Nthati Moshesh's emotional exit of 016FM in episode 6

016FM is now streaming on Showmax, starring the late SAFTA nominee Mpho Sebeng (Saints & Sinners, Ring of Lies, Savage Beauty) and Joseph MJ Sedibo (Empini) as two polar opposite DJs trying to save their much-loved community radio station in the Vaal from closing. This Wednesday’s episode (episode 6) saw the passing of Mama Jane, DJ Tsietsi’s mother and the founder of 016FM, played by triple SAFTA winner Nthati Moshesh (Saints & Sinners, Savage Beauty, Isono). 

Watch 016FM’s trailer

Zibuyile Dladla sits down with Nthati to find out more about the popular Showmax Original.

What drew you to this role?

It was definitely Mama Jane suffering from dementia - a subject we hardly see portrayed in our stories. The Mama Jane character gave me the opportunity to do thorough research about dementia and it broadened my understanding of the condition. So I feel that Mama Jane’s storyline has the potential to open up conversations about the effects of dementia in black communities and how we plan on educating ourselves about this condition. 

I also liked the way the storyline gives us a glimpse of who Mama Jane was before her sickness: the founder of 016FM and a pioneer within the community. 

Do you think your parents would’ve loved 016FM?

Oh absolutely. There are a lot of Moshoeshoe clans living in the Vaal, so there is an emotional connection between my family and the Vaal. My father worked at Sebokeng Hospital and he would’ve loved a show like 016FM because it would’ve brought back so many memories of his contribution to the community of the Vaal. My mother was a social worker and used to make frequent visits there too.

What has the passing of Mama Jane taught you about your outlook on death? 

I’ve lost four very significant people in my life: my parents, my sister-in-law and my brother. So I now approach death differently. I approach it with love because I now view grief as a form of love. Think about it: you pour so much love into a person who has passed on. I’m falling in love with my parents all over again - the more they are not with me, the more I channel them even more through the many pictures I have of them at home and my memories of them.

You don’t act with the late Mpho Sebeng on 016FM, but you worked together on various projects. What’s your fondest memory of him?

I speak to Mpho’s friends quite often and they are still processing this loss. Every time actor Khojane Morai calls me, our chats include our fond memories of Mpho. 

He has left such an indelible mark in the industry, which is also a great lesson to all of us still living: what are people going to say about you when you pass on? 

I think we would all like to be remembered like Mpho. Memories of that young man are always joyful. Mpho was such a fun ball of energy and he was truly such a breath of fresh air. He was a person who made people’s lives a lot easier or more palatable because he lived! We knew Mpho was loved, but we had no idea how much. Now that love for him is on 016FM - it’s a tribute to him and that’s how we’re going to remember Mpho.

Why should people watch 016FM?

Please watch it for the young talent that is on the show. There is a bright future for all our youngins out there and it shows on 016FM. Shows like this are a constant reminder that there is so much that our young talent has to offer. They are not hungry for fame but they have a story to tell, so let’s listen. 

016FM is also a warm reminder to me about what radio means and has meant to my life. We forget that radio has played such an integral part in our lives throughout all these years. My love for acting began because we used to listen to radio dramas as a family; it used to be a highlight for any black family in the township.

Nthati dedicates this interview to her younger sister, Nkikia Nosipho Moshesh, who passed away recently. 

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