Most of us were introduced to Craig Nobela as Brutus Khoza’s delinquent son, Nkosiyabo, on the Mzansi Magic soapie The Queen. However, that character couldn’t be further from Craig Nobela’s true personality. The talented actor from Durban, grew up shy and reserved, with dreams of becoming an accountant. But lucky for us, his path shifted, and he pursued a career in front of the camera instead.
Today, Craig Nobela is quickly becoming one of South Africa’s most recognisable faces and voices. With prominent roles such as Kagiso in the e.tv hit series Nikiwe and his work as a voiceover artist for Nick Music, his talent and dedication are evident. Craig embodies the idea of the ‘South African Dream’—a young man from eKasi (the hood) who dares to transcend his circumstances, push beyond the limits of his environment, and pursue greatness. Like many of us, Craig Nobela is a South African dreamer, one who aspires to use his talent to change his family’s legacy for generations to come.
In this interview, we dive deeper into Craig’s journey from a shy kid with aspirations of accounting to the rising star we see today. We’ll discuss his early inspirations and mentors who guided him into the world of acting and how he stays grounded amidst his growing success. Craig also opens up about the importance of leaving a positive impact on every set and in every interaction, and how he dreams of traveling the world and making his family proud. This conversation will give you a glimpse into the man behind the roles, and how he is actively crafting a legacy that goes beyond the screen.
1.Can you share some stories from your childhood that people might not know? How did those experiences shape who you are today?
Craig Nobela: “I grew up in Durban, and I was a quiet kid. I think that’s something people don’t really know about me—how reserved I was back then. I was always more comfortable in my own space. I spent a lot of time playing sports, like cricket and basketball. I even became captain of my cricket team, and at one point, I thought I would be captain of the basketball team too, but that didn’t happen. These roles taught me responsibility and leadership, which have helped me tremendously in my acting career.
Growing up in the hood also played a big role in shaping who I am. It wasn’t always easy, but I think those experiences made me resilient and able to adapt to different situations. Being quiet and reserved didn’t mean I wasn’t driven. I was always focused, whether it was in academics or sports. I think that’s where my strong work ethic comes from. Now, as an actor, I approach my work with the same mindset I had as a kid—focused, disciplined, and always willing to learn.”
2. What was your family’s reaction when you told them you wanted to pursue acting? Were they supportive, or did you have to convince them?
Craig Nobela: “My family was surprisingly supportive. I think the initial reaction was a bit of concern because acting isn’t exactly a guaranteed career path. But once they saw how serious I was about it, they really got behind me. My mom has always been my biggest supporter. She believed in me from the very beginning, even when I had doubts about myself. I think having that kind of support at home gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams without hesitation.
Of course, I had to prove that I wasn’t just doing this for fun. Once they saw me on screen, I think any lingering concerns faded away. Seeing me in action reassured them that I was doing what I was meant to do.”
3. Is there a significant person or mentor from your early years who played a key role in guiding your path toward acting? How did they influence you?
Craig Nobela: “Interestingly, performance arts weren’t something I always wanted to do. Growing up, I actually wanted to be a chartered accountant. I was an academic, and I loved sports—I played about six different sports in primary school and narrowed it down to basketball and athletics in high school. But acting? It wasn’t even on my radar. For me, performing arts seemed like a world that only existed on TV. I had never been to the theatre except once, when I saw a play at my brother’s school. I think it was Sarafina. There was a scene where someone was getting electrocuted, and I remember crying. That was the first and last time I cried at a live performance. It was raw, real, and it moved me, even though I didn’t fully understand it at the time.
Fast forward to 2019, after finishing high school, I started questioning if accounting was really something I could do for 20-plus years. I loved formal wear, but the idea of sitting at a desk all day just didn’t feel right. I wanted something more fulfilling. Around that time, my mom saw an ad for performing arts classes being taught in our area by none other than Deli Malinga, who I knew as ‘Sara’ from Generations. She is now one of the country’s greatest actresses, but to me, she’s my acting mom. She was the first person who really taught me how to act and introduced me to theatre. Theatre became my foundation—it’s where I learned discipline and how to bring characters to life. Deli Malinga gave me the fundamentals I needed to get where I am today.
Another key influence was Faca Khulu, who also helped guide me in acting and music theory. He taught me about the technical side of acting and introduced me to the discipline of scales and vocal control. I also had dance mentors like Sphakeme Nduli and Andile Mtambo, who taught me contemporary dance. Dance is where I first learned about characterisation. Through movements, you had to express different emotions and embody different elements like fire, air, or water, depending on your role in the story. That experience taught me a lot about how to approach a character, even before I started acting.
