Empini fans are in for an explosive Season 2, with actor and voiceover artist Mpumi Mpama stepping into the role of Khaya Bhodoza, a cunning and ruthless private security mogul. Known for his work on Legacy, Queendom, and The Queen, Mpama takes over a character previously portrayed by Siyabonga Twala. As the first season of Empini ranked among the top 10 most-streamed series on Showmax last year, anticipation is high for the new season, which premieres on Tuesday, 4 March 2025. Ahead of the release, Mpama spoke to Showmax about stepping into Khaya’s shoes, reshaping the character, and what viewers can expect in the upcoming season.
When it comes to taking over a role that’s already been established by someone else, Mpama found the challenge manageable. He explained, “For me, it wasn’t a big challenge. I decided not to watch the previous episodes because, as an artist, I believe in interpreting a character in my own way.” By not watching Twala’s portrayal of Khaya, Mpama made sure that his interpretation of the character was fresh and true to his own vision. He continued, “If I had watched the earlier episodes of the previous Khaya, my mind might have subconsciously picked up on his mannerisms. That could have influenced my portrayal. To avoid that, I personalised the character and brought my own understanding to it.”
Mpama’s decision to carve his own path with Khaya also meant that he was not weighed down by the expectations of continuing where Twala left off. “It’s funny because someone once asked me, ‘How does it feel to step into Siya’s shoes?’ And I said, ‘No, he took his shoes with him.’” He respects Twala’s legacy but wanted to ensure that his own approach would be distinct.
While there was no pressure for Mpama to meet audience expectations or honor the original portrayal, he remained confident in his approach. “Once you fully understand the character and bring the writing to life, that’s what resonates with the audience,” he said. “You can’t worry too much about their perception. Instead, focus on bringing the character to life.” His belief in his craft is evident, and he emphasised that it’s essential for an actor to bring their unique voice to the character, regardless of audience expectations.
With the action-heavy storyline of Empini, Mpama’s portrayal of Khaya required a great deal of physicality. “There’s a lot of action in Empini. Yes, definitely, you’ll see a more physical and brutal side of Khaya this season,” he shared. The action sequences presented both challenges and excitement for the actor, who had previously played more calm and collected characters. “Most of my previous roles involved playing gentlemen who were a bit dodgy and calm. This one required much more physicality and mind games,” he explained. In preparation for the role, Mpama hit the gym to build stamina and get into peak shape for the physically demanding scenes.
Viewers can expect a lot of exciting changes in Empini Season 2. Mpama teased, “Viewers should expect fast-paced action, mind-blowing suspense, and surprise revelations, all of which will play out from the foundation of the story set out in Season 1.” The season promises to deliver non-stop thrills and intense plot twists, making it a must-watch for fans.
Another aspect of the role Mpama had to navigate was playing a Zulu character despite being a Xhosa man. He approached this challenge with thorough research, studying various Zulu accents and mannerisms to ensure authenticity. “It’s crucial to dive deep into your role,” he explained. “If the character is a Zulu man, I study different Zulu accents because the Zulu spoken in Gauteng differs from the Zulu in KwaZulu-Natal.” He stressed the importance of preparation for any actor: “Don’t just take a role and execute it without preparation. Practice the language, mannerisms, and delivery until it feels natural.”
What excites Mpama the most about Empini Season 2 is the combination of action and the deeper exploration of Khaya’s character. “I’m excited about two things: the action – it’s an action-packed season – and seeing Khaya reclaim his power in ways that will surprise viewers,” he revealed. This promises to be a season that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, eager to see Khaya’s evolution.
Empini Season 2 begins streaming on Showmax on 4 March 2025, with new episodes released every Tuesday. Fans of the first season, and those new to the series, will not want to miss what promises to be a thrilling new chapter in Khaya Bhodoza’s story.
