To be the Top Actor in Africa

Munya Vomo

We’re at that stage of the Top Actor Africa competition when only three actors are left. After a continental search, the judges are left with two South Africans and a Kenyan.

Of the trio – Shamilla Miller, Jesse Suntele (both SA) and Alex Khayo (Kenya) – only one can make the cut. Miller is a Cape Town-born actress with a BA in film and live performance. You might have seen her in several commercials, but she’s also done some films and TV productions. She has real talent to support her good looks.

“I have only been working (full-time) for a few years now so just being able to say that is a career highlight for me. I have also done a lot of ‘on location’ shooting instead of studio and, if you know me, you’ll know that I love being out and about so that has been great,” she said.

For her, acting is more than just a gig that brings in the money – it’s her calling.

“I love the way acting makes me feel. It truly is a passion thing. I love the process of discovering a character and bringing them to life as well as the process that leads you to that journey.

“Being on Top Actor is a great opportunity and I’m hoping it will open doors for me and be a platform that I can use to further my career,” she added.

Her competition from home is the equally talented Suntele who is a sound engineering graduate, but acting is his passion. Suntele has already appeared on the e.tv soap, Ashes to Ashes.

Speaking about his love for acting, Suntele said: “I don’t think you ever get used to playing someone who isn’t you, because you are always doing something different. If you do get used to it, you’re doing something wrong.”

Asked what he thought about being on Top Actor Africa, Suntele shared:

“At first I thought, ‘finally, a platform!’ and then I realised that it’s more than that, it’s a classroom, scratch that, a master-class. You learn so much in such a short space of time, through the best form of learning and experience. Not to mention the connections and networking opportunities and amazing talents you’re exposed to,” he said.

Khayo started acting in churches when he was only 12. He then joined a top Kenyan production company, Jicho Four Productions, and has had several roles in various TV series.

Top Actor Africa airs on BET (DStv channel 129) on Tuesdays at 7.30pm.