Both Buti and the character are products of infidelity, but there are differences.
It's not often that actors play characters that have fascinating similarities to themselves.
soft life Actress Jijiho Buti plays the role of Owami Ngozi, a Tembisa-born maiden who desperately tries to survive the glamorous world of high society in order to pay off her mother's soaring medical bills in the Showmax series.
The similarities between this actor and this character are that both Buti and Owami are products of infidelity, but there are also differences.
Related article: Mpho Sebeng remembers his 31st birthday [VIDEO]
father and daughter relationship
“Owami's relationship with his father is full of resentment and unresolved tension, but my own experience was the opposite. I loved my father,” Buti said. The Citizen.
“That made it even more complicated to play her, because I had to step outside of my own personal feelings and imagine what it would be like to have deep frustration and disappointment with a parent.” Because I had to,” the former said. Generations: Legacy actress.
Buti said she and her mother were hidden features in her father's life. Their father-daughter relationship remained intact as he decided to become the current father.
“He wanted to be in my life. He did a lot for me.”
The Cape Town-born and raised actress said it wasn't always easy to play this character, but it was a rewarding challenge to explore the emotions and bring them to life in an authentic way.
“Understanding those similarities created a unique connection to her story.”
ALSO READ: 'Virgin and devout Christian': Sophia Raine reveals she earned over R780 million on OnlyFans
Preparing for the role
To prepare for the role, Buti said she spent a lot of time with directors Nojiho Nkeremba and Nthabiseng Mokoena, scrutinizing the character's background and story, and in particular gaining a deeper understanding of her emotions.
“I wanted to portray her struggles, her resilience, and the choices she makes as authentically as possible,” the actress said.
“It wasn't just about where she came from, it was also about why she made the choices she did. This is where you really need to be mentally prepared, put yourself in her shoes, and still be ambitious. I could imagine the weight of the responsibility.”
Related article: Former '7de Laan' actress appointed CEO of film school AFDA
passionate directors
It is said that the director has a very large influence on the film, and can change the outcome significantly. Buti said that being directed by a woman made this woman's story even more endearing.
“Working with them made me feel seen, heard and supported as an actress,” Buti said of her experiences with Nkelemba and Mokoena.
“They are both very nice people who I admire and respect. Their passion for this project was palpable.”
Also read: Beloved singer Jan Brueckers dies at 25
Cape Town girlie turned jo burger
Buti grew up in Gugulethu, Cape Town and moved to Joburg at the age of 23 to pursue a career as an actress.
The move came after he completed a national qualification in performing and television arts at the University of Cape Town.
“I knew that if I wanted to grow my career and explore more opportunities as an actress, I needed to take the leap. The adjustment was never easy at first,” she said.
She came to love Joburg's fast-paced environment. “…Over the years, I have come to really love this city, even the weather. This place challenges you but rewards you in so many ways. Masu.”
Read now: 'Days of Our Lives' actor Wayne Northrop dies
