By Lerato Matheka
MASERU — South African actor Phila Mazibuko, known as Sphamandla on the soapie Muvhango, failed to turn up for a guest appearance at a poorly attended bash held at The Joint in Maseru on Saturday night.
His colleague Themba Nofemele, known as Ranthomeng in the same SABC soap, however made it and partied the night away with a handful of star-struck revellers.
“Sphamandla got lost on the way and he couldn’t make it,” DJ Tseko, one of the organisers, told the Weekender.
Not so, according to Nofemele.
“Spha had a show lined up for 2000 hours so I figured I should come early to entertain the fans while we waited for him to join me,” the actor said.
Three DJs from South Africa also failed to make it for their scheduled performances at the gig, dubbed the Spring Bash.
The gig however enjoyed a surprise performance by the visually impaired DJ Phobia from Johannesburg whose selection kept revellers on the dance floor.
DJ Bond from Bloemfontein seized the chance to market his upcoming second album.
The likes of DJ Khooi, DJ Kgang, DJ Bond, Kopper and Sohcah defended home turf with impressive performances.
The few revellers who turned up had a night to remember, something that gave the organisers hope that the show could do well next year.
“This is the first show and it wasn’t as bad,” Tseko said.
“It is true the turn-up of people was not as positive as we had anticipated but I believe it was affected by the Lerotholi Polytechnic graduation (ceremony earlier on Saturday).”
Nofemele told the Weekender his visit to Lesotho would help him polish up his role on Muvhango.
“I play a Mosotho character on Muvhango, Ranthomeng,” he said.
“This trip is going to help me appreciate the Sesotho culture and understand what type of people Basotho are.
“I am a Xhosa with Sotho blood and being around Basotho who are showing me love reminds me of the importance of love in Lesotho.”
He said he was happy to be back in Lesotho after his first visit in the early 90s.
“Basotho are full of love. From the time I arrived, I received much love,” Nofemele said.
“They are a beautiful crowd who really appreciate the work and success of other people.”
He joked that he was happy to have all the attention focused on him after Mazibuko’s no-show.
“I am in a way happy that I am here by myself because now I don’t have anyone to share the spotlight with,” Nofemele said.
