Sweet Guluva’s next act: ‘Big Brother’ star takes on ‘Black Gold’ drama

Sweet Guluva’s Rise After Big Brother Mzansi Win
Since winning “Big Brother Mzansi” season 5 earlier this year, Sweet Guluva (Akhonamathemba Mbele) has quickly transformed his reality TV success into a thriving career. The 23-year-old has strategically leveraged his R2 million prize to build a multi-dimensional presence in entertainment, branching out from brand deals to music, and now acting.

Acting Debut in BET Africa’s ‘Black Gold’
Guluva recently made his acting debut in the highly anticipated telenovela “Black Gold,” airing on BET Africa. The show unfolds in KwaZulu-Natal and explores themes of betrayal, family legacy, and power struggles. It centers around Amandla Zungu, played by media personality Nomalanga Shozi, whose life turns upside down after being wrongly accused of murdering her father.

Intrigue and Betrayal Drive the Storyline
Amandla’s stepmother, Florence, portrayed by Dawn Thandeka King, is the mastermind behind the false accusation, working with Tom Motsepe (Sello Maake KaNcube) to undermine Amandla. The series boasts a star-studded cast including Nomsa Buthelezi, Warren Masemola, and Zamani Mbatha, all contributing to a compelling narrative rich in cultural depth and emotional complexity.

A Celebration of African Storytelling
Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and GM of Paramount Africa, emphasizes that “Black Gold” reflects the strength, beauty, and resilience of black communities. The show is designed to honor black love and the unbreakable spirit of African people, telling authentic stories that resonate deeply with audiences.

Behind the Scenes: Industry Impact and Vision

Mandla N, Executive Director at Black Brain Pictures, describes the making of “Black Gold” as transformative, both personally and professionally. The collaboration with BET represents a commitment to local storytelling, industry growth, and breaking new ground in African television production. The series promises raw, emotional, and unapologetically authentic drama.

Music Ventures and Collaborative Success
Alongside his acting career, Sweet Guluva is making waves in music. In June, he teamed up with DJ Zinhle, Nokwazi, and Ndloh on the single “Sweet Guluva.” The song’s isiZulu lyrics celebrate his rise, with the catchy refrain, “Umuntu onjani lona? Uhlanyisa umhlaba wonke madoda” (“What type of person is this, who captured the hearts of so many?”), highlighting his growing influence.

Personal Connections and Inspirations
DJ Zinhle shared that her collaboration with Sweet Guluva was inspired by admiration and a personal connection—she went to school with his mother, Bongiwe Zwane. This bond adds an authentic layer to the project, enriching the creative process behind the music.

Ambitions Beyond Reality TV
After leaving the “Big Brother” house, Guluva revealed in an interview that he aims to explore every facet of entertainment—voice-overs, presenting, radio, and music. Less than a year later, he is actively pursuing these goals and making significant strides in each area.

‘Black Gold’ Premiere Details
“Black Gold” is set to premiere on BET Africa (DStv channel 129) on August 18 at 6:30 pm. Fans can look forward to a gripping telenovela that combines powerful storytelling, a stellar cast, and vibrant African culture.

About The Author