American actor Malik Yoba is joining the cast of Kings of Jo’burg, and fans can expect sparks to fly as he takes on the role of Connie Ferguson’s love interest. The 57-year-old star, best known for his roles in New York Undercover, Empire, and Why Did I Get Married?, says he’s excited to be part of the Netflix hit and will even be attending its official premiere in Johannesburg on Friday.
In a recent interview with Sowetan, Yoba opened up about why he joined the show, his experience working with South African actors, and how his character fits into the storyline.
“I’m always happy to be back in SA,” he said. “I started watching the show when it came out a few years ago. It was rare to see a South African show hit my screen in New York, thanks to Netflix.”
Yoba shared that his friend, producer Samad Davis, played a big role in bringing him on board. “He told me there was a role for me and asked if I could come back to SA for three weeks in Cape Town – he didn’t even need to twist my arm.”
Though Yoba has acted around the world, this is his first time filming in Africa.
Filming in South Africa gave Yoba a chance to enjoy local culture and work with what he calls a “star-studded” cast. “It was great working with South African actors. They are really talented people,” he said. “From Connie to Clint [Brink], the whole cast is a great group of actors who are committed to the craft.”
When speaking about Connie Ferguson, Yoba was full of praise: “It was a pleasure and an honour. She’s been in the business for decades. She’s also really sweet, very kind and strong. Connie is the real deal.”
Yoba plays Isador, an American man who becomes involved with Connie’s character. “Her character is trying to escape her reality by moving to America,” he revealed. “Some things happen that bring her back to SA. So, I come basically to fight for my woman. I’ll leave it there.”
And when asked about romance on-screen, he simply said: “All I can say is that we’re definitely a couple. You’ll have to watch and see.”
Outside of acting, Yoba is passionate about real estate and entrepreneurship. “I’ve always been an entrepreneur,” he said. “My very first trip to SA and Ethiopia was in 1996… I wished I was more business-oriented back then.”
He recently partnered with local tech company FracProp, which focuses on property investment. “Throughout the years, I’ve always been interested in ownership for people who have been left out of the equation. Equity for Africans throughout the diaspora has been pivotal for me.”
Though this role didn’t stretch him too far as an actor, Yoba is excited about possibly taking on a local role one day. “Had I played a South African, I’d say it would’ve been more of a stretch. Eventually, I’d like to be able to play with the accent.”
