The reluctant rising star
It took Real Empress well over a month to lock down sometime with the ever busy Rhythm City actress, Amogelang Chidi. "Being Reneilwe is not the only thing that I do you know," she explains, grumbling that "all she needs is sleep!" In addition to being on a daily soapie, Amo still does children's theatre, is a singer and also dabbles in the business of brand ambassadorship as the face of Flori Roberts, an international luxury cosmetics brand for "Women of Colour".
For as long as she can remember, Amo has always wanted to be on
stage. "But fame was never part of the plan," reflects the 24 year old
who already has well over a decade of experience in various forms of
performing arts.
She is quick to point out the downside of being in the limelight though, lamenting the way it robs one of a certain freedom to just be. "Sometimes you can't even be seen enjoying a Savannah nje! Because you are afraid that someone might just get the wrong shot of you," bemoans Amo, who admits that she "struggles to find a balance between paranoia and consciousness."
When did you fall in love with the stage?
It was at a very young age. I grew up obsessed with musicals and the concept of singing, dancing and acting on stage. I wanted to be Annie and always loved to entertain. Fame was never the objective, entertaining was then and still is thee huge passion.
You studied Musical Theatre at TUT Arts Campus but did not complete, what happened?
I did not finish the course as I went on to take part in a pan African musical "Daughters of Africa" which toured the Netherlands. Shortly after my return to South Africa, I went on to play the young lead in a Zulu musical "Mama Africa" which staged at the Durban Play House. Just as I was gearing up to go back and finish my studies, I was cast in the musical "Mariam Makeba" which also went on to tour the Netherlands.
I can only describe the experience as phenomenal and mind blowing! From how my theater career was beginning to escalate, I already knew then that God had a lot in store for me and I was on the right path towards fulfilling my purpose and living my dream as an actress and musician.
You've been Reneilwe on Rhythm City for a while, describe the journey thus far?
It has been a joy to bring this fun filled character to life. I can't say there is anything I hate about being an actress but I must say being in the public eye has been a big challenge. Not only the reality of being exposed to public scrutiny and expectations but it has also had a huge effect, both positive and negative, on my friendships and relationships at large.
My all time favourite actress is Angelina Jolie because I love her versatility. She has an outstanding ability to play so many different roles and not to mention always give a brilliant and convincing performance.
You sing too?
I'm part of a female duo called "Shee" along with an extremely talented vocalist Tshenolo Ntsani. We are currently working of releasing a five track EP but you can always catch us live with our three piece band every weekend in different venues around Johannesburg and Pretoria .
Whose chair would you like to sit in for a day? Oprah Winfrey!
Why? To be black, to be female, to be at that level and to have so much power and resources to influence so many lives. That's everything, I think. I would definitely use it wisely, even if for a day.
I wish I could speak French, Shona and Swahili
I'm really good at Cooking and baking!
If only I was better at Time management, I'm sooo bad!
Everybody knows this about me: I'm extremely loud, I enjoy a good laugh and I always put God first!
Nobody knows this about me: Dirt and a mess give me huge anxiety. Make sure you clean up after yourself when you are around me!
My greatest achievement is still underway! But to date, it has to be getting my foot into the entertainment industry.
What have you learned about life so far? It has taught me to be patient. Patient with others, patient with myself and to always FORGIVE! It has also taught me that it is within our purpose to help others and keep in mind that everybody is facing some kind of struggle so if it is not in your capacity to help them, don't hurt them!
What do you do better than singing and acting? Geez! Uhmm, I think I'm a great daughter.
Extra hours in a day or more money in the back? Definitely extra hours in a day!
In my heart, I always carry: Christ, my parents and all that they have taught me, my siblings and the laughter my friends have brought me.
Your signature drink: OROS!!!! all day everyday OROS wins!!!!!!
The year is almost over, what are you rushing to complete? I'm in a massive, insane hurry to grow my hairline! I'm trying every product that there is out there! We also want to get our EP done and maybe if there's time, get a puppy!
