Despite her musical heritage, courtesy of her parents Roki Josphats and Pauline Gundidza, 19 year-old Skye Josphats (SJ) is carving a distinct path. She stars as Nyari in The November Promise, a local 12-episode gripping series set in Zimbabwe and shot in Ruwa, Harare. The series is aired on the College Central YouTube page every Friday at 10am and explores the complexities of love, family and the challenges young people face while navigating life's uncertainties. Standard Style reporter Khumbulani Muleya (KM) caught up with the young actress.
Below are excerpts from the interview
KM: Did your father and mother's music career influence your decision to pursue acting?
SJ: Not at all. I think they are the reason I took so long to pursue a career in acting, I was trying my hardest to do things that are not so out there and public so that I can stop being in their shadows and do something of my own. I have always loved acting. I remember in primary school; I was always part of school plays. My mother was very supportive of my decision to get into acting. My father barely says anything about my career choices, so I am unsure how he feels.
KM: Is The November Promise your first project as an actress? Tell us a bit about your character and what this series means to you.
SJ: No, it is not. In the past year or so, I was involved in a few projects with the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. The character that I am playing, Nyari connects with me as a person. She is one of those children who have never really been good at anything or have ever gained acknowledgement for anything. She’s not a major character, but she contributes a lot to the story and when she finally achieves something and makes her mother proud it’s a moment that even I wish for as a person and I think that’s what made playing Nyaradzo special for me.
KM: What are some of the challenges you have faced as a young actress?
SJ: I think one of the biggest challenges is lack of confidence because people tend to compare me with my parents, as well as finding the opportunities to act with the little experience that I still have, I think I am bad at auditions so that automatically makes it harder for me to find acting opportunities. I am into policy making and advocacy. These don’t exactly go hand in hand with the arts industry because in order to be in these decision-making spaces, you need to be taken seriously. People often underestimate those who are involved in the entertainment industry. I think that’s one of my greatest challenges, balancing my other profession with acting.
KM: How do you balance your studies with your acting career?
SJ: It was a bit difficult, balancing books with my acting, but the thing about it is that acting is not something that I do every day meaning I am still going to have time to focus on books while acting. During the shoot, there were times when we were not put on call or when it’s not yet my turn to be in front of the camera, I would then take the opportunity to study.
KM: What are your long-term goals for your acting career?
SJ: Like any other actress and actor in Zimbabwe we want to change the world’s perception of the Zimbabwe film industry, grow as actors and make a name for ourselves maybe win some awards, gain recognition for our talents and inspire other people who want to act.
KM: How does your family support your acting aspirations?
SJ: I am a very quiet person. I don’t talk about my aspirations to anyone, especially my family, because we are all very different. Be it my sisters, my aunts, or my parents. We are all very different and we have different goals.
KM: Do they understand your goals?
SJ: I don’t think they do, but they support me by allowing me to be what I want to be. They still allow me to pursue my dreams.