When you think of iconic South African actresses, Dr. Thembi Mtshali-Jones undoubtedly comes to mind. Her journey to fame is nothing short of remarkable, filled with challenges, triumphs, and a relentless passion for her craft.
Born in an era where opportunities for artists were scarce, Dr. Thembi’s story begins in the 1970s. Back then, she was part of a vibrant band called Ipi Ntombi, which took her on incredible adventures abroad, performing on some of the biggest stages. But the glitz and glamour of international fame didn’t shield her from the harsh realities of life back home. After her tours, she would return to South Africa and take on the role of a domestic worker, an experience that felt like a stark contrast to the star status she had achieved overseas.
“It’s been a long journey for me,” Dr. Thembi shared, reflecting on her past. “Back in the 70s, my dad used to ask who would be so stupid to pay to see us sing and dance.” Despite the skepticism, she and her bandmates traveled the world, only to return home to a life that didn’t reflect their achievements. “There was no television at the time. There was only one radio station we could listen to, and our stories were only on the radio once in a while,” she recalled.
Determined to carve out a successful path, Dr. Thembi made a bold decision to stay abroad for a while longer. “I was hoping I could learn more and work there instead of coming back to work as a domestic worker,” she explained. During this time, she crossed paths with legendary figures like Miriam Makeba, who became a mentor and mother figure to her. Their meeting in Nigeria marked a turning point in her career, leading her to work alongside Makeba and gain invaluable experience in the industry.
In the mid-80s, Dr. Thembi returned to South Africa, armed with a wealth of knowledge and experience in music and dance. It was at the Market Theatre where she truly found her footing as an actress. “My first home as an actress and be accepted and respected as an actress was the Market Theatre. I did my first production with Gcina Mhlophe,” she shared.
Initially hesitant to explore acting, Dr. Thembi eventually embraced the challenge, encouraged by the people around her. “I used to be afraid to explore acting because I was a dancer and singer. But people would advise me and say I need to explore everything and not just focus on singing and dancing.” Her perseverance paid off, leading to her breakout role in the iconic show, S’Gudi Snaysi. “People think that S’Gudi Snaysi made me an actor, no! It found me on stage,” she clarified.
Dr. Thembi’s journey is a testament to hard work and resilience. She has since graced our screens in beloved shows like 90 Plein Street, Imbewu: The Seed, Home Affairs, and Stokvel. Her story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come easy, and sometimes, the path to achieving your dreams can be filled with unexpected detours.
So, the next time you see Dr. Thembi Mtshali-Jones on screen, remember the incredible journey that brought her there. With each performance, she not only entertains but also inspires countless others to pursue their passions, no matter the obstacles they may face.