Jozi is: The concrete jungle of SA
Pretoria is: HOME, where love resides.
Love is: 1 Corinthians13, verse 4 - 8
What is 30 year old Amo doing with her life? She is writing and directing Musicals. She has a foundation that offers theatre training as well as music studies (theory, instruments and vocal) to under privileged kinds and teens! And she is still in the business of course.
She is quick to point out the downside of being in the limelight though, lamenting the way it robs one of a certain freedom to just be. "Sometimes you can't even be seen enjoying a Savannah nje! Because you are afraid that someone might just get the wrong shot of you," bemoans Amo, who admits that she "struggles to find a balance between paranoia and consciousness."
 |
| Kissing your privacy goodbye is part and parcel of the biz. |
It was at a very young age. I grew up obsessed with musicals and the concept of singing, dancing and acting on stage. I wanted to be Annie and always loved to entertain. Fame was never the objective, entertaining was then and still is thee huge passion.
You studied Musical Theatre at TUT Arts Campus but did not complete, what happened?
I did not finish the course as I went on to take part in a pan African musical "Daughters of Africa" which toured the Netherlands. Shortly after my return to South Africa, I went on to play the young lead in a Zulu musical "Mama Africa" which staged at the Durban Play House. Just as I was gearing up to go back and finish my studies, I was cast in the musical "Mariam Makeba" which also went on to tour the Netherlands.
I can only describe the experience as phenomenal and mind blowing! From how my theater career was beginning to escalate, I already knew then that God had a lot in store for me and I was on the right path towards fulfilling my purpose and living my dream as an actress and musician.
 |
| Vulnerable: Amo admits that she struggles to find balance. |
It has been a joy to bring this fun filled character to life. I can't say there is anything I hate about being an actress but I must say being in the public eye has been a big challenge. Not only the reality of being exposed to public scrutiny and expectations but it has also had a huge effect, both positive and negative, on my friendships and relationships at large.
My all time favourite actress is Angelina Jolie because I love her versatility. She has an outstanding ability to play so many different roles and not to mention always give a brilliant and convincing performance.
 |
| Aspiring to fill some pretty big shoes. |
I'm part of a female duo called "Shee" along with an extremely talented vocalist Tshenolo Ntsani. We are currently working of releasing a five track EP but you can always catch us live with our three piece band every weekend in different venues around Johannesburg and Pretoria .
Why? To be black, to be female, to be at that level and to have so much power and resources to influence so many lives. That's everything, I think. I would definitely use it wisely, even if for a day.
 |
| The duo that is Shee: Amo and Tshenolo performing at an etv event at Hartbeespoort, Sep 2014 (Pic from Sowetanlive.co.za) |
I'm really good at Cooking and baking!
If only I was better at Time management, I'm sooo bad!
Everybody knows this about me: I'm extremely loud, I enjoy a good laugh and I always put God first!
 |
My greatest achievement is still underway! But to date, it has to be getting my foot into the entertainment industry.
What have you learned about life so far? It has taught me to be patient. Patient with others, patient with myself and to always FORGIVE! It has also taught me that it is within our purpose to help others and keep in mind that everybody is facing some kind of struggle so if it is not in your capacity to help them, don't hurt them!
Extra hours in a day or more money in the back? Definitely extra hours in a day!
In my heart, I always carry: Christ, my parents and all that they have taught me, my siblings and the laughter my friends have brought me.
Your signature drink: OROS!!!! all day everyday OROS wins!!!!!!
 |
Jozi is: The concrete jungle of SA
Pretoria is: HOME, where love resides.
Love is: 1 Corinthians13, verse 4 - 8
What is 30 year old Amo doing with her life? She is writing and directing Musicals. She has a foundation that offers theatre training as well as music studies (theory, instruments and vocal) to under privileged kinds and teens! And she is still in the business of course.
You are so beautiful
ReplyDelete