Pop Quiz:
1. If you could portray any historical figure in a film, who would it be?
“I’d love to portray Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher. He’s probably one of the most famous philosophers of all time, and I think it would be fascinating to explore his thought processes and leadership.
2. What’s the most unusual or unexpected skill you’ve had to learn for a role?
“This might sound strange, but I think the most unexpected thing I’ve learned in the industry is how much of acting is about creating illusions. The technical side of film—how sunlight, moonlight, and rain are all fabricated with lighting and colour grading—was a big surprise for me when I first started. It’s not really a ‘skill’ per se, but it was an eye-opener to learn how much goes on behind the scenes to create a believable world.”
4. What was the first role you ever auditioned for? How did it go, and what did you learn from that experience?
Craig Nobela: “The first role I ever auditioned for—well, I can’t say what it was—but it’s a memory that stays with me. My first audition was incredible, so good in fact, that I got a callback. There were only four of us left for the role, and the casting director was pretty much convinced I was the one. I was young, fresh, had the right look, and my initial audition was amazing.
But during the call back, the nerves hit me hard. It was my first time in front of TV cameras, in a studio setting with directors watching, and it completely threw me off. I forgot my lines in the second scene, started breathing heavily, and just lost my rhythm. I walked out knowing I had messed up. I hoped they would overlook my mistake and give me another chance, but they didn’t.
That experience left me angry—not at anyone else, but at myself. I knew I could do better, and I promised myself that I would never flunk an audition like that again. I told myself that if I didn’t get a role in the future, it would be because I wasn’t right for the job, not because I didn’t give it everything I had. And that’s exactly what I did in my next audition, which was for The Queen. Over 2,000 people auditioned for my role, and I made sure to give it my all. From that experience, I learned that preparation and overcoming nerves are key. Now, when I walk into an audition, I tell myself I’m the best person for the job. I’ve learned to be confident in my ability.”
5. What’s one aspect of the acting industry that surprised you when you first started, something you didn’t expect?
Craig Nobela: “What surprised me most when I first started was just how much of the acting industry is about creating illusions. The way we can make up sunlight, moonlight, or even rain with lighting and colour grading is mind-blowing. We create entire worlds with just a few tricks of the camera.
But the biggest surprise for me was the sheer amount of people involved on set. I didn’t realise how many departments work together to make a single scene happen—directors, camera operators, lighting teams, sound engineers, continuity, wardrobe—it’s a massive collaboration. I remember my first scene ever, we were shooting in KZN, and I was feeding a calf on a farm while waiting for my on-screen dad to come home. I looked around, and everyone just looked like they belonged in the industry. The actors, the crew—they all had this aura of professionalism that was both intimidating and inspiring.
I didn’t expect the workload and long hours either. We’d be on set for 14 hours at a time, and that was a shock to the system. But now, after three years, I’m used to it. It’s become my daily life. But back then, it was a whole new world for me, and I had to adjust quickly.”
6. How do you prepare for a role, especially one that requires you to step out of your comfort zone? Can you share any specific techniques ?
Craig Nobela: “If I’m auditioning for a role that’s different from anything I’ve done before, say, a voiceover for a children’s animated series,I start by mentally aligning myself with the role. Even if it sounds silly, I engage in a sort of mental role-play. I imagine myself fully embodying the character’s traits, which helps me shift my mindset into that character’s world. For instance, if I’m playing a baby, I think about what I associate with babies—softness, playfulness, and a certain innocence. I’ll practice speaking in a softer, more playful tone, even if I’m just rehearsing lines or doing a voiceover.
Another technique I use is to build the character from scratch. I analyse the core traits of the character and then draw from my own experiences to create a unique portrayal. For instance, when I played a mischievous child on The Queen, I couldn’t reference a specific real-life child who matched my character. Instead, I generalised the traits I wanted to embody and then crafted a character that felt fresh and authentic. I use a combination of my own voice, mannerisms, and even influences from my background to create a performance that feels true to the character but also distinctly mine.
I also rely on techniques from my theatre background. For example, contemporary dance and voice training have helped me adapt my physicality and vocal delivery to suit different roles. Whether it’s altering my walk or adopting a new accent, these skills allow me to adapt quickly to the demands of each role.
Lastly, confidence plays a huge role. I approach each role with the mindset that I am the best person for the job. Even if I’m stepping into unfamiliar territory, I make sure to mentally affirm my ability to bring the character to life.”
7.Many people see the glamorous side of acting, but what are some of the more challenging or less talked about aspects of being an actor that you’ve experienced?
