Actor Gabriel Temudzani (Chief Azwindini) leaving Muvhango was reportedly a stunt to boost ratings

A local publication reports that actor Gabriel Temudzani’s exit was all a publicity stunt to boost ratings for the SABC2 soapie Muvhango.

This is after entertainment commentator Phil Mphela reported on Saturday, 20 May that popular Muvhango actor Gabriel Temudzani, who played Azwinidini Mukwevho for more than two decades has returned to show.

A source from Word of Mouth confirmed to City Press that the actor will be back on the show, but not as a ghost.

“It’s one of those publicity stunts. It’s not true (that he left). Yes, he’s back on set [shooting] as Azwindini. Remember, they didn’t find the body. He’s an integral part of the show; he’s too important to die.”

“He wanted to leave and production had agreed but the channel refused, so production had no choice but to meet his demands with the pressure from the channel.”

The mole added that viewership numbers of the soapie had dropped dramatically since they fired MacDonald Ndou (who played KK) and Sydney Ramakuwela (who played Mulalo) and they couldn’t risk losing another prominent actor.

“Muvhango ARs [tv ratings] went from 4.5 million to under 1.5 million in a year. [It is not loadshedding] because e.tv is growing. They are hoping for improvement with the chief being back.”

CASTING NEWS:

Muvhango lied? ?

In what can only be an effort to boost ratings, Muvhango and its star Gabriel Temudzani may have pulled a fast one!

The press statement and Gabriel farewell media blitz may have all been a ruse — the actor is still on the show#KgopoloReports pic.twitter.com/ETmZXKYp57

— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) May 20, 2023

The talented actor Muvhango Gabriel Temudzani told City Press to contact the soapie’s publicist, Kgomotso Ndwandwe, for more accurate information, when he was contacted.

Ndwandwe told the publication: “Gabriel has been in chats with the production, however, I cannot confirm the outcome of those conversations yet. The rumours could’ve been sparked by the major public outcry for his return, but if there is any update, we will definitely let you know.”

The actor confirmed his exit to TshisaLIVE in May this year and said that he’s ready to apply himself in other spaces.

Chief Azwindini

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“It’s an emotional roller coaster. Muvhango has been my home for a long time and unfortunately, we are here. Parting ways has never been kind, but it is one of those [things] I guess. For now I’m going take time to press the reset button and move accordingly.”

“For now I’m going take time to press the reset button and move accordingly. There are a number of things lined up. Among others, there’s travelling, making more time for my children and continue watching Muvhango from a distance without me in it and watch how things unfold. The show will remain in my heart and it will dwell there for a long time and I will always embrace and make time for it.”

Actor Gabriel Temudzani (Chief Azwindini) speaks out after leaving Muvhango

South African actor Gabriel Temudzani, who bid farewell to Muvhango on Monday, 8 May says leaving the soapie was an emotional roller coaster.

The popular Muvhango actor Gabriel Temudzani, who played Azwinidini Mukwevho for more than two decades tells a local publication that he’s ready to apply himself in other spaces.

“It’s an emotional roller coaster. Muvhango has been my home for a long time and unfortunately, we are here. Parting ways has never been kind, but it is one of those [things] I guess. For now, I’m going take time to press the reset button and move accordingly.”

Temudzani adds that there are several things lined up after his exit such as travelling, making more time for his children, and continuing to watch Muvhango from a distance without him in it and watching how things unfold.

The actor adds that the soapie will remain in his heart and it will stay there for a long time and he will always embrace and make time for it.

The talented actor Muvhango Gabriel Temudzani also shares the highlights of playing Chief Azwindini Mukwevho for 23 years.

“My favourite moment was when the character was fighting for justice when the character was fighting for the family to be integrated. Another one was when he was fighting for the family shares to remain in the family. When the character was fighting for Susan to be incorporated into the family as his better half regardless of her being a commoner and luckily when the character assumed chieftaincy responsibility, I think those were compelling moments that brought about a turning point to the character that also ushered the character into colourful moments that made Azwindini be an iconic character that he is today.

The talented actor Muvhango Gabriel Temudzani also shares the highlights of playing Chief Azwindini Mukwevho for 23 years.

