While many people would call working with international award-winning actor Idris Elba “making it”, Siyabonga Radebe calls it an opportunity to work even harder.

On various TV productions, Siyabonga has played a homeless poet, an ambitious toy-boy and now he’s an on-screen cold-blooded murderer and thief. Siyabonga has become the man with many faces, and says he still has a lot more to share on screen, in music and on stage.

Currently plying the character Phakamani in Saints and Sinners on Mzansi Magic, the comedian says his craft comes from observing people. “I watch life. I like analysing the people I meet, and that is where the personalities for the characters I play come from. I try to play the truth in all my characters,” says the actor who welcomed a baby girl with actress Lerato Mvelase last year.

Although he is trained in comedy and music, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) graduate says if he had to choose, acting would be his first choice because it allows him to do all the things he loves.

The beaming father says while he really loves music, he isn’t ready to release a music album just yet. “If I’m going to release an album, I’m going to have to do it right. I’d want it to mean something, it isn’t just about selling CD’s,” he says.

Another perk to Siya’s job is working closely with people he admires. He recently shot a TV commercial with award-winning actor and the star of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Idris Elba, and he had the chance to meet him and talk to him.

“When I first heard I would be shooting a commercial with Idris, I thought, “wow!” but the more I spoke to him, the more I realised he’s just an ordinary guy. We have many similar experiences even though I grew up in KZN, and he grew up in London,” says Siyabonga.

With a demanding career, working on a drama series, making an appearance on Soul City, and waiting for his latest movie Smiles an Crimes to hit the cinemas, Siyabonga says he is humbled and grateful for all the opportunities he’s had.

“Maybe if I had been from a different background or a rich family, I would see things differently but right now, I’m just blessed to have everything I have, and I am humbled by the experiences I have had,” says the actor whose star keeps shining.

– Supplied