Felix Hlophe will soon grace the screens as part of Mzansi Magic’s new series Ekhaya Backpackers, set to air next month.
The comedian and popular Gagasi FM breakfast host is making waves in the entertainment industry with two major projects lined up. Alongside this much-anticipated dramedy, he is also gearing up for an upcoming reality show, details of which remain under wraps for now. These ventures mark a significant milestone in his career, allowing him to showcase a new dimension of his talent while expanding his footprint in the world of television.
In Ekhaya Backpackers, Felix steps into the shoes of Uncle Mayor, a colorful character perfectly suited to his comedic and acting skills. Sources close to the production revealed that the dramedy leans heavily on humor and heartfelt moments, making it an ideal platform for Felix to shine.
“The show will see Felix enhancing his acting skills. He moulded well into the character and delivered to the producers. He wasn’t hard to work with as he often improvised on his script,” one insider shared. This ability to improvise not only added depth to his character but also created a vibrant dynamic on set, earning him praise from his colleagues.
Another insider described Felix’s role as a natural fit for him, given his comedic background and flair for storytelling. “Everything on the show is comical, and it’s an easy portrayal for him as a comedian. He had lots of fun portraying this character,” they noted.
The series, with its blend of humor and relatability, promises to resonate with audiences, offering both laughs and a glimpse into the world of everyday characters like Uncle Mayor. Felix’s experience in stand-up comedy and radio appears to have equipped him with the perfect toolkit for this new venture.
Felix himself expressed immense joy and gratitude for being part of the project. He drew heavily from his own life experiences to bring authenticity to his role. “Moulding into my role was not hard at all. The role I portray is almost a similar character to my own uncle sometimes — an unemployed, home buddy who is very resourceful and always full of schemes,” Felix shared.
Having grown up in Umlazi, a township rich in personality and character, Felix found inspiration all around him. “My neighborhood is full of such characters. So, I had a lot referencing from my actual life,” he added, highlighting how personal connections often enhance artistic expression.
Despite the ease with which he embraced the role, Felix admitted to facing some challenges on set. He found himself in awe of the stellar cast he worked alongside, which he described as both humbling and inspiring. “Challenges portraying this role were mostly the stellar cast I was working with. I felt I was stargazing most of the time,” he said with a laugh.
However, rather than being intimidated, he embraced the opportunity to learn and grow. “I learnt a lot on set from them, which made challenges a thing we would rarely come across. It was mostly fun and learning. The set was lovely and full of laughter,” he concluded, reflecting on the rewarding nature of the experience.
As for his upcoming reality show, Felix remained tight-lipped but hinted at exciting developments in the pipeline. “Yes, I have a new reality show starting soon but I will wait until I’m given a ‘go ahead’ before I can speak about it,” he revealed.
Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see what the charismatic entertainer has in store for them next. With his unmistakable charm, humor, and passion for his craft, Felix Hlophe continues to solidify his place as one of South Africa’s most beloved entertainers.
