Soweto born actor and presenter Lawrence Maleka is best known for hosting Mzansi Magic reality competition series Clash of the Choirs South Africa replacing Bonang Matheba in 2013.
We’ve also seen him presenting on Lotto Powerball and he has had the recurring role of Don Webster on Mzansi Magic’s soapie iSibaya. Lawrence has come far in his acting career and has South Africans glued to their screens watching 1Magic’s The River, his role of Zolani has viewers mesmerized and in awe of his use of Kasi lingo and Kasi street-smarts.
SAFTA-Award winner Lawrence Maleka is a well-rounded performer and gave us a few minutes of his time to share parts of his life with us.
Share with us a bit about yourself & how you started your career
Started my career at Soweto TV, it was bittersweet but I would not change anything about it. I’m the youngest of three children and I’m smarter than I look.
What drives you to keep on challenging yourself with the roles you take on?
Honestly, I don't know, I’m still trying to figure out what kind of actor I am. This is really my first acting job and I’m amazed that people think I have years in on it but actually, I do not, this is my first lead role. What drives me are too many things to mention, but never tell me what I can and cannot do. I found out quickly to never put limitations on what I want to accomplish.
"Never tell me what I can and cannot do. I found out quickly to never put limitations on what I want to accomplish.”
What's your favorite character?
There aren't enough roles of me to make that comparison as an actor, playing Don on iSibaya was and is great. However, the role of Zolani on The River has been something special for me, and very far from who I am in real life.
Who's your favorite perfumer
There are simply too many to mention. I mean my whole cast alone on The River is a lot! The talent that is South African artists is way above the credit it is given. Also, I get excited at the camera work, scoring, lighting, a NastyC lyric, Kwesta’s wordplay, a Bonang link, a Barleader production, Caster’s clap backs, a Nelson Makamo painting, Linda Makhanya suits, and my management team’s brilliance.
What is your daily Motto?
First place is a shelf, not a position. People assume there can’t be more than one person filling the top spot, so they all fight for the same position. I left the rat race a while ago and now I dictate my own terms.
What do you like doing for fun or leisure?
Family, friends, food.
Favorite holiday destination?
Les Arcs Panorama in France is beautiful!
Tell us something your fans don't know about you?
I love fencing. I am socially awkward, a bit nerdy and oddly interesting.
Any words of inspiration?
Find someone that takes your breath away, find something to stimulate you every day, cry when it hurts, scream and let it out, be kind but carry a big stick! Fight the battles worth fighting for not the ones you can win. Remember you're worth it! Love, Lawrence.