VETERAN actor pays tribute to late Presley Chweneyagae.
Kenneth Nkosi described Presley as one of the last true storytellers of his generation.
The 51-year-old actor from Diepkloof, Soweto, is known for his long-standing career in TV and film, including roles in Tsotsi, White Wedding, Jerusalema and The Queen.
Kenneth said the industry is losing some of its most passionate voices.
Speaking to Daily Sun at Presley's memorial service at The State Theatre in Tshwane, on Thursday 5 June, Kenneth said it is sad to lose artists who love acting.
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"It's a sad thing that we keep losing experienced artists. Artists who were not just in it for the money or the fame, truly loved what they were doing," he said.
Kenneth spoke with deep admiration for the likes of Bra Don Mlangeni, Bra Patrick Shai, Sis Connie Chiume and Presley, saying they were cut from a different cloth.
"These were people who couldn't even breathe without telling stories. They were born to do this. Whether cameras were rolling or not, their passion showed every single time. They lived for the art," he said.
Although Kenneth and Prsley didn't work on many projects together after Tsotsi, he said Presley's legacy left a lasting mark on South African cinema and the next generation of talent.
He said Presley was a relatable and humble presence who resonated with both young and older generations.
"I don't think the future is lost. Presley and others like him laid groundwork for the new wave of talent. He was relatable to the youth - they saw themselves in him. I hope his legacy becomes a blueprint for young actors entering the industry today," he said.
Kenneth urged newcomers to the industry to bring the same level of heart and dedication.
"There are a lot of young people entering the space now and I hope they do it with the same fire Presley had. This industry is a business, yes, but people like Presley showed us that the love for storytelling should always come first," he said.
