In the first season of Showmax’s Adulting, Nhlanhla Kunene, who plays the lovable Eric (aka Tsiki Tsiki), quickly won over viewers with his charm. Now, as the show returns for its third and final season, Kunene is reflecting on the journey, the lessons learned, and the challenges that come with playing such a complex character.
“It’s been an incredible experience, especially working alongside seasoned actress Nandi Nyembe,” Kunene told Sunday World. Nyembe, known for her decades of experience, plays a mother figure to Kunene’s character, Eric, and has left a lasting impact on the young actor.
“Mam’Nandi brings decades of experience, so every scene with her is a masterclass,” Kunene shared. “She draws from her own life and delivers such authenticity that you cannot help but learn from her. Working with her taught me the importance of discipline and being truthful in every moment.”
As the show dives deeper into the ups and downs of adult life, Kunene also discussed the importance of trust and communication, particularly when filming intimate or sensitive scenes. “We have intimacy workshops where we discuss boundaries, like green and red zones, to ensure everyone feels safe,” he explained. “But beyond the workshop, it is up to the performers to respect and reinforce those boundaries. Open communication before and during filming builds trust, which enhances the performance.”
Kunene admits that his role as Eric, particularly with some of the sexual scenes, initially made him hesitant to take on the part. “Given that these scenes are permanently posted online, it can cause people to obsess over your other work. I was a bit hesitant,” he said. “But ultimately, I decided to embrace the challenge. If you want to be a true storyteller, you have to give your all but without compromising your craft.”
The actor also emphasised the importance of self-awareness in dealing with public perception. “I remind myself that what they see is not real. Also, I am not that active on social media, which helps me avoid comments that could affect my work. Self-awareness is crucial for distinguishing yourself from your character.”
As for the final season of Adulting, Kunene says the stakes are higher, and the characters are more mature. “The guys are growing up. Bonga is newly married, Mpho is freshly divorced, Vuyani is about to open his dream nightclub, and Eric is trying to embrace a 9-to-5 job at a car service centre with a boss,” he revealed.
New episodes of Adulting season 3 will air every Wednesday starting on January 25, 2025.
