Interview: Percy Vilakazi- A Rhythm Cityzen
March 1, 2010 by Phathu
I do not know where to start when it comes to Rhythm City
, the truth of the matter is that I have never really connected with the show, there is just something about it that unsettles me. I know that there are many people who watch the show – in fact who love the show, hence the multi million viewers. I mean the show is the reigning queen of the 6:30 pm timeslot when it comes to ratings. Is there something I am missing here people, why I am I not as crazy about it as the rest of you guys?
Percy Vilakazi with Kelly Khumalo (Sunay)
Last Wednesday I made a trek to Sasani studios, where the show is taped to try get a better understanding of the show, what makes Rhythm City such a hit and why I still cannot connect with the show. This is me, I have watched each and every local soapie on SA television, even the Afrikaans ones without subtitles, so there is no way I could be prejudiced against a single show.
I had the privilege to have a sit down with some of brains behind Rhythm City, Roliwe Nikiwe – creator and creative director of Rhythm City, Neil McCarthy – Rhythm City’s headwriter and Percy Bonga Vilakazi , the shows’s storyliner, script advisor and music supervisor.
For me to able to get a comprehensive view of what drives Rhythm City and the people behind it, I had to conduct concise and detailed interviews with each one of them, and that means many questions. I know that bloggers do not like to read long drawn our articles, so I have decided to separate each interview and present them to you guys in segments. This is the first part of the interview, and first on my hot seat was Percy Bonga Vilakazi, as stated above – he is one of the storyliners and script advisor of the show. How can I forget – he is also the music supervisor. Now, enough yada-yada, here is how my chat with him went.
Phathu Makwarela (PM): What do you say to critics of the show, who see it as tabloid in motion without real substance? Do you take the criticism to heart or dismiss it because you have a huge following?
Percy Bonga Vilakazi (PV): Let me tell you nee, the one thing that I appreciate about the show and the people that I work with, including is the producer, we really consider every criticism. If I see something on www.JustCurious.co.za, saying that they do not agree with the storyline because if this and that, I promise you, we will talk about it. I will bring it to the storyliners and discuss it. We are usually the first to admit when we have messed up, but as you know – the nature of working in soaps. By the time it airs, we are so far ahead in terms of writing. We do not dismiss criticism, people invest on our show and we respect their views. We treat our viewers as our customers; we interact with them all the time.
PM: How did you end up at Rhythm City?
PV: I was storylining for Scandal, (then he takes a deep sigh as if to construct his words). Phathu, off the record I was ….…! When the previous headwriter of Scandal left, I also left – two months down the line. I just knew I was not going to stay long with him gone. I was also chatting to the people at Rhythm City, so they offered me a job to be a storyliner and head the music department.
PM: How has it been like working on RHYTHM CITY?
PV: It’s been interesting, firstly we really work with the most amazing actors, just take a walk and you will see. They are very talented, the crew is great too. Its also very challenging, you know we are working with people who know their stuff. I am still young in the industry and working with such greats, I am learning a lot. ( me thinks wa ngishaya-shaya lo)
PM: What is the worst about writing for a soapie?
PV: The worst thing about writing for a soapie, unlike writing for drama is the restrictions. You are restricted in terms of sets, budgets and actor restrictions. You can only use certain actors, for so long – because if you over use them, that means they have to be paid more. It is also not about talent and being able to write, you have to be in sync with all twelve other writers in the team and we all need to have one voice, that is the hardest thing. Truth be told, as a writer you know mos, it’s true – it’s not easy, it’s just not easy.
PM: The best part, besides the fat monthly paycheck?
PV: (he laughs). You get to create words and characters, to hear people talk about characters and words you created, that is great. It is always good when our work sparks talks and conversation. And the art man, working with the people we work with, like bo-Moshidi. That is great for me, to hear people talking about Naomi – I love crazy characters. My favorite characters in a soapie is still Sheila Carter, I remember when she put a swarm of bees in James’s office. I love characters like that.
PM: I have issues with the show’s stories. I seems like you go for the most craziest and shocking idea when deciding which story to write. Is that intentional? You just want to shock South Africans.
