Thembinkosi Mthembu opens up about Adulting as S2 trailer drops

Tshedza has just dropped the trailer for Adulting S2, launching on Showmax on 4 December 2023, with new episodes on Mondays until 26 February 2024. 

The boys are back, including Hunk of The Year Feather Award winner Thembinkosi Mthembu (Outlaws, Shaka iLembe, The River) as Bonga, Nhlanhla Kunene (The River, Lavish) as fan-favourite Eric, Thabiso Rammusi (The Suit) as Mpho, and Luthando BU Mthembu (Big Brother Mzansi) as Vuyani, named GQ’s Best Dressed On Screen Personality earlier this year.  

Breakout star Londeka Sishi also returns as Nkanyezi, along with Lungile Duma as Zithulele and Dippy Padi as Palesa. This season also introduces SAFTA nominees and former Rhythm City castmates Samkelo Ndlovu and Thembi Seete (Gomora, Zone 14) as Minki and Portia, as well as the likes of Nomalanga Shozi (Rhythm City, MTV Shuga and the face of BET Africa), Obakeng Kgwedi (Gomora, Kokota) and Gaisang K Noge (Naledi in The Wife).

Watch the trailer for Adulting S2

Zibuyile Dladla caught up with Thembinkosi to find out more about his experiences on the 18LSDVN Showmax Original:  

You’ve had an amazing couple of years, from acting on The River to being on Shaka Ilembe, Outlaws and Adulting, yet you come across as a very reserved and humble guy. How are you handling all of this fame and success?

To be honest with you, I really just stay at home. My main focus is all about the work. Working back to back with all these projects has really helped with honing my craft. When need be, I do go out and I do appreciate all the love I've been receiving from the public. I'm happy that after all these years, the hard work is seen and appreciated.

What’s been the most outrageous request you've read on social media from a fan?

[Laughs] There have been so many! Without being too detailed, I've had someone ask me to do to them the things I do in bed with other female characters.

How has the reunion been with the gents this season? 

We really get along, man, which makes getting into the swing of things and the brotherhood we're portraying much easier for us. 

When we started working on Season 2, we had the same conversation we had when we stepped on set for Season 1. That conversation was all about ensuring that we give our all to this project. This is our baby and we were going to give it all the attention and care it deserved in order for the new season to be as successful as the first one. 

We are so in sync with each other that, when it came to our first scene for this season, we hit the ground running. 

Are there any character traits about Bonga you relate to? 

Oh, definitely! There are many. 

Firstly, Bonga is all about family: family first. With all the success he has garnered, and the women, it's his family that's still number one. 

Him being a hard worker is also a character trait about Bonga I relate to and appreciate. 

Lastly, Bonga is an all-around good friend. Yes, there is time for fun but he always makes sure that he checks in on his boys.

I know Bonga is the eldest child, but if you were his older brother, what advice would you give him?

I'd first advise Bonga to go to therapy. Secondly, I would tell him to not let his past or rather his parents' past dictate the outcome of his life, especially when it comes to relationships. For example, in Season 1 there is a scene where Bonga confesses to his father about his fear of commitment because of his father's past failures to commit to his mother. So with that, I'd encourage him to take control of his relationships and to take risks - as he does with his friendships and businesses. I'd encourage him to be a man and do better than his father did and to always remember to stick to his promises when it comes to relationships. 

Speaking of Bonga's father, what was it like acting opposite two-time SAFTA nominee Bongani Gumede, who we all remember as Mandla Ndlovu in Isibaya?  

I'm blessed to have him play the role of my father because there were so many conversations we had offscreen that I appreciated. He gave me great career and financial advice and always reminds me to keep working hard and to sharpen my skills at every opportunity I get.

Were you feeling the pressure, considering Season 1 set a new record for the most first-day views on Showmax of any drama series? 

Yes, there is a bit of pressure about topping Season 1, but I do believe Season 2 will do it justice. Viewers are going to be blown away by the journey that each character is going to embark on. I'm also especially excited about my storyline: there is a lot that viewers will get to learn about Bonga as he begins to learn and unlearn the many facets of his life.

While you wait, binge-watch Adulting S1 on Showmax here.