{"id":701,"date":"2024-11-15T06:43:21","date_gmt":"2024-11-15T06:43:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/growtheramagazine.co.za\/?p=701"},"modified":"2025-05-27T18:52:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-27T18:52:00","slug":"lights-camera-ayakha-getting-to-know-our-favourite-youngin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/growtheramagazine.co.za\/?p=701","title":{"rendered":"Lights, Camera, Ayakha: Getting to Know our Favourite Youngin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Ayakha Ntunja is making waves in the world of teen drama with her lead role as Amo in the popular Showmax series Youngins, a performance that is capturing the hearts of audiences everywhere. However, her journey to stardom began long before this role, as she first captivated viewers with her raw talent and undeniable presence in her breakout role as Dudu in Pearls of Wisdom. With a strong foundation in theatre, Ayakha brings an infectious energy to every performance, whether on stage or screen. Despite her youth, she has already cemented her place in the entertainment industry with iconic roles in productions like MTV’s Shuga: Down South, showcasing her versatility and passion for her craft. With such an impressive track record already, it’s clear that Ayakha is only getting started. Join us as we dive deeper into Ayakha Ntunja’s rising career, exploring her journey so far, her favourite ways to unwind in her downtime, and the exciting future roles she aspires to tackle next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Sometimes you have to fight through the days you don\u2019t feel like getting up. Of course take time off for yourself but there are times when you will have to push through no matter how you feel and it will all pay off in the end.”<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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1. Your portrayal of Dudu in Pearls of Wisdom was a breakthrough role. What did that experience teach you about acting and the film industry?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aya: “This was my first time being in front of the camera . Coming from a theatre background, I was used to delivering my performance in one take ,no pauses, no do-overs, just a seamless flow from start to finish in front of a live audience. But film? That was a whole different world. At 17, stepping onto a film set for the first time with directors calling out commands, crew members adjusting lights, and cameras capturing every angle was all new to me but I was very grateful for the opportunity because I get to do what I love.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Can you share some memorable moments or challenges you faced while playing ‘Thembi’ in MTV Shuga Down South?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aya: “The character of Thembi was completely different from who I am as a person but as an actress it is your job to learn and understand  every character you play .A memorable moment is definitely everyday on set. The Shuga cast really felt like a family. I remember there was a time we had to shoot up until 4 am,It was so hard and we all just there supporting and helping each other get through it.Also,I got to be in the same space and work with people I used to look up to and now I was there as one of them.It was an amazing experience.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. How did landing the lead role in Youngins change your career trajectory?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aya: “Being on Youngins has changed all our lives(the cast).For me, it\u2019s been a journey that\u2019s opened doors I never thought would be within reach at this stage of my career. I even get messages being offered more opportunities because of the role I play in Youngins, and it\u2019s so great to know that people are now recognizing me because of my performance. The show has given me more than just exposure; it\u2019s given me confidence that my hard work is paying off.It\u2019s surreal when people stop me on the street or send me messages about how much they love the show or how my character\u2019s story resonates with them.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n