Craig Nobela: “Many people see the glamorous side of acting—the final product on screen, the awards, the outfits, the photos on Instagram, and the brand collaborations. It all looks great from the outside, but there are real challenges behind the scenes. One of the hardest things I’ve experienced is the personal life changes that come with the job. For example, relocation can be a major challenge. Sometimes you get a role that requires you to move to a new city at your own expense before you’ve even received your first pay check. As someone who wasn’t working before acting, that was tough.
Now that I’ve been in the industry longer, it’s easier because I’ve worked and saved, but not everyone has that luxury. There are actors who haven’t landed jobs in years, and you can’t help but feel for them. You want to share opportunities, but at the same time, you need the role too.
On a personal level, the public recognition can be uncomfortable for someone like me, who’s naturally shy. People know me for my energetic characters, so when they meet me, they expect that same energy, but in reality, I’m just Craig. For instance, an Uber driver recently recognised me, and while I appreciate the support, it can be awkward because I’m not those characters in my everyday life. I’m just trying to run errands or go about my day, but fans see me as the high-energy guy from TV, and that contrast can be hard to navigate.”
8. Is there a particular story or issue that you’re passionate about and would like to see represented more in film or television?
“Yes, definitely. I come from the hood, and in South African television, it feels like people from the hood are often portrayed in one of two extremes. They’re either depicted as very rural or very urban, like, ‘Soweto hood’ or ‘Durban hood,’ with a lot of high-energy stereotypes. I’d love to see more balance—more representation of the in-between, where people are shown with more complexity, not just the loud, exaggerated versions we often get. There’s a whole world of experiences that deserve to be portrayed more authentically.”
3. If you could swap lives with any character you’ve played for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
“If I could, I’d probably swap with Nkosiyabo Khoza (The Queen). The way I connected with that character made him stand out to me, and I’d love to live in his shoes for a day. He had a lot going on emotionally, and it would be interesting to experience the world from his perspective.”
4. What’s one piece of advice you wish you could go back and give your younger self when you were just starting out?
“I’d tell myself not to be afraid to explore. When I first started, I was a bit closed off, but now I’m more open to new opportunities. That’s why I’m doing more presenting and emceeing now. In terms of finances, I’ve always been pretty good, so no advice needed there. But I’d say: don’t limit yourself. Be curious, be adventurous, and embrace every opportunity.”
9. Looking ahead, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind in the entertainment industry?
Craig Nobela: “My ultimate goal is to be remembered as someone who made everyone around me happy. I try to be a ‘ray of sunshine’ on every set I walk onto. People are always dealing with challenges, whether it’s long hours, tough conditions, or the pressure to perform. I just want to spread positivity and be that person who brings light into the room. Beyond acting, I hope my legacy will be one of joy, kindness, and encouragement—not just in the industry but in life.”
10. What are some of your dreams outside of acting? Is there a passion or interest you have that people might be surprised to learn about?
Craig Nobela: “My biggest dream outside of acting is probably the most cliché one—to be happy. For me, happiness means making my parents proud, exposing them to the world, and giving them experiences they never had. I’ve never left South Africa, and neither has my mom, so I dream of traveling the world with my family. Besides that, I’m passionate about a lot of things: cinematography, video editing, business ownership, basketball, pool, songwriting, and music production. I love the idea of learning to play guitar and ukulele, and just enjoying life with my family—singing for them at the beach while we have a picnic. That’s the kind of life I want to create.”
5. If you could create your own dream role or character, what would they be like, and what kind of story would you want to tell?
“Honestly, my dream role has always been James Bond. If the Lord permits, I’d love to play him one day! But if I were to create my own character, I’d make him an intellectual—someone with a lot of depth and complexity. I’m drawn to mysteries, where the protagonist has an intellectual feel. Like in You with Joe Goldberg—he’s not necessarily a genius, but you see his thought processes, his intelligence, and his human flaws. I love characters that show that complexity, even if they aren’t always using their intelligence for the right reasons.”
Craig’s story reminds us that no dream is too far out of reach, no matter where we come from. Whether he’s bringing complex characters to life on screen or lending his voice to Nick Music, Craig continues to lead with kindness, humility, and a deep sense of purpose.As Craig’s star continues to rise, we’re excited to see where his talent will take him next—whether it’s into new acting roles, presenting gigs, or even his ambitions in music and cinematography. One thing is for sure: Craig Nobela is a name you’ll want to keep following closely.To stay updated on his latest projects and follow his inspiring journey, be sure to follow Craig on his social media platforms.
