Empini S2 on Showmax
Zibuyile Dladla22 January 2025

Mpumi Mpama makes the role of Khaya Bhodoza his own in Empini

In Empini Season 2, actor and voiceover artist Mpumi Mpama (Legacy, Queendom, and The Queen) returns as the cunning and ruthless private security mogul Khaya Bhodoza.

The first season was one of the 10 most-streamed series on Showmax last year. Ahead of the Season 2 premiere on Tuesday, 4 March 2025, Mpama chats to Zibuyile Dladla about stepping into a role previously portrayed by Siyabonga Twala, his approach to reshaping the character, and more.

Watch the S2 pre-tease trailer

How did you approach stepping into a role that had already been established by someone else?

For me, it wasn’t a big challenge. 

I decided not to watch the previous episodes because, as an artist, I believe in interpreting a character in my own way.

If I had watched the earlier episodes of the previous Khaya, my mind might have subconsciously picked up on his mannerisms. That could have influenced my portrayal. To avoid that, I personalised the character and brought my own understanding to it.

It’s funny because someone once asked me, “How does it feel to step into Siya’s shoes?” And I said, “No, he took his shoes with him.”

You see, I didn’t want to continue where he left off. I respect his legacy, but now I’m creating my own. So, it was a good challenge, and I came into the role with my own plan.

Did you feel any pressure to meet audience expectations or honour the original portrayal?

Not at all. As an artist, I’m confident in my work. Once you fully understand the character and bring the writing to life, that’s what resonates with the audience.

You can’t worry too much about their perception. Instead, focus on bringing the character to life. Remember, the audience doesn’t know the script - you do. Your responsibility is to interpret it so they enjoy what they see.

What methods did you use to make the character your own?

I kept it simple. It started with understanding Khaya, carefully going through the scripts, and gathering as much information as possible about the character. Once the basics were in place, I could build from there. My plan was straightforward: understand the character, bring them to life, and execute the vision.

There’s a lot of action in Empini. Were there any physical challenges for you in this role going into Season 2?

Yes, definitely. Without giving too much away, viewers will definitely see a more physical and brutal side of Khaya this season. 

The action scenes were challenging in a good way; as an artist, you want roles that push you. 

Most of my previous roles involved playing gentlemen who were a bit dodgy and calm. I’ve had one or two action-heavy roles before, but this one required much more physicality and mind games. I even had to hit the gym to build stamina.

Of course, not everything goes smoothly. There are always hiccups - you pull stunts and sometimes get injured. But that’s normal for a show with so much action.

What can viewers expect to change in Season 2?

Viewers should expect fast-paced action, mind-blowing suspense and surprise revelations, which will all play out from the foundation of the story set out in Season 1.

You’re a Xhosa man playing a Zulu character. How did you navigate that?

It all comes down to research. As an actor, it’s crucial to dive deep into your role. For example, if the character is a Zulu man, I study different Zulu accents because the Zulu spoken in Gauteng differs from the Zulu in KwaZulu-Natal.

This is advice for upcoming actors too: don’t just take a role and execute it without preparation. Practise the language, mannerisms, and delivery until it feels natural.

Audiences are intelligent, and they’ll notice if you’re not authentic. You’re also representing a culture, so you need to respect it and do it justice.

What are you most excited about for Empini Season 2?

Two things: the action - it’s an action-packed season - and seeing Khaya reclaim his power in ways that will surprise viewers.

Empini Season 2 starts streaming on Showmax from 4 March 2025, with new episodes on Tuesdays. 

Share:

More like this

Mobland S1 is on Showmax

MobLand S1

Tom Hardy and Pierce Brosnan propel this gripping, gritty crime drama series that follows two powerful families engaged in an intense power struggle.

MobLand on Showmax

Big mobs, small jobs: 10 crime series to stream on Showmax

Not everybody can be the Godfather. From MobLand to The Cleaning Lady to Gangs of London, we look at 11 small but essential jobs that take care of the organising behind organised crime. 

