Zolisa Xaluva speaks on reports he got fired from Smoke & Mirrors
Zolisa Xaluva Addresses Departure from Smoke & Mirrors Amidst Ongoing Negotiations
Renowned actor Zolisa Xaluva recently spoke out to quash rumors surrounding his departure from the popular e.tv telenovela, Smoke & Mirrors.
Despite reports suggesting his dismissal after just one season, Xaluva clarified that his initial contract for season one had concluded, emphasizing that he currently holds no contractual obligations with the show.
The actor, known for portraying the character of Caesar Ngonyama in the series, shared insights into the ongoing situation during an interview on Thursday. Smoke & Mirrors, which made its television debut earlier this year, explores a captivating storyline centered around Thandiswa (played by Ayanda Bandla) as she endeavors to expose three morally corrupt individuals in the small mining town of Emnyameni.
While addressing the reports of his departure, Xaluva indicated that negotiations for a potential second season are still underway. He emphasized that terms like “dismissed” and “fired” do not accurately capture the current state of affairs, preferring to describe it as an ongoing negotiation process that has not yet reached a conclusion.
Although the publication had not received an official response from the production house, Final Chapter, at the time of publishing, a local report confirmed Xaluva’s departure through a statement from the show’s producers.
The statement reads, “At the onset of the new season of Smoke & Mirrors, the producers of Final Chapter Productions came to a resolution to amicably part ways with Zolisa Xaluva. Zolisa has been an asset to the show in his role as Caesar Ngonyama, and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”
In response to the producer’s statement, Xaluva maintained his stance, asserting that negotiations are still ongoing and characterized them as intense. Despite the differing accounts, the actor expressed optimism about the possibility of a resolution.
Turning the conversation toward his recent achievements, Xaluva eagerly discussed his latest project, “Queenstown Kings,” which has broken through Netflix’s global Top 10 films. Enthusiastically sharing that it is the first African film to achieve this feat, Xaluva elaborated on the movie’s theme—a compelling tale following a low-level soccer team from the township and their journey from dusty fields to challenging well-established top-level soccer teams in grand stadiums.
Amidst the uncertainties surrounding his future with Smoke & Mirrors, Zolisa Xaluva remains focused on his diverse acting portfolio, leaving fans intrigued about his upcoming endeavors and the unfolding negotiations with the popular telenovela.