PV: Hai mani Phathu, we don’t do it like that. Our show is set in the music world and some of the things on the show really happen, the drugs and fornication, it is really happening. We get our stories from everywhere, from a crazy idea or something on a newspapers. We do not normally go and seek the craziest idea. I think we do go overboard sometimes, but we try to make sure the viewers can relate.
PM: Do you think the viewers do relate to you stories, personally I do not relate?
PV: I think there are some storylines they do relate to and some characters that they can relate to, but we also have stories that are for pure entertainment. You have to consider the ratings, people must watch.
PM: Because the show is based in the music industry, do you people always feel the need to bring in bad musicians who cannot act, just to up the ratings?
PV: Are you talking about Sunay?
PM: Even Pam. I do not think she is Gail on screen, she is just Pam Andrews, the way she was on Backstage and other stuff she has done. (funny enough, she walks in after this interview)
PV: It’s not like that man, when Pam and Kelly were cast, I was not working for show but now all actors go through the same process, It doesn’t matter how famous they are.
PM: SAFTAS , was Rhythm City snubbed or is the whole thing rigged?
PV: Snubbed, (then he laughs as if he knows something I don’t). You know, as I have said it to people. I think the SAFTAS were a PR campaign for Isidingo. Isidingo is a great show and I have been watching it, but the truth is – they have lost the plot. They have made too many mistakes, taken viewers into unfamiliar territories. Now the show is looking good, but izinto zidlala manje is not the stuff that was used to judge the show. When the submissions to the SAFTAS were made, Isidingo was at the lowest. I do understand that we are a free to air channel, the SAFTAS are part of the SABC. We felt snubbed but we were not surprised, last year we got best writing team and this year we were not nominated, how do you explain that? I know that other people will disagree with this, but I will not name names… (I know he is talking about me – phela I have been vocal about my disdain of the show).
That is how I feel about the SAFTAS. I think Koketso should have won the SAFTA, I don’t think Rajesh deserves that award, all he does is shout at Barker, I think Zenzo deserved that award! He is one of the most gifted actors I have ever come across.
PM: Then why is Rhythm City getting rid of a gifted actor
PV: We are not getting rid of him, he is coming back. He is back in the storyline…wa phapha yazi Phathu. He is going to do a movie (yes, you heard it first on JC)
PM: What do you say to those who watch the show, I mean you have millions of people watching – I do not know why, but people love it.
PV: All I can say is that Rhythm City is a young show and growing, we certainly appreciate our viewers. We always want feedback, what stories they like and what they want to see. All I can say is that they must keep watching. We have interesting storylines coming up. We are slightly nervous because they will be big. I wonder what you would say since you have certain issues with the show, but hey, it is going to be big. So they must keep watching.
Here is the thing, I am sure you can feel the casual chat in this interview that is because Percy is a friend of mine. This made interviewing him very difficult. It felt as if he had prepared himself mentally for me, he knew the kinds of questions I was going to ask, so he had answers already. So at this point, I couldn’t judge whether I understand the show better or maybe I am leaning towards being a regular viewer. I left his office still undecided about the show. At this point, I knew I had to see the headwriter, I had questions to ask him.
Tomorrow is the second part of the interview: Niel McCarthy – Rhythm City’s headwriter. I did ask him the one question you all want to know.
- What will happen to David Genaro next?
- I also threw all the tough questions I could not ask Percy at him, so see ya tomorrow and in the meantime, tell me why some of you are addicted to the Rhythm of the city?
Cheesa on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 12:35 am
Hey I’ve wondering where is Phathu konje but I knew something best is coming. Let me read…
Cheesa on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 12:55 am
I agree with Percy on the Isidingo part. I was also surprised how can they take so many awards after the show was to on a tight rope about to be canned by SABC. I think even you Phathu you once said Isidingo was close to be being canned because of its low rates and poor storylines. Their wins at the SAFTAs were really shocking to me. It was worse when Rajesh took Zenzo’s award I was close to throwing up. I even said the SAFTAs people should give Lifetime Awards to Isidingo for all the soap awards. I mean really now I agree so much with the PR bit they want us to watch what made Isidingo win so many awards which I haven’t done even today I’m sticking to RC until there’s something that makes me tired and bored to then watch Isidingo. Let me finish reading…
sncura on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 12:56 am
Nice read! Thumbs up Phathu
Cheesa on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 1:05 am
Awuu Phatu I was still enjoying reading this tjo how short. I can also notice he didnt think much in answering your questions like you already gave him the questions before the interview. And I like his answers he was not defence even though you were a bit mean to RC Phatu heheeh.
