If the “stars aligning” were ever to be given a face, it would be that of actor, Senzo Radebe. The 29-year-old has had a thrilling career having taken on diverse roles in some of South Africa’s biggest TV productions.

Radebe has appeared in shows such as Gomora, Giyani: Land of Blood, The Queen and Isono just to name a few. It’s easy to accept that the stars did indeed align when he received the news that he secured the role of King Senzangakhona kaJama on DStv’s giant of a project – Shaka iLembe.

Produced by BOMB Productions, the show has Angus Gibson, Mpumelelo Grootboom, Desireé Markgraaff, Jacob Ntshangase and Catherine Stewart at the helm as the creators.

Upon release the drama series gained a whopping 3.6 million viewers as fans of the Shaka legend and TV lovers tuned in on Mzansi Magic (Ch 161).

We sat down with Radebe to touch base on the prolific, his process and what took to play the role.

GQ: Every actor has a watershed moment it seems, a role that cements that they might have indeed made the right choice in their career. Describe the moment when you found out you were cast as King Senzangakhona?

Senzo Radebe: I was scared more than anything else. My concern was playing this role as authentically as possible. I was more scared about not being as ready. I try to never play a character I don’t know much about. I didn’t know much about this character at all, which was a challenge and a blessing.

GQ: You're a seasoned actor. What was your state of mind in preparation for the role. What are some of the anxieties, fears or even lack thereof?

SR: With such a big role I had to block out all distractions. I had to channel myself and my entire being into this character. As an actor, we have different processes. I hear a lot about not taking your character home with you, but I can’t do that. I had to be Senzangakhona throughout. I had to be in character all the time. I had to stay that way to respect the process.

GQ: Viewers by now have a good sense of Senzangakhona on screen, how have you experienced the public’s reaction to your performance?

SR: I prepared myself for what the reaction would be. The moment you meet Senzangakhona you need to fall in love with him. At the beginning when you meet him, you fall in love. Of course, as his character develops, feelings change. I haven’t seen a comment that I’ve been taken aback by so far.

GQ: Let's touch on language. Historically there was a rich pool of research on how to be accurate to the times. What type of pressure does it put into your performance, when you have the weight of a true story/legend that you need to portray?

SR: I had to read a lot of novels. My goal was to not speak any English for the duration of production. It’s easy to throw in words such as a “like” you know. I also made sure to read a lot about Senzangakhona in isiZulu. I read the whole script, not just mine and made sure to submerge myself into the world.

GQ: It's clear that Shaka iLembe is a labour of love. From production, cast, crew and marketing. What's a moment you cherish the most on set, with your colleagues (in front and behind the camera)?

SR: The scene where Senzangakhona comes back from initiation was extremely impactful for me. There’s a scene we shot that didn’t make it onto the final version, besides the very last part.

He has to kill a bull upon arrival back home to signify him becoming a man. The scene was extremely spiritual for me. The poems and songs about the man really hit home for me.

GQ: What scene took the most out of you emotionally and why?

SR: The scene where I hit Shaka and then after that having to chase Nandi out of KwaNombamba. One has to channel real anger you know. Everything has to be as authentic as possible. I had to play on the idea of pride, power and Shaka being a threat to his father, which solidifies his response to them.

GQ: There are many emotional moments that have become standouts (like when Mkabayi is on the frontlines keeping the spirit of the fighters alive). What scene from the other actors made you tear up/emotional or proud, and why?

SR: The death of King Jama was quite hard, especially because the actor Ernest Ndlovu had so many impactful conversations. The scene where Zwide allows his brother to be mutilated upon his arrival back from the battle was also quite hard to watch.

GQ: If you could give the young, ambitious Senzo one piece of adivce - what would it be?

SR: I know this sounds cliché but trust the process. What’s due to you will always come.

GQ: What's next for Senzo?

SR: Naturally, the goal is to go international. I still really want to work on as many local productions as possible.

Follow Senzo Radebe online.

Written by Matimu Rikhotso.