It is less than a month since Netflix's second original series Blood and Water was recently, but it still feels like yesterday. The international streaming hit series, has left many in total awe with its intriguing storyline and talented actors.
The international hit streaming teen series tells a tale of Puleng Khumalo, who is investigating the cold case of her older sister Fikile Bhele, who was abducted at birth. Puleng believes that a Parkhurst's star student Fikile is her sister and she gets herself transferred to the same school as her probe is well underway.
ZAlebs recently caught up with the lead characters of the show, Ama Qamata and Cindy Mahlangu, who have enchanted audiences across the globe with their phenomenal acting ranges.
The pair is rapidly carving a name for themselves as reputable actors in the industry and they are determined to explore their gifts and talents. Ama Qamata who portrays the role of Puleng Khumalo, is no stranger to our TV screens. The starlet has made a few appearances in numerous TV shows including My Perfect Family, Muvhango, and Rythm City. The petite actress currently portrays the role of Buhle on Mzansi Magic's hit Telenovela Gomora
Ama studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Cape Town, and she says her journey in the industry has been nothing short of amazing.
Speaking about landing the role of Puleng she said "I was obviously very excited because the audition process was quite long. Initially, I sent a self-tape because I couldn't physically go to the audition and they wanted to see me in person for my call-backs. I flew myself down to Johannesburg to do the callbacks and I begged my mom and I was like I really have to do this.
The second time they flew me to Cape Town and I had to test chemistries with different characters and they were like we really like you and, we would like to give you the role of Puleng and obviously I was very excited because I've been praying for an opportunity like this." she said.
Image Credit: PopBuzz
Since Blood and Water was released, many have been hyping praises on the production, and Ama said they are very humbled by the rave reviews.
"The reactions have been very overwhelming in a good way, I think we are all also humbled by them, Blood and Water of we are very grateful that people genuinely love the show, we worked so hard on the projects. All those long days on set it was all worth it, but we also enjoyed making the show, so it's been humbling and we are grateful," she added.
The Eastern Cape born actress stars alongside Cindy Mahlangu. who portrays the character of Zama Bolton who is Puleng's best friend in Blood & Water. The pair says their on-screen friendship has even blossomed beyond, as they have now become tight-knit friends.
The actress is known for portraying the character Siyanda on The Queen, which has turned her into a household name with a legion of fans.
Speaking about starring together as friends she said"I feel like with me and Ama, we always had that sister bond so, for us to portray best friends it was so easy, we clicked from the first day we met, and we were like ooh wow you are so beautiful so that's how it all started," she said
Ama says Cindy was the first person to come and tell her that she is so excited to work with her. She added that from that moment they got along and started going out together to know each other better.
The series was directed by Nosipho Dumisa who has been hailed for doing a stellar job in the series, and the pair says working with a female director like her was an eye-opening experience.
Image Cred: Deadline.
"Nosipho really held our hands throughout the entire process, especially with the scenes that were emotionally draining and challenging. She really gave us time to have that moment before she would call the action. We could ask for time, to gather ourselves s and she would take us through the scenes so we were really under good guidance as well."
The series is streaming in more than 100 countries and this will certainly catapult their careers even abroad. Speaking about making international debuts said, "I feel like for the fact that the series is streaming in 190 countries, that alone is a lot and it's life changing to get DMs from people in France appreciating your work"
Ama said the fact that they are able to tell our own stories is really humbling and they are grateful for raising the SA flag high.
Well done guys, and we wish you all the best in your careers!
