Thabo Rametsi On the Honor of Being Part of the Star Studded New Film Playing the Legendary Hugh Masekela
Thabo Rametsi On the Honor of Being Part of the Star Studded New Film Playing the Legendary Hugh Masekela. When it comes to playing freedom fighters and cultural icons, Thabo Rametsi is the man to go to. A couple of years ago, he killed it as Solomon Mahlangu in the hit film, Kalushi.
The award-winning talented actor’s breakthrough portrayal in Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu remains one of the most defining performances in contemporary South African cinema. As Mahlangu, a young anti-apartheid freedom fighter executed at just 23, Rametsi did more than recreate history, he humanized it.
New Role, New Icon
Now he is back, with another iconic role, and we are all set! Rametsi has been cast in The Road Home, a musical drama about South African jazz legends Miriam ‘Mama Africa’ Makeba and Hugh Masekela, and their Apartheid-era Graceland tour with Paul Simon. Rametsi will play the renowned trumpeter Masekela, and judging from his Instagram, he has been studying the late legend. In February Rametse shared a small reading from the book Still Grazing. The autobiography shares with rich detail Masekela’s life, infused with love and loss, sex and drugs, exile and revolution.
Reacting to the new gig, Rametsi can’t help but express immense gratitude. He thanked everyone who worked in the film, including families and heroes who let them tell their stories. Rametsi also noted that there has been some challenges, but they have conquered them, as nothing is impossible.
“Your reach should always exceed your grasp.”
Yesterday I watched the finest performer on the planet do what they said was impossible. But everything about this moment, this film, has been impossible and yet here we are doing it. The people who have all poured their souls into this are all so beautiful. This crew, this cast, these creatives, these producers and the families and heroes who have let us tell their story are All such beautiful people. Nothing is without challenge but when we come together nothing is impossible. I’m happy… I’m proud… I’m honoured… to walk with you on… #theroadhome,” Rametsi said.
