Maria feels at home on the stage
“We had a lot of challenges and problems because of a lack of support, but we carried on,” Maria said.
Even though she has a lot of stories to tell, the passion for acting runs deep in her veins; from an earlier age, she knew what she wanted in life.
Maria who is a strong believer said that God has made it possible for her to follow her dreams of acting.
Her life of acting started at an early age while she was at Moloma Primary School and her class teacher was the late Ray Ka Ntuli, a well-known player and writer.
Ka Ntuli saw that Maria was talented in singing during music periods in Grade 3.
She was then cast in his plays along with actors like the late Joseph ‘Shakes’ Nhlapho, Graig Mabena and others in the play ‘Uphi Ubaba’, ‘Uyazisola’ and other plays.
“Ntuli played an important part in grooming me and we travelled all over the country and even visited countries like Swaziland and others.
We had a lot of challenges and problems because of a lack of support, but we carried on. I also joined a musical band ‘Varied Prosperity’ while a student at Elukhanyisweni Secondary School doing my Junior Certificate (JC). I also shared the stage with Juluka touring the country and it was a learning experience for me,” said Maria.
Maria was later recruited and offered a part-time job by Ntuli at the then Radio Ndebele (Ikwekwezi FM) studios helping bands and artists to record, working under Gallo in 1987.
She was also nominated to write a song for the Radio Ndebele competition called the ‘Third Nation Song’ and was working in partnership with Chico Twala and Chimora.
Later she joined Fastus Magagula’s band (Fantastic Four) in 2002 in promoting the Joy of Jazz Tour working with Peter Tladi.
She shared the stage with Oliver Mtukudzi, Judith Sephuma, Selola Selota, Hugh Masikela, Umatshi and other artists.
“I had loved watching movies from an early age and I was fascinated by Tyler Perry, the American filmmaker casting old people in his films and I was moved and wanted to act in films in my old years. I was so confused because I did not know anybody or a casting agency which could help me with my dream ‒ I asked God for His direction and light.
After I was pensioned at Transalloys after working for 10 years because of a back condition, I later joined a group of elderly people training club after a neighbour asked me to join her. After two years of training with the group, the pain vanished and I was encouraged to start writing script songs for the group.
A play ‘Guga Othandayo’ was developed and we were helped by Bafana Dladla. The play toured the country, it was all God’s work and I ended up being noticed by one of the directors who told me about auditions. That is how I got to act at ‘House of Zwide’ as Simon’s mother,” explained Maria.
Maria’s dream is to see eMalahleni being developed and have a multi-purpose hall and support where people can show their talents because she believes the area has a lot of talent.
She thanked all the people who have helped her to where she is and believes she still has a lot to offer.
Please send us an email to info@witbanknews.co.za or phone us on 013 656 2490
· For more breaking and community news, visit Witbank News’ website www.witbanknews.co.za
· For more news and articles, like WITBANK NEWS on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or Instagram
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted to read more on this and related topics.
