15 November 2019
Ifalakhe: Nkanyamba is evil incarnate
He’s a witch doctor who has been the cause of our many sleepless nights ever since Ifalakhe began. But his evil ways are part of why we admire his performance so much.
“Ingabe iyozala nkomoni?” (“What will become of you?”). This is a Zulu phrase that continues to traumatise viewers who religiously watch Ifalakhe every Sunday night, and it’s all thanks to Nkanyamba.
Nkanyamba may be evil, but we’re impressed by his sorcery
In most cases, evil characters are the least liked in a show; however, Nkanyamba, played by Thulane Shange, has left a mark on Ifalakhe viewers.
One of the many aspects of Nkanyamba that viewers have come to love is the jabs he always directs towards Nomvula and her son, Busani. Every opportunity he gets, Nkanyamba goes for the jugular with little to no remorse.
These jabs may cause us to cringe, but his raw and unfiltered comments are undeniably entertaining.
Remember when he told Nomvula to sit like a lady because she was spreading her legs all over his herbs? Poor Nomvula wasn’t even sitting inappropriately at all, but we guess that’s what you get for being obsessed with power and constantly nagging a witch doctor for his assistance.
And how about that time he embarrassed Busani when he told the young man that his whole existence was invisible to the gods. Quite a hard pill to swallow after being inaugurated as the next king to rule over your father’s kingdom.
Although Nkanyamba may be scary, viewers have overlooked his terrifying presence by admiring the actor that portrays such a dark-spirited character.
4 things you might not know about Thulane Shange
- Thulane Shange is best known for his roles on Mzansi Magic’s Is’thunzi, iKhaya and iNumber Number.
- The actor earned a Golden Horn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama Series.
- Although he is considered one of South Africa’s most talented young actors, Thulane has shared that he used to be very insecure about his acting. That’s quite difficult to believe, considering how he’s just nailing his craft.
- Not only is he a TV actor, but Thulane is also a motivational speaker, voice-over artist and an avid theatre performer.
Ifalakhe is infamous for killing off a lot of characters in every episode. We’re just holding thumbs that Nkanyamba isn’t on their hit list any time soon.
Stream new episodes of Ifalakhe every Sunday at 20:00.
Wura, now streaming
Iyanu, coming to Showmax
The best of West Africa
Kalu Ikeagwu on playing the “wild” Jideofor in Cheta M
Kalu Ikeagwu talks about playing the character of King Jideofor in the Showmax Original series Cheta M S2, now streaming. Catch new episodes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Made in Nigeria
AMVCA 2025: Watch these nominated titles on Showmax
Showmax is setting the pace with 23 nominated titles at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, all available for streaming.
Made in Nigeria
Countdown to The Real Housewives of Lagos S3 finale
See all the jaw-dropping moments and showdowns on The Real Housewives of Lagos ahead of its highly anticipated finale, landing on Showmax on 31 March 2025.
Made in Nigeria
Seyi Babatope on his inspiration for Kabiyesi
Seyi Babatope talks about directing the Showmax Original Kabiyesi, and taking ownership of Nigerian stories. Catch new episodes every Friday on Showmax.
Nigerian