Lela on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 1:10 am
I only watched a few episodes whn it started,ddnt get d drift so i went bk 2 Isidingo. Is it 2 late 2 start watching, Percy?
bee on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 1:44 am
Just when i was wondering kanti uPhatu uphi and he is back with a bang. ok i looooooooooove RC even tho i don’t watch it during the week becouse of iGym but i make sho i watch the omnibus on satarday.The woman who can’t act there ngu….eish ngubani konje nguPuleng umama ka Matric. I love uWandi (Mbali Ntuli), i love the show period nesasBhanxa singuDavid damn that guy is SICK man, und’chaza xa ethi “Ron you cake!you gotta find Lu, she is carrying my baby, my hier”.
Nice read Mr Makrwele, u ovadone yourself again bro.
Cheesa on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 1:45 am
Ok to answer why I watch RC weekdays at 6:30pm. Let me first say I was also not thrilled by the show during its early days but my little sis persuaded me into watching it. I did but I would be bored by Rachel’s voice and her poor acting skills but seeing Mmabatho and Lungile made me stick to the show. I loved my Mmabatho’s character and her acting skills and all. Well Lungile for obvious reasons LOL but of course the guy is talented and I like his character. Ok to the point now, I watch RC because there isn’t too much glam. Not every character there is reach and leaving in a mansion. There is that township life which is real and makes people relate to the show and me I love some kasie vibe in a show it makes it a real South African show and adds that bit of a drama in it. As Percy said their actors are great no doubt about that. They make their acting look real. Sometimes I ask myself are the lines of Suffocate, Thula and Fats on the script or is just their own words but of cause told what they must talk about. David is the best he is another one whom I always think he writes his own script. His lines make me LOL. I also like RC’s storylines but eish they drag their storylines to a point were I even say there will never be an end to this story. They like pausing their storylines and introduce another one while the is still no end to the other storyline (I’m not a patient viewer BTW) like what they did to the Sbu, Sunay and Miles storyline which is going to sort of reach its end now. But I understand though they want to keep us captivated and I am lol. I wish they can bring back Thembi, Pastor Ngidi and his village wife Nokuthula they were killing me. I still remember their storylines especially Nokuthula when she was persuaded by Rachel to expose Pastor Ngidi to the press and agreed but did none of that instead telling the press that ‘uRachel uthi mandithethe kakubi ngomyeni wam’ I was roflmao that storyline was funny shame. BTW I know what going to happen to David but my mouth is zipped LOL.
Cheesa on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 1:49 am
LOL I dunno why there’s my next to Mmabatho my mistake askies tltltl.
Nonkawu on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 8:19 am
I dont watch this soapie…so all the people on here….me dont know.
JustMwa on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 8:41 am
What will happen to David Genaro next?
David Genaro will be dead before the end of this month
Kabzan on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 8:47 am
If one dont connect with a real soapie like Rhythm City, then one shouldnt connect with Genrubbish. For a new soapie, i think Rhythm City has done very well so far, brilliant actors like Kop (Seitlhabi), Fats (Mpho), Mmmamokete, Pule, David Genaro & Stoan make it more exciting. The only worry that i have is that they tend to recruit people who are already on television too much. They should give new talent a break as well.
How can u say u dont relate to eg Mmmamoke finding it difficult to accept stoan as gay? thats an example, that happens in life! there’s many to write.
Rhythm City was snubbed at the SAFTAS, we all know that, but again who still cares about the saftas?? only SABC does.
Itumeleng on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 9:23 am
I should start off by saying I LOVE Rhythm City. In my eyes, these guys can do no wrong. I’m an aspiring young writer and I’m so inspired to see (a black) someone as young (well he looks young) as Bonga. He’s obviously talented. I also know that he’s behind many of the hits on the show. Phathu, to be fair, I think you have issues with the show. It’s one of the best, if not the best show in the country. I’m pleased that you didn’t let your feelings overshadow the interview. I do, however feel that you went into the interview with an attitude – something which is not good as a writer. Be objective. That being said, the interview is quite cool. I can’t wait to read Neil and Rolie’s. And it does show that you’re open-minded, the fact that you took time out to interview these guys. (Where are the women???)
