Rhythm City’s gangster turned businessman tells us why he will never go down without a fight.
Alexandra born Mduduzi Mabaso has been playing Suffocate since 2007. His role won him a South African Film and Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2009. Being dedicated and enjoying his job has made him a favourite with fans, “loving my job and respecting my craft and colleagues have greatly helped me.” To keep Suffo relevant and interesting he takes regular trips to the hood, “I go and learn more about the current kasi lingo to ensure I maintain the relevancy with the viewers.”
In a case of art imitating life, Mduduzi is also involved with reforming and motivating prisoners, “I do talks with prisoners with the aim of motivating them to be better citizens when they come out.” So playing a reformed gangster on Rhythm City and being a real-life motivational speaker to prisoners - how much of Suffo has rubbed off on Mduduzi? Not much, says Mduduzi, “Suffocate is a businessman with a gun in his pocket while Mduduzi is a shy reserved person.”
We chat to Mduduzi about Suffocate’s past, his current feud with Naomi, and his hopes for the future.
How much has your character changed since 2007?
Suffo started as an ATM bomber and has grown to be a businessman. With these changes, his language improved along with his wardrobe. In terms of character, he’s still the same secretive and shy guy who doesn’t want to be undermined. Last week Suffo revealed his hidden side, empathy, when he didn’t shoot Naomi.
Take us through Suffocate's current storyline.
Suffocate is fighting a battle with Naomi who’s known for getting her way. Even though the battle lines have been drawn for some time, the reason he is only retaliating now is to ensure that Naomi knows her place and he gets the respect he deserves.
Has Suffocate“the gangster” returned?
No, Suffo the gangster isn’t back. He put that life behind him and vowed never to go back there and he will honour that decision. The reason he acted out of character recently, is because Naomi’s been getting away with too much. It was time she understood exactly who she was dealing with.
Naomi is a dangerous woman; will Suffo win this battle?
There is nothing difficult in his opinion. Every move he makes is strategic and calculated. Naomi’ bark is not the kind to send shivers down his spine. He’s been through bigger and worse situations.
How would you like Suffocate to change in the show in the future?
I would like to see Suffo growing in his business venture. I think it’s time he afforded Fats and Bash an opportunity to grow with the Kilowatt business.
Tune into Rhythm City weekdays at 6.30PM.
