Zizipho Buti on her role in Showmax Original Soft Life

Zizipho Buti (Nkululeko, Generations: The Legacy) stars in Soft Life, now streaming on Showmax. Buti plays Owami Gqoji, an ordinary Tembisa woman who finds herself navigating the glamorous world of high-society companionship in a desperate attempt to pay off her mother’s escalating medical bills. Owami’s journey is fraught with fear, secrecy, and the threat of losing everything she holds dear.

Created by Vusi Zion for Afriprime and produced by Urban Brew Studios, Soft Life is directed by SAFTA winners Nozipho Nkelemba (Gomora, Umakoti Wethu) and Nthabiseng Mokoena (Law, Love and Betrayal, The Wife). The Showmax Original series stars National Film and Television Awards Best Newcomer winner Katlego Lebogang (Spinners, Yoh! Christmas), Mampho Brescia (Isibiya), and Ayanda Daweti (Scandal!, Gomora), with African Movie Academy Awards nominee Chumani Pan (Igazi, Inkabi and Ashes to Ashes) as Fumani, NubiaBlaq’s most valued client.

Watch the trailer for Soft Life

With the first three episodes now on Showmax, Zibuyile Dladla chats to Buti to find out more about her lead role.

What has playing Owami taught you about society and its obsession with the “soft life” phenomenon?

Owami’s story highlights the immense pressures many people face – be it financial struggles or family burdens – that can push them into compromising situations. It’s a reality that’s both heartbreaking and worth discussing more openly as a society.

Can you share a moment when you truly connected with Owami’s character?

While filming Soft Life and working to understand Owami, I realised how similar our experiences were, particularly in terms of our relationships with our fathers. My mother was in a relationship with her lecturer, who was married, and this is where I saw a strong connection to Owami’s story.

My father passed away, but during his life, he wanted to be involved in mine. He made sure I attended private schools, paid for my education, and provided for me as much as he could. Although he was married, and my mother and I were a secret in his life, he tried his best to be present for me. 

While Owami didn’t have a relationship with her father, my experience was different in that way because, despite the circumstances of not growing up with him in the house, he still made an effort to support me.

The parallels between our father-daughter dynamics were striking, and they helped me connect with Owami on a deeper level.

How was it working with directors Nozipho Nkelemba and Nthabiseng Mokoena?

It was incredible. They created a supportive environment where I felt safe to explore the depths of Owami’s character. Their guidance was invaluable, especially when it came to embodying a younger version of myself to connect with Owami. I’d be honoured to work with them again – they’re phenomenal directors.

Was this the most challenging role you’ve played to date?

Definitely. Owami stretched me as a performer in ways I hadn’t anticipated. She’s highly emotional, which is the opposite of who I am in real life. Tapping into her pain and resilience was exhausting but deeply rewarding. I remember coming home from set feeling so exhausted from all of Owami’s crying but it was a good challenge.

What advice would you give to young people facing situations like Owami’s?

Stay true to yourself and never compromise your values or peace of mind for temporary gains. The choices we make should allow us to sleep at night, knowing we’ve preserved our integrity. Peace of mind is far more valuable than chasing a fleeting lifestyle.

I hope Soft Life shows that while life’s challenges can be overwhelming, it’s okay to work hard and take the longer, more ethical path to achieve your goals. There’s strength in perseverance and caution in chasing quick fixes.