“I’ve Never Played a Character Like This Before” – Ama Qamata on Her Powerful Role in Netflix’s Marked

Actress Ama Qamata has once again captured our screens with her emotional new role in Netflix’s Marked, a South African crime-drama that tells the story of a mother’s love and sacrifice. Known for her breakout performances in Blood & Water and Gomora, Ama now takes on a completely different challenge — playing Palesa, a gravely ill young woman whose condition pushes her mother, Babalwa (played by Lerato Mvelase), to plan a dangerous heist to pay for life-saving surgery.

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In her interview with TRUE LOVE magazine, Ama opened up about what this role means to her and how far she’s come since her acting debut at just 20 years old.

“When I first got the script to audition for it, I was a bit nervous,” she admits. “Obviously, she goes through a lot and I didn’t know if I could go into that space. So, for me, it was kind of a challenge and I was really excited about that… I’ve never played a character like this before.”

Ama hopes that Marked sends a powerful message of hope and resilience. “A lot of people go through things and we feel like we have to go through it alone. I hope it just brings hope that you don’t have to go through something alone.”

Her recent roles in Marked and Fight Like a Girl reflect the kind of actress she wants to be bold, layered, and always growing. “I felt, after Blood & Water, I was really boxed. A lot of people just saw me as one thing,” she says. “You can call me for other things. I’m an actor. I love playing. I like exploring.”

But Ama doesn’t only shine on screen and  she’s passionate about giving back. Having worked on Fight Like a Girl in the Congo, she was inspired by a foundation called We Are Limitless, which helps girls get access to education. “When they empower girl children, they empower the whole community because they give back,” she shared. “That’s something I hold close to my heart.”

The 26-year-old also spoke about her personal growth and how she now approaches her work with more intention. “When I started, I was so eager to please and to be liked. I still want to be good at what I do, but not at the cost of my self-worth.”

Self-care is a big part of Ama’s life, too. She makes time for fitness, healthy eating, and acting lessons, even when she’s not filming. “I’m very much into taking care of myself, and that’s holistically,” she said. “Even when I’m on set, I’m in lessons with a coach for hours a day.”

And what’s next for her? “Oh my gosh, I really want to do theatre,” she reveals. “I did it in school… but I don’t think I was really good at it. Being a Virgo, I’m such a perfectionist. But I think theatre is an actor’s playground. I’d really like to do that.”