Rhythm City loses 3 top actors

It’s been less than a month since award-winning actor Jamie Bartlett, who played Rhythm City’s longstanding villain resigned from e.tv’s flagship soapie, citing an amicable separation and personal growth as his reasons for quitting.

Bartlett had embodied the character of Genaro for 13 years, winning two best actor gongs from the South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) for his portrayal of the sly businessman.

Samkelo Ndlovu
Samkelo Ndlovu, who played Lerato for seven years, took to Twitter to reveal she had also resigned after initially wanting to depart from the show a year ago.

“My acting journey has been fruitful and full of possibilities and I have been blessed enough to never be jobless or go hungry. The last seven years I have spent at a home that I found called Rhythm City. Where I found a favourable environment to harness and perfect my craft among thespians who share the same sentiment. I have enjoyed carrying Lerato with me and telling her story.

Ndlovu was asked to stay for another year after indicating in 2019 that she was ready to leave the soapie. The producers, however, convinced her to spend another year as the show could not lose two villains at the same time.

“A year later, I served my notice of departure to which my producers had already prepared for which made my exit mutual. Myself and Rhythm City part ways on a positive vibration and I will always cherish the time,” she said.

Amo Chidi
Amo Chidi, was confirmed to have left the soapie at the same time as Ndlovu. Chidi first showed up on screens as Reneilwe in 2012.

e.tv local productions general manager Ziyanda Mngomezulu confirmed the 30-year-old actress’ departure from the station:

”On behalf of the Rhythm City team, we would like to wish Samkelo and Amo all the best for their future. We will value their personification of the roles they played on the show and thank them for their dedication to entertaining the audiences. Thank you for being a part of the eFamily.”

This brings the total to three the talent that the top soapie has lost in a month and four in a year with Siphiwe Mtshali, who played Bash, having left in September 2019.

Mtshali is said to also have parted on good terms with the producers and management of Rhythm City, with executive producer Pontsho Mdikane saying:

“If ever there was a kasi representative it was Bash. An all-round kasi character, that’s what he was. He served us well and will be sorely missed.

“As the saying goes, however, every good thing must come to an end. Siphiwe Mtshali will make way for up-and-coming coming actors on Rhythm City as they strive to fill his shoes.”