He is fuming after having to defend his career. Veteran actor Sello Maake Ka Ncube recently shared a screenshot of an article from 2022 that reported him being snubbed by the Joburg Theatre for the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, which honoured the likes of Mbongeni Ngema, Connie Chiume, Johnny Clegg and John Kani. Sello was excluded from the proceeding, last year but never addressed the matter.
PROFESSIONAL JEALOUSY
Taking to social media, the veteran actor, director, and playwright says he thought he should put the matter to bed once and for all. "There is nothing new here! Professional jealousy exists and it's a disease that will eat them silently," he says. "They can't take away my talent nor my contribution to the ARTS! When you know you are great, you have no reason to hate!"
CAREER ASSASSINATION
Currently working on John Kani's Nothing but the Truth play on the gripping exploration of family relationships, Sello says that many people may think he has a sense of entitlement. "But this is a deliberate career assassination by people in the industry who are not even my peers!" he adds. "There are people who think they are demigods and can decide who is worthy of being recognised, I have given over four decades of my life to this industry and still counting."
WELL WISHES
Media friends, peers, and colleagues have supported his sentiments and wished him well. His wife Pearl Mbewe says they can never steal his shine. "They can steal Archie's car but they can never take away your shine. You were born for greatness and great you are, they must ask me, I know I married a phenomenal thespian amongst your many other qualities. Here is your star wena monnaka!"
Bongi Mlotshwa: "Hey Sello, I'm glad you openly spoke about it. Wait for the source because we work in a weird environment where most people don't appreciate your efforts until someone internationally recognises you, then only they realise you are an asset. Focus on your mission on earth And God will do It for you."
Adeni Keyobaoye: "Even as a Nigerian I have known this legend for more than 20 years. He is a very great actor. I loved him so much in the TV series Generations. It was a huge delight when I found his work on Netflix in the series Kings of Joburg. Even as he is gladly aging, He is still on his 'A' Game. Give honour to whom honour is due."
Clint Brink: "Career assassination exists. Legacy assassination exists. Professional jealousy exists. The demigod gatekeeper complex in the arts exists. Following the greatness that resides within becomes a lonely path to walk."
Noni Shongz: "Your work speaks for itself. To us, you're a legend and no one can take that away from you. I'm no actress but I've observed a lot of bias in this industry more especially here in SA. Some of the people who are being recognised are not even that great. It's just sheer luck that they even get recognised. What criterion do they use exactly in selecting who the winner should be, I wonder. We recognise your valuable input in the entertainment industry. You're doing it for future generations. Thank you for being selfless. Keep walking."
