Siphelele Nketo
AFTER years of making a name for himself in the Afro-pop music scene, EmaXesibeni-born artist Siphelele Mendela is now winning hearts on television screens. Mendela, known for his soulful voice, spent years in the music industry from as early as 2009, and he released his debut song called Ndikulindile in 2015. Another hit song, Figure Lam, was released in 2018. In 2021, he released a motivational and love song Ungandishiyi, followed by Buyelekhaya released in 2022.
Following his career as a musician, he has successfully ventured into acting, a move that has proven his versatility as an entertainer.
“I spent many years in the music industry, building a loyal fan base in the Eastern Cape and beyond. My transition to acting was welcomed by many of my fans, especially those who have been following my journey from the beginning,” said the multi-talented singer who is also a voice-over artist, actor and screenplay writer.
Mendala’s appearance on television screens includes a supporting role in 7de Laan in 2020, as well as roles in Generations: The Legacy, The River, The Estate, Buyel’ Ekhaya where he was the lead actor and script supervisor. He played Makhe on Mzansi Magic; appeared in 1802: Love Defies Time; had a support lead in Isitha: The Enemy and appeared in Pimville as a supporting cast member. He said his journey has been rooted in the soil of the Eastern Cape, carrying stories of pain, beauty and the spirits of people with pride. He said acting is not just a career but a purpose inspired by the love for storytelling.
“Acting has given me another platform to tell stories with a human touch, not to expose but educate,” he said. His upcoming projects include an EP called Matters of Life, scheduled to be released soon.
He also intends to shoot several films and series, including Shades of the Forest, an action horror traditional drama; Handcuffs on the Alter, a limited series; Gunpowder and Grace, a series with five episodes; I Will Reach My Destiny; as well as Michael’s Journey and Blood on the Horn. He will be filming in EmaXesibeni (Mount Ayliff), Ngcobo, Kokstad and Johannesburg.
His fans have praised his authentic and raw talent on the screen, proving that his artistic ability goes beyond music.