I strongly agree with Bonga when he says they were snubbed at the awards. Those are the SABC TV Awards. Period.
All the best to RC and the entire team.
Cleve2 on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 9:44 am
Rhythm City is such a great soapie. There are many issues that one can realate to, and watching great cators like Moshidi and what her character will get up to next. Every scene has a good storyline unlike some soapies. you actually wonder why the scene is part of the episode. I love Rhythm City. I record and watch it any time unlike Isidingo that I have to watch at 6h30. Ja for me it’s the soapie that is doing it for me………
J.A.Y. on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 9:47 am
How could that Katlego Danke get a Best Actress award over “Mmamokete” ??? How? How? How? Blank face Rajesh over Stoan?
Now that I got my rant off my chest – let me say that Rhythm City is the only soapie I really follow. I miss some episodes here and there but I try to catch up with the omnibus when I can.
For a long time this throne belonged to Isidingo – but after a while Isidingo became stale…and that’s when I gave RC a chance.
The first thing that got me hooked was David Genaro’s character – I don’t know who deserves more credit between the writers and the actual actor – but yeah David always said or did something
that was worth repeating or sharing with friends.
That said, I liked David when he was just a scheming competitor…I hate how he slowly became Mr. Evil …Stefano DiMera himself… #FAIL
Ag man, RC is entertaining – they do go all over the place sometimes and change the storylines a bit too quickly…(I can’t remember what was happening 3 months ago cos so much has changed) – they need to slow down a bit – let us get into the story…feel it…before they do it and move on to the next one. Wham, Bam thank you mam…
But otherwise – I think they are doing a good job and they deserved to get SOMETHING at the SAFTAs…
thatgirl on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 10:31 am
I can watch RC over Isidingo anytime. i just didnt like how they “killed” danny’s character, the storyline was lacking. I was expecting more out of him
Phathu Makwarela on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 10:56 am
I really enjoyed myself doing these interviews….and maybe i was a bit harsh, sorry Percy.
Vesa on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 12:19 pm
I do watch it now and then when I get the chance. But that Diphuka story line was the ish for me!!!! David is another one who makes it worth watching.
Pkay on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 12:38 pm
I totally love RC! I used to be a loyal fan ya Isidingo, but honestly something changed that side and they are just not doing it for me anymore hence my switch to RC. AT RC the storylines are very interesting, the talent is incredible, i mean look at Stone, Naomi, Mmamokete (comparing her to Stella ko Zone 14), shuu these people are uber-talented.
And David’s lines are the ishhh, i literally roll on the floor when he opens his mouth to Ron. I have a bad habit of catching the omnibus, just to write down his lines and dish them to my friends, my favourite being “If there was a nobel prize for cliches’ you’d win it” ohhw and to Ron “Don’t break wind in the background”…lolest.
Percy and the gang, please keep on doing the great work you do, don’t fall into the trap that Dandaration is in, and sadly Isidingo. I love the fact that RC is full of young people who are just kicking a$$ in what they do, be it the crew behind the scenes i.e. scriptwriters, the actors and even the make-up ladies (have you seen make-up wa Movhango, shuu!)
RC rocks!
Sweet-Ash on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 2:23 pm
I am soo inlove with the show… It has that South African vibe and flavour to it. I loved the scene where Pule was trying to hit on a girl, also how they are with Suffo. Am not feeling the current storyline with Ding-dong, it is spoiling the nice flow on Suffo’s character but I will wait and see how things go about.
Genaro is the icing on the cake. I love his style (like the BIG safety pin in his collar instead of a bow tie/tie). Naomi is also doing a great job and I can’t wait to see her alliance with Mr Genaro. Miles yena has his times where he looks like he is trying too much. What happened to his girlfriend kakade, the one owayeyinqandela indlandlathekiswa a bar?
Mbali Ntuli was such a sweetheart, her character actually changed the way I viewed homosexuals. I thanked my lucky stars when they killed Rachel’s character, she just did not blend well but I would have loved to see more of Mmabatho.
