By Siyathemba Ben23 August 2019
Isibaya’s Nomzamo Mbatha joins Coming 2 America cast
The actress who’s popularly known as Thandeka on Isibaya has joined the cast of Eddie Murphy’s 2020 movie Coming 2 America. Zamo, as she is affectionately known, will be starring alongside some of Hollywood’s most famous faces including Eddie, James Earl Jones, Arsenio Hall and Tracy Morgan in the sequel to the classic 1988 comedy.
The South African media personality and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador moved to the United States of America early this year to build her career, and it looks like the move has paid off.
Zamo said in a statement: “Moving to Los Angeles was a choice of faith, and God has surpassed my wildest dreams. This moment is bigger than me — this moment is for every single girl who doubts herself or just how big her God is. My life is a testament to that. My life says God is bigger than ginormous! I am grateful, I am humbled, I am honoured to be cast in Coming 2 America.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, shooting begins next week and the movie will be released in December next year. After the news came out, several people took to social media to congratulate the star on her new role.
The news comes as no surprise as Zamo has been preparing for this moment for a while. During an interview with Essence Now two years ago, she was asked if she had any plans of breaking into the American market.
She shared: “I think it’s just beyond just the American market… It is the global market because I believe that I’m a storyteller at heart and I’d love to play with other storytellers around the world, especially some that I respect… I’d love to be in a space where I play with people who have done it and who’ve come before me. Hopefully it’s going to happen…”
She’s been taking active steps to make sure that her dream comes true. In July this year, she explained on V-Entertainment that she has an apartment in Los Angeles, and that she’s even going to school for accent coaching because one has to be versatile. “It’s a learning curve, and I don’t want to lie and say it’s glitz and glam,” she said.
Well, this isn’t really goodbye. It’s just the beginning of a new chapter for the actress. And, luckily for her fans at home, we can still catch her on Isibaya and Lockdown on Showmax.
Youngins S2, now on Showmax
Soft Life, now streaming on Showmax
More Mzansi gold
Outopsie S1-3
Senior forensic pathologist Dr Hestelle van Staden reveals what really happens behind closed doors in captivating cases where forensic pathology played a central role.
Made in South Africa
Great African Crimes with Mandy Wiener (2024)
This one-off special explores three dramatic cases that left South Africa stunned: Daisy de Melker, the so-called Sea Cottage incident, and the Krugersdorp bank robbery.
Made in South Africa
Zarelda de Bruin on her breakout debut role in Spooksoeker
The 17-year-old Zarelda de Bruin plays Melissa in the Showmax Original Spooksoeker, now available to stream. Catch new episodes every Thursday.
Made in South Africa
9 reasons that 2024 was the best year yet for local TV
Stream the best local content on Showmax in 2024, featuring iEmmy winners, record-breaking documentaries, SAFTA winners, and globally acclaimed hits.
Made in South Africa