‘Khaya is not the sharpest tool in the shed’: Toka Mtabane on his role in ‘Youngins’

After making his screen debut in the acclaimed film Five Fingers For Marseilles in 2016 when he was just a teenager, Toka Mtabane is back on Showmax in Youngins, The show is the first teen drama from Tshedza Pictures, the production company behind hit series Adulting, Outlaws, and The River.

TOKA MTABANE ON HIS CHARACTER IN ‘YOUNGINS’

In his biggest role yet, Toka plays Khaya Jali, the handsome, popular guy at school, who is dating it-girl Buhle (Kealebogo Masango). But the truth is that while Khaya is a natural athlete, he is dismal when it comes to academics and has a tumultuous family life.

“Khaya is not the sharpest tool in the shed but what I like about him is that he follows his gut. He’s an impulsive guy: Khaya throws himself in the deep end and he just swims out. He’s that guy,” he said.

Toka’s character in the series is in love with Buhle, played by Kealeboga Masango.

According to the talented actor, him and Kealeboga get along very well. The pair met at the chemistry test and in between auditions they’d talk about general stuff, which made them get along even more.

“So when we finally started working together on Youngins, our chemistry just flowed. I think it’s also because we discussed a few things in terms of how far we’d push it. It was something that was done almost effortlessly,” he added.

BEST ADVISED FROM OTHER ACTORS AND MEMORABLE MOMENTS

As a young actor, Toka has received mentorship and advice from his fellow colleagues who have years of experience. He shared that former The Queen actor, Loyiso MacDonald adivesd him to always greet the crew.

“I remember we had a cast meeting and Loyiso Macdonald said to us, “Always greet the crew. Always greet the crew.” 

“The other advice we received from the older actors was that we shouldn’t be difficult people to work with – it’s a long run and you want to build a career that you want to be able to sustain. But in the same breath, you don’t want to turn yourself into a doormat and have people walk all over you. That’s what they always preach and I think it’s very useful advice; it’s something I always keep at the back of my head. We read stories about people who come and go, so you try your best not to go that direction.”

Speaking about his most memorable moments on set with the younger cast members, Toka said: “Any memorable moments on set with the younger cast members? I’ve had a lot of great memories with them; they’re very good folks. I’ve built a lot of great relationships. I had known Ayakha from In The Dark, which we did together. The other ones, such as Thabiso and Kea, I’ve been watching them on TV. I was like, ‘Oh, okay. These are very talented people and I’d like to work with them.’ So, when I saw them, I said, ‘Oh yeah, my people! It’s finally happening.’”