‘The role had been given to someone else’ Chris Radebe narrates how Sjava landed the role on Isifiso despite cancel culture

South African musician Sjava was a victim of cancel culture when Lady Zamar accused him of rape falsely back in 2020. Many people never thought he would recover from the blow his career took, but Sjava’s recent role on Isifiso proved that his work still speaks for itself. The Executive Producer of Isifiso, Chris Radebe, narrated how the singer/actor landed his position, and fans can not help but agree that only grace was at work.

After the season finale of Isifiso aired on Mzansi Magic, the cast took to their Instagram account to bid farewell. The creator and Executive producer of the show were no different as he celebrated a successful production and narrated how Sjava landed his role on the show.

Sjava’s role on Isifiso belonged to another actor.

Chris, in his statement, said that the role had been given to someone he chose not to name. However, at the last minute, the actor cancelled on them as schedules collided, and the team had to find someone else to fill in his role. The producer, who says he never involves his family in his work, asked them for help at 10 pm when he was needed for his scene in just 8 hours.

The names his family suggested were terrible as he was looking for a Zulu-speaking actor. After a lot of deliberations, one of his family members came up with the idea of the Zulu musician and Chris was shocked to know why he did not think of him before.

The struggle to get hold of Sjava

Chris tried calling the singer/actor, but his phone did not even go through, and he then sent a message on Whatsapp, which did not get delivered. Given he was on a tight schedule, he went back to the drawing board and tried to get other actors for the role, like Thulani Mtsweni, who plays Bongani in Gomora. Everyone he tried to reach did not answer their phones or were busy shooting on other sets the next day.

Around past 11 the same night, Sjava is said to have responded to his message with one word, ‘Nkabi’. He asked to call but was blue ticked on WhatsApp, prompting Chris to send a voice note explaining his situation, to which Sjava replied with ‘Send me location’. Sjava made it to the set and took on the role of Mhlengi’s brother effortlessly, and according to Radebe, he was a joy to work with. The producer can not wait to work with him on other sets shortly.