Mzansi Magic’s latest telenovela DiepCity has continued to capture audiences since it landed on our screens. Set in Diepsloot, the show tackles social issues and family dynamics as faced by many black people in South Africa.
We get to know a bit more about one of the show’s stars, Kgaogelo Monama, who plays Lerato, a smart slay-queen who had to mature very quickly to take care of her younger brother after their mother died.
She’s a Vosloorus girl
Kgaogelo was born in Vosloorus, on the East Rand of Johannesburg. She has wanted to be an actress from a young age. When she was doing Grade 10, she did a career-shadowing stint at none other than the SABC.
She’s no stranger to our small screens
She is well known for her role as Dee in the SABC1 sitcom Thandeka’s Diary.
Kgaogelo has also been on numerous TV shows, from Soul City to Z’bondiwe and Mzansi Magic’s hit drama series Lockdown. She recently portrayed the role of Tselane on SABC 2 telenovela Lithapo.
Theatre is her first love
She has performed in numerous stage productions, including Tselane and The Giant, Malibongwe Igama Lamakhosikaz, Exile, She Bellows, and Sophiatown.
“Doing theatre was such a blessing. It’s very different from TV in the sense that it keeps you on your toes. It helps you with script analysis and improvisation, which was needed for this role,” she said.
She has a bachelors degree
Kgaogelo obtained her B-Tech Degree in Drama and Film Production from the Tshwane University of Technology.
She is not that different to her character, Lerato
Kgaogelo finds similarities between herself and Lerato: she is as energetic about things she is passionate about. Lerato’s main focus is to get out of Diepsloot, to gain independence, and to take care of her younger brother. This resonates with Kgaogelo, as she is also driven by success.
“She doesn’t fall and she always keeps a positive mind even when faced with so many challenges. I like seeing people who refuse to give up and are constantly working on their dreams,” says Kgaogelo.
Don’t miss DiepCity, every weeknight at 20:30 on Mzansi Magic, and available to stream on DStv online, where you will also find all previous episodes to catch up on.
