Neo and Kgomotso Matsunyane are a father and daughter duo like no other. Having worked together on a number of television productions, the pair understand each other's talent. by Bongile Khumalo
Named after her aunt, a well-know television and radio personality, Kgomotso, or Momo as she is affectionately known, has dreams of making it big.
She recently played Heather in Kuyini Ukwazi, an episode of e.tv's ekasi: Our Stories. The drama series was directed by her father.
Q: Is this the first time you've worked together?
Neo Matsunyane (NM): This is our third time. Momo was cast as a lead in Thetha Msawawa in 2004. Two weeks into production, the director needed to be replaced. That's where I came in.
Kgomotso Matsunyane (KM): I also co-presented an educational programme called Q with Phumi Mncayi. Daddy was the director.
NM: I asked her to audition for ekasi: Our Stories because I believed in her talent. And she was cast.
Q: Were you worried that people would think nepotism was taking place?
KM: I love performing and, whether my father is the director or not, I will do it. Obviously there is more pressure if my father is part of the crew.
NM: People will talk whether or not we work together. I don't go out of my way to make sure that she is cast.
Q: How difficult was it to make people pay attention to you, and not you as Neo's daughter?
KM: I constantly push myself, not only in acting but everything, and not because my father is Neo but because I believe in hard work.
But having him as my father means I have to work harder than everyone else.
Q: Do you see yourself following in your father's and aunt's footsteps?
KM: Not at all. I want to be my own person and build my own brand. I can sing and I have a huge interest in stand-up comedy.
I also want to work with deaf children, maybe teaching drama.
Q: Neo, what was your reaction when you realised your daughter had an interest in your craft ?
NM: As a parent you worry. My job is important to me because I love what I do and have so much respect for it.
In 2004, it was a bit of a challenge because I expected her to perform to the best of her ability. Having a well-known surname puts unnecessary pressure on children .
I had to put the industry before family. I was harder on her than I would be on any other cast member.
Q: How did you nurture her talent?
NM: When I realised how serious she was about her career choice I encouraged her to go to school and learn more about the industry.
I didn't want her to only focus on acting but also to be aware that the industry is diverse and there is so much she can do with her talent.
Q: Working with your father surely had its fair share of challenges . Were there uncomfortable scenes?
KM: Yes. I once had to kiss a guy who played my boyfriend and, yes, I've kissed guys before but it was in front of my dad. But he didn't make a big deal of it and I didn't feel as bad as I felt before doing it.
NM: It's so technical. You forget that you are kissing someone and treat it as work. I once had to do a sex scene but my emotions were not even involved. At the end of the day, it's part of your job.
Q: Any plans of working together in future?
BOTH: Yes.
NM: If she is cast and I'm the director then we will work together but I will not go out of my way to make sure she is cast. I want her to be exposed to other directors too.
Watch 'eKasi: Our Stories' every Monday at 9pm on e.tv