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa.jpg

Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa brings together Housewives from across the continent, landing on Showmax on 28 November 2025.

OriginalMade in South Africa
The Real Housewives of Potomac S10 on Showmax

The Real Housewives of Potomac S9-10

The reality series follows several well-to-do women who live in a community of rolling hills and gated mansions in Potomac.

First
The Paper S1 on Showmax

From The Office to The Paper

As The Office’s OG documentary crew gets a new business in their crosshairs, we expose the connections between these two workplace mockumentaries.

First
Michael C Hall as Dexter in Dexter: Resurrection

Dexter's deadly to-do list in Dexter: Resurrection

Dexter’s son Harrison “killed” him in the finale of Dexter: New Blood. But he’s back from the dead and on a mission: tie up loose ends.

Spinnes S2 on Showmax

Clementine Mosimane, Mondli Makhoba and Luyanda Zwane join Spinners S2

Clementine Mosimane, Mondli Makhoba and Luyanda Zwane join the cast of Spinners for Season 2, coming to CANAL+ platforms, DStv and Showmax.

OriginalMade in South Africa
Black Bag is on Showmax

Inside spy movie Black Bag

Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, director Steven Soderbergh and writer David Koepp give us a top-secret peek inside their new spy movie Black Bag.

Laugh Africa Comedy Festival S2 on Showmax

Youngins S3, coming soon to Showmax

Latest Stories

Bafana Bafana live on Showmax Premier League

Bafana Bafana composed for Durban showdown against Zimbabwe

Arsenal live on Showmax Premier League

Arsenal and Liverpool early front-runners ahead of Premier League international break

Married at First Sight S2 is on Showmax

Married at First Sight's Portia Baloyi on the reunion and her ex

Slay Queens on Showmax

Must-watch trailer: Slay Queens doccie coming to Showmax

Catch the fiery battle between Chelsea and Liverpool live on Showmax Premier League

The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red

Married at First Sight S2 is on Showmax

Relebogile Mabotja to host the two-hour Married at First Sight reunion special

Chasing the Sun 2 on Showmax

South Africa in third place at International Emmys, with four MultiChoice nominations

A still from Finding Optel showing Claire looking through binoculars

What to watch on Showmax in October 2025

Catch Newcastle v Arsenal live on Showmax Premier League on Sunday, 28 September at 17:30

The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade

Married at First Sight S2 is on Showmax

Married at First Sight: Themba on his "stunning" wife Nelisa

Thelma on Showmax

June Squibb wins Best Actress award at age 95 for Thelma

Catch the blockbuster Premier League weekend live on Showmax Premier League.

Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend

Catch all the action from the Premier League live on Showmax PL.

Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue

Gerard Butler as 'Big Nick' O'Brien and O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Donnie Wilson in Den of Thieves 2: Panthera. Photo Credit: Rico Torres.

Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr chat about Den of Thieves 2: Pantera

Lunathi Mampofu in Levels Season 1 on Mzansi Magic

Where to see the cast of Levels on Showmax

Catch the London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham live on Showmax Premier League.

From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham

Catch the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch, live on Showmax Premier League.

Mhlongo's bold prediction: Pirates to clinch MTN8 Title for a fourth year running

Catch the Manchester Derby live on Showmax Premier League.

Glory awaits: From MTN8 Kings to Manchester's Crown, football's biggest stage is on Showmax

The Brutalist on Showmax

Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist

Catch all five episodes of Giants on Showmax now!

Uncover the soul of South African football with the boxset of Giants

Vaal Riviera is on Showmax

Rianza Snyman on Vaal Riviera and being a stay-at-home mom

Catch all the action from the Premier League live on Showmax PL.

The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window

Finding Optel on Showmax

SA siblings’ debut film chosen for BFI London Film Festival

Youngins S3 on Showmax

Simo Magwaza on his challenging role as De Klerk in Youngins