THE QUIET TALENT

The River actor Siya Sepotokele has the astounding ability to switch between characters with the ease of taking offa T-shirt. The 24-year-old shares how his singing voice changed the course of his life

- KEMONG MOPEDI

What’s your favourite thing about your life right now?

My career, and girlfriend. I’m with someone who has helped me progress, and that is awesome!

Who is Siya Sepotokele when there’s no one but him in front of the mirror?

[Chuckles] I usually sing and dance — I swear, in my head, I’m in a Hollywood movie. When I’m in my space, I take it up and own it — I only allow people that I trust, and around whom I can be myself.

Do you plan to ever do anything with your singing voice?

People can expect a musical project from me this year. I’ve been postponing my music career because I had not met a producer who was aligned with the sound I’m gunning for – PJ Morton’s sound is my biggest inspiration. People don’t know this, but I’m an opera singer — discovering that I have a crossover voice was the best thing ever.

How did you discover your voice?

My late mother was the one who picked up on my singing potential. In primary school, I would sing along to the