That’s my 2 cents on the show and forgive me for the blog within a blog…
Sthe on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 4:57 pm
Phathu,thanx 4 delving into why we dig the Rhythm in the city.Firstly,on the SAFTAs I am still shocked @ Lolly being awarded Best supporting actress over Mamokete!Bt anyway as I say,they might have won all the awards but they know we rule the 6h30pm slot.Now on y I dig R.C It’s the most diverse and real TV soap in town,taking u from ekasi to emakhishini.True kasi life is exceptionally depicted,awesome storylines brought to us by industry greats such as Peter Se-Puma,Jamie,KB,Moshidi…the list goes on.@ Naomi,dats 1 character that makes me wanna watch the show,crazy and hilarious.David’s lines are just super,even perfect when he delivers them.Phathu,u still have time to join in the R.C fun
SZ on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 6:16 pm
After this one please ask Muvhango what’s going on really???The only reason why I watch RC is cos of David Genaro,who writes his script he is just so GREAT!To me without Genaro the show wld be dead.
Lahvee on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 7:12 pm
GET-DING-DONG-OFF-THE-SCREEN-NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*SCREAMS FRANTICALLY*
Cheesa on Mon, 1st Mar 2010 7:16 pm
Ding Dong is one Tsotsi I dont want to bump into on streets. He is very scary as hell.
thatgirl on Tue, 2nd Mar 2010 9:47 am
the thing with “ding-dong” is that his roles are always stereotyped…..can a guy get a role where he is a caring doctor with a family and ish…..tired of seeing him play the thug!!
Lahvee on Tue, 2nd Mar 2010 9:57 am
Ding Dong is the reason I switch to Isidingo! He gets on my every nerve, his character issooo unnecessary & he’s overdoing this whole thug thing. I’ve never met a thug, but I dont think they look and sound like that (look at Jack Mabaso or yena Ivan Tshinawa). Ronnie please RETIRE!!!
Person on Tue, 2nd Mar 2010 11:55 am
I do not understand their story line at all pliz pose these questions to them for me
What was the moral of Sbu bedding three girls all at once , are you promoting promiscuity coz i got no lesson from that…
Why did they Kill Nontie she made the soapy interesting the minute she left i stopped watching….
And that Sunay Miles story no sense at all either….
Enkosi on Wed, 3rd Mar 2010 12:36 pm
Is that Kagiso (Mangi of Scandal) on the front row right of the last picture? Is he gonna join RC?
zimbabwean on Wed, 3rd Mar 2010 1:53 pm
yep, i wanna know if kagiso is gonna join RC too
Nomfundo on Wed, 3rd Mar 2010 2:40 pm
I love da show u guys r doing a gud job keep it up.
Sindi on Wed, 3rd Mar 2010 4:56 pm
@ Zimbabwean and Enkosi: Kagiso won’t be joining RC. That was a pic taken at the road show.
nikabonke on Fri, 5th Mar 2010 1:01 am
For someone who is not a fan of Rhythm City,you know an awful lot about the show.If you dont know what everyone is raving about,WHY watch?I’m sure you have DSTV.So Much More.Why dont you write about the show you “write” for?You do write for Muvhango,right?I am sure that they could use it.You criticize the work of other writers who work their butts off to entertain us as viewers,as if your work(if one can call it that)is any better.You can’ even tell the stories of your own people in your language so that we can learn from them!You are not a writer,you are my dear friend,a POSER!You claim to be a writer\blogger,but what you relly are is someone who is really hungry for the tiniest bit of recognition and popularity.I suggest that you and your fellow writers at Muvhango,organise a bush retreat with the Rhythm City writers and how they do it.Rhythm City is still young and doesnt have the budget that you guys have,but it sure is whipping your butts.And that pains you.I AM A RHYTHM CITYZEN.
mameva on Thu, 20th May 2010 10:01 am
I think Rhythm City is the best soapie in SA by far. Brilliant script writers, excellent actors, realistic storylines and they pay attention to detail. If one has grown up ko kasi and done the suburb life aswell, then I don’t understand how one would find it hard to identify with.
serge mbuyi on Thu, 17th Jun 2010 1:37 pm
hello my name serge Mbuyi i’from congo i like well groups Rhythm city too much,naomi play very well are role and for me it is naomi plays the same role. God bless you and protect you Rhythm city go always forwards. tahnk