Pheello Mosesi
Local actor Basia Basil Ramaphike has secured a significant acting opportunity in the popular South African soap opera, Muvhango, where his character is scheduled to make its debut appearance on March 22.
The television drama, produced by ‘Word Of Mouth,’ is currently in its 25th season and airs on the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) 2 channel.
Basia, following in the footsteps of his father Henry Ramaphike, who was renowned for his performances in the local film Kau La Poho 1 as Ntate Manganga and for founding Sun Theatre Productions, is making his mark in the entertainment industry.
However, the question arises: What catalyzed Basia’s journey to step out of his father’s shadow and carve his own path in the world of acting?
“My acting journey started in 2000 under the Sun Theatre Productions until 2020. The inspiration of South African legendary actor Rapulana Seiphemo was very instrumental to where I am in my career today. He does not know that, but he still has a lot of influence on me,” he said.
“I always watched Seiphemo in his productions on screen; the way he approaches and handles a character. The way he delivers lines, his facial expressions, his body language, his audibility and gestures,” he added.
He got a breakthrough when he played the character of a body guard – a supporting cast in Bophelo which aired on Lesotho National Broadcasting Services’ Lesotho Television (LTV).
“In the very same year, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) under television and broadcasting faculty, approached me to assist students in their school projects, which I did in many different short films they shot. One of them like Lieketseng is currently on YouTube, and I portrayed the role of Ntate Lebamang – brutal killer and an assassin.” he said.
In 2022, after Bophelo’s on screen time ended, he again landed another LTV gig when he was cast in the second season of Mali A Borena drama, which was produced by ‘Mateboho Productions. He played as Letuka, the chief’s right-hand man in the drama.
“I also attended the auditions of IF I WERE THABO documentary of South Africa, which was short in Lesotho, where I got the role of Dad. The documentary is available on the YouTube platform.”
Ramaphike later in 2022 received an invitation to one of the most watched South African soapies, Skeem Saam.
“I was a right hand man of Caswell where I occupied a supporting role. From there I shot in different productions like Uzulu noMhlaba, The Estate Season 3, The Wife Season 3, Redemption and Mzansi Greed under Moja Love channel where I portrayed the role of Ntate Mollo – as the main actor.”
He made an impression on the SABC soap operas’ casting teams as he made appearances on ‘Morula Pictures’ Generations – The Legacy in 2024 as an extra.
His star continued to rise rapidly into 2024.
“I shot ‘I am The King Of Africa’ that is going to be aired on ShowMax whereby I portrayed the role of an eyewitness (featured role) to the journalists.”
Having already impressed the SABC casting teams, he went on to land the massive Muvhango role as a prison warder.
“In Muvhango, I portray the role of a male prison Warder – who is the head officer of all the prison warders in prison.”
Ramaphike described what he believes makes a good actor
“A person who does not “act” but lives inside the character they are portraying. To give the character life.” He noted.
As an experienced local actor, Ramaphike also identified major challenges in the field.
“The acting industry in Lesotho is not given much consideration. There are so many talented young men and women in acting industry in Lesotho, but they are discouraged. Moreover, due to lack of sponsorship, the only way to overcome them is to make and create a joint venture. In that way the noise and echoes of their unity will be heard.”
He also shared his hopes and dreams: “In the future, I hope to see myself in America with TV and film gurus and legends to suckle more marrow of TV and film industry. I would be able then to teach the young ones how this path is walked.”
Ramaphike offered words of encouragement for those who have lost hope.
“First and foremost they must attend acting workshops, then make self-videos and post them on their different social media platforms, to expose themselves. Lastly but not least, they should vigorously pray unto GOD in everything that they do and be humble.”
