For actor Kay Sibiya, 2021 started off to a good start after he got a role on the long-standing soapie, Generations: The Legacy. The opportunity is one he does not take for granted. It's a prayer answered and a humbling experience, he says.
“When I got the call, I was like 'it is time'. It is the perfect time,” he says. He has found his way back home after rising to prominence with his character, Ayanda on the SABC 1 drama, Uzalo.
To some being on TV or having the opportunity to be on a set might seem easy, but that's far from the truth, Kay says.
“I think for this audition alone, I think I went four times in space of two months. There were so many great actors who auditioned for the role, so it was huge validation for me. I am so grateful,” he explains.
“Siyanda is completely different; he is not like Jack. He is a good guy who always wants to expose bad guys,” Kay says.
Getting to play next to people he grew up watching has been amazing and but it was a little nerve-wracking at first.
“It is scary. I grew up watching the likes of Sophie Ndaba, the Rapulana’s and now going into the same set, there is a bit of pressure and that expectation - they have already set the bar,” he adds.
But the nerves have settled a bit because of human interactions he has had on set especially with one of the best bad guys on SA TV. “I grew up watching this villain so getting to work with him and realise that he is so soft, it is hilarious. I must say that playing next to Bhut’ Vusi, I am always eager to learn. There is something about veteran actors, they are very selfless always willing to help,” he adds.
There are greater heights Kay still wants to reach in the industry and that is why when it comes to getting no’s, he never backs down.
“When it comes to rejection in the industry it is a matter of personal conviction. I know what I want to do, I know what God has invested in me. I know where I am going and where I want to go. I know that I need to work harder. So, if I get rejected somewhere, I know that I need to work harder,” he tells another publication.
FUN FACTS ABOUT KAY SIBIYA
What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever done for you?
My character, Ayanda on Uzalo got beaten up. Weeks later, we were shooting on location in Kwa-Mashu and a little girl ran up to me and told me she is glad I am okay. The mom told me that she stopped watching the show after the character was badly beaten up. That was the sweetest thing ever.
What would be a good theme song for your life?
Marvin Sapp - Never Would Have Made It?
What’s the most useless talent you have?
Man, it is a close one. I would say, farting. I can’t monetize it. My partner asks me all the time how many times do you fart? I would say, maybe three times an hour.
What’s the weirdest question you’ve been asked?
I was at Isibaya Casino in Durban after 6pm, going for 7pm. A gentleman came up to me and said “Why are you still here so late? You are going to be late. Hurry up you have to leave because we won’t get to see you on TV”. He was an elder and I didn’t want to disappoint him. He did not understand that what he sees on TV is pre-recorded.
What is your biggest fear?
For the longest time it was failure but after parenthood it is fearing not being a good example. I want my kids not to look elsewhere. My kids ground me. It is a shift that is automatic and innate. You just know how to act and what you want to do.