“My favourite moment was when the character was fighting for justice when the character was fighting for the family to be integrated. Another one was when he was fighting for the family shares to remain in the family. When the character was fighting for Susan to be incorporated into the family as his better half regardless of her being a commoner and luckily when the character assumed chieftaincy responsibility, I think those were compelling moments that brought about a turning point to the character that also ushered the character into colourful moments that made Azwindini be an iconic character that he is today.

He adds that he’s going to miss the family element, the jokes they used to crack, and the emotional roller coaster they would go through on the scenes.

The actor said Muvhango and Azwindini wouldn’t be what [it] is today if it wasn’t for the viewers.

“We can say what we want, but the viewers make the show. If the viewers are not there we might as well close shop and go to our respective homes. The viewers have been a pivotal part of the work we do and the world we find ourselves in.”

Photos: Muvhango actor Gabriel Temudzani (Chief Azwindini) living big in Dubai

Very different from his on-screen character Azwindini — who is going through the most thanks to the women in his life — Muvhango actor Gabriel Temudzani is living it up in Dubai and having the best time.

The actor, who finally rewarded himself with a getaway to the popular UAE city, has been sharing moments from his trip. Gabriel said he planned the trip to honour his birthday this year and to give himself a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle.

Totally immersed in the Dubai experience, Gabriel has been spotted at a sky-high restaurant, Dinner in the Sky UAE, that often welcomes visiting SA stars.

The actor and exercise enthusiast also visited the white sand beaches and pools.

His pictures and captions have shown just how happy the actor is to be on holiday and he’s even created a dance challenge to showcase his joy.

“Sunday afternoon shandies by the pool … Guys the boy is happy and focused. You definitely can’t distract him at all.”

Watch his happy dance below:

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A post shared by GabrielTemudzani ?? (@gabrieltemudzani)

Not willing to deny himself of the full Dubai experience, Gabriel had the popular “floating breakfast” at one of the infinity pools near him in addition to taking a drive through the dessert and capturing the breath taking views from the high-rise buildings.

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A post shared by GabrielTemudzani ?? (@gabrieltemudzani)

Actor Gabriel Temudzani celebrates 21 years of playing Chief Azwindini on Muvhango

Gabriel Temudzani is celebrating 21 years of playing Chief Azwindini in the popular SABC2 soapie “Muvhango” and he’s thrilled about the direction his character is taking.

Viewers recently witnessed Azwindini’s fall from grace. He was stripped of his chieftaincy, leaving him dejected and destitute.

Azwindini’s luxury lifestyle disappeared before his eyes and while he struggled to adjust to the new normal, he discovered that his wife was having a baby with his arch-enemy.

Speaking to IOL, Temudzani said it was important for the show to use his character to shine the spotlight on the dynamics of power shifts, self-esteem issues and mental health.

“I can relate with what Azwindini is going through right now. For a man, a husband, and a father to go through this is very painful.

“Such situations are a big test to the character. I hope men will learn a thing or two from Azwindini’s resilience,” said Temudzani.

“The storyline will resonate with many people because of what’s currently happening in the world due to the impact of Covid-19,” he adds.

“People have lost their jobs, others lost their loved ones, businesses are suffering and the majority of our people will relate to this story because they are going through it or they know someone who’s going through it.”

The 41-year old says interpreting the role of Adzwindini was interesting, and that the power shift was needed to shake things up a bit in the show.

The star also hailed his on-screen wife, Susan (Maumela Mahuwa) for the way she handles the story.

“Susan (Maumela Mahuwa) embodies the powerful woman of substance … a woman who will carry her family during the most challenging of times, the woman who will love and support her partner in any given situation. Susan is Azwinidini’s pillar of strength,” he said.

Temudzani said he had enjoyed playing Azwindini over the past two decades because he is the epitome of strength and courage.

“What I’ve liked and learnt about the character of Azwindini is his spirit of endurance and humanity. He’s a born leader.”

Temudzani also revealed that things are going to be tough before they get better for the former King of Tate.

Will Azwindini ever reclaim his throne?

Catch all the drama on SABC2’s “Muvhango” at 9pm, weekdays.