It’s an interesting time in the local pop culture scene, we are seeing young talent elevate to celebrity status day on day. Some feature longer on the scene than others, and since Live knows what’s what we had quick chat with one rising stars, Mpho Sebeng while he was on set shooting for e-tv, to see if he is the game for longevity or temporary fame. Here’s what the kid had to say.

Born in Zola one of Soweto’s most notorious townships, Mpho Sebeng made an early TV debut at the age of ten after falling in love with acting. He was part of the Zero Tolerance cast alongside very popular South African performers like Moshidi Motshegwa, whom he mentions gave him great advice on how to keep up with the ever-changing entertainment industry.

“Yeah,” he laughs, “I remember my first gig, what’s funny about that day is that I wet my pants. I was very young and playing a challenging role”. His street cred might take a dip with that admission!

He later flourished and worked on even more local productions like Bay of Plenty, Scandal, Soul Buddies and the 2011 Winnie Mandela movie directed by Darrell Roodt. In the movie Mpho plays the role of Tsietsi Mashinini: the young man who is said to be responsible for organising the march on June 16, 1976.

“Meeting Terrence Howard and Jennifer Hudson on set was life changing man like…it’s the highlight of my career thus far “

Now, the kid is revolutionising the TV space, presenting and hosting popular  shows like Craze World Live, ShizNiz and FrenzyLive along side his colleagues at Craz-e. He is also a student at Wits finishing his third year in Politics and Philosophy.

Mpho also goes by the name Luse amongst his close circle, I wondered where that came from?

“Popin and lockin was my thing back in the day and I was quite flexible so the crew named me Luse. Shout out Question crew, I love hip hop because hip hop speaks for the youth. Hip hop is about the message and that’s why I’m about it. I’d like to SA hip hop to speak more about SA though”

Would you fall back on politics if ever entertainment were to fail?

“nah nah ,I enjoy politics, I enjoy philosophy. Philosophy actually helps me alot with my craft. it’s helped me become more of a… deep thinker, more self aware and self conscious of who I am and my place in society”

“my only difficulties right now are finding the balance between work and school. Time management is a problem but I got it. I’ve never doubted myself and I’ve never doubted my talent and that is why I’ve come this far and I know this is only the beginning. I’m reaching that level”

Are you “EATIN” yet?

“No, bump the cheese up! It’s not enough, nothing is enough these days.”

What keeps you grounded?

“I’m more mature now, I know what  want.  I used to live in Braamfontein so personally going back home was a good decision for me. Nothing grounds a person like having to keep up the rent. You know having that constant relationship with my parents and having friends that were there before it all started is priceless, and the fact that I know I haven’t served my purpose.”

Paint me a picture of Luse in the next five years.

“I will have my own film production company which will allow me to create my own stories. I also aspire to playing lead roles in a couple local and international films, I also would love to host my own TV show, a truthful show where I can engage with my audience, we work hard and we have our own stories to tell so let’s tell those stories. We should stop imitating.”

Im definitely keeping my eye on this brother, in light of all he is doing, he is destined to succeed. His story is definitely one to watch.

Follow me @Bonganiii_