COMEDIAN Tumi Morake had Mzansi guessing when she slipped into the Koeksister costume on The Masked Singer South Africa.
But while viewers were enjoying the mystery, Tumi was also using the experience to find her way back into the world after the death of her dad.
Tumi (44) told Daily Sun that filming the show came at a time when she was mourning her dad and became an unexpected source of joy.
I was in mourning. We had just laid my dad to rest. I think a lot of people also thought I’m taking an emotional break, like a mental health break or something.
“They didn’t realise I’m busy shooting and staying here and it was such a mood lifter for me. It was such a nice way to be back in the world,” she said.
Freedom behind the costume
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The comedian said being behind the mask allowed her to let loose without worrying about what people thought of her.
“It was so much fun. It’s like, if anybody remembers taking their mum’s shoes and then wearing a dress, this oversized thing and playing with them, it was that much fun.
“And I think also there are so many things that are good to do, but if you’re hiding, you do them with confidence. Like those people online, we have so much to say because they’re hiding behind a keypad.
“I really was having the time of my life. Imagine you’re singing your favourite song, you’re dancing, you know choreography that’s been created by an actual choreographer to your favourite song. And you are singing it to people, and they don’t actually see you until you’re done. So, there’s no need to be afraid. It was great,” she said.
Not ready to say goodbye
While viewers eagerly waited for the Koeksister unmasking, Tumi said she wasn’t looking forward to saying goodbye to the character.
“It’s disappointing. I don’t want to say goodbye to Koeksister yet, but it’s also nerve-wracking because you’re like, what if I’m unmasked and the audience isn’t impressed,” she added.
