WeeklySA_AdminMANIA: All set for upcoming annual event to roll out red carpet for shining soap stars
By Gugu Sibiya
Watching Winnie Ntshaba’s meteoric rise within the glamourous world of acting, has been nothing but awe-inspiring.
Even most incredible, is the manner she’s started and grown the Royalty Soapie Awards into a beacon of excellence in world of acting. They have filled a huge gaping hole within the acting fraternity previously overlooked by other existing award coordinators.
Rising with spring, the Royalty Awards are in full swing. “After a whirlwind of activity which kicked off with submissions, then judging, and now we’re finalising the winners for the various categories. The regal awards are almost ready to roll out the red carpet,” says actress and founder Ntshaba. Shedding light on the new norm, she explains: “Once again, the Awards will be pre-recorded in line with covid-19 protocols. Few production houses didn’t submit but followed up with apologies.
“We understood because Covid forced people to work with restricted numbers on set. It causes delays. We’re happy with everyone who came on board in spite of the challenges. Over all, the response is good.
“There are 26 categories. We added five more in 2020 and three this year. It’s great to have public votes because it shows people that their opinion matters. It’s critical to motivate young actors who are still attending school, newcomers and extras making crowds. They are important cogs of this huge filming wheel, therefore deserve recognition to inspire them.
“At the center of adding categories has been the issue of inclusion. This helps to develop stake holders. We’re doing well so it’s not bad for awards that started out with only 14 categories.
“The industry looks forward to the event, that’s why we pull all the stops to make it a memorable affair. The biggest awards in the land take place on September 18. They’ll be aired on October 2,” Ntshaba says.
“We’re very committed to our social responsibility program since we’re big on tackling social issues. Our Foundation is on top of its game. Also critical is producing a brilliantly recorded show for television. Even for the few people who are allowed into the venue, they’ll do the red carpet.”
“We’re going to include a Pan African category. Strengthening and growing foundation careers is at the heart of the classes we’re offering in rural areas.
“It’s exposing youngsters to opportunities that are rare in those parts of the country. Our mentees write and direct their own works then shadow talent scouts before showcasing to an intimate group of industry bigwigs on the eve of the awards,” she says, bragging.
Currently, she’s playing the queen bee of the Zwide empire on the new eNCA drama, House of Zwide. As Faith, she’s Funani the renowned designer’s wife. A position enabling her to run their business with an iron fist.
“I’m so impressed with the set. It’s like walking into a professional studio. Not to mention Funani’s signature bright print. Just before we started shooting, we visited various design houses, even chatting about how they source fabrics. “Going on set for the first time was like a de ja vu. That’s how much they captured the magic of the industry,” she says in awe, adding that no expense was spared to bring the Zwide design studio to life.
“I treat every role as close to reality as possible. I played the witch with conviction in the same way I would the president. When I get out of costume, I go back to being me.”
For now, Ntshaba is on overdrive as the conflicted wife harbouring lots of secrets. “I’m really enjoying House of Zwide. It’s different and I look forward to going to work every day,” she coos.
