, for his role.
He said the fame he accumulated from Yizo-Yizo made him get big-headed and he lost the role.
But he dusted himself off, pulled himself together and got multiple roles such as in Zone 14, a number of theatre productions and Uzalo.
What now?
Currently, he is focusing on his business working alongside his wife.
Speaking with the COURIER he said he won’t retire from acting and he still has a lot to offer the industry of acting.
He is also working on a film and he does motivational talks at schools and churches.
To aspiring actors he says: “Don’t let fame rule over you.”
On a personal note
• He’s a father of two
• Started his acting career at the age of 21
• Loves football
• He is a people’s person.
