Actress Gugu Zulu to make her second biggest TV Debut

Actress and singer Gugulethu "Gugu" Zulu has been hard at work carving herself a niche in the local TV acting industry.

On Wednesday, she'll make her second biggest TV debut when she appears in the new fast-paced e.tv drama series The Alliance.

"In The Alliance I'm Nandi, the daughter of Bra Jay. I'm a bubbly 21-year-old who is transformed into the 'IT' girl," she said about her character.

"Nandi's upbringing afforded her access to resources most of her peers in Soweto could only dream about.

"Nandi knew she had to uphold the highest moral standards because she was raised by a popular, respected and feared dad such as Bra Jay."

Zulu (23) auditioned for the role in Durban in December, and was cast immediately.

"Clearly, the producers loved me. I waited a month, and then got a call back in January."

She holds a degree in drama from the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Howard College campus.

"I'm also a singer. I released a single last year called Bambelela. People now want to know when I am dropping the full album," said Zulu.

" I've always loved acting and writing music, these are my passions. I want to pursue them as my crafts going forward.

"I've been told on numerous occasions that acting is not a job, 'get a real job', they told me.

"But fortunately my mom supports me. I could say I'm a rebel because I'm the first in my family to act and sing."

On KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Film Commission's commitment to growing the industry of making movies for both the big screen and TV, Zulu said she supported the initiative.

"It's about time. Why should we as actors leave our home province for Joburg before making it big or gain recognition?" she asked.

"There's so much talent in KZN, many actors in Joburg are from Durban and other areas in the province. I think they must now live and enjoy working at home."

In The Alliance, Nandi is approached by boys with their virile pleadings.

But they are rejected because she swore to keep her most prized possession - her virginity - to honour her culture and to make her father proud.

When she turns 21, her father splashes out on her, he throws her an umemulo ceremony.

The drama features eight episodes depicting the life of popular kingpin Bra Jay, also known as the reserve bank governor of Soweto. Bra Jay, who has a thirst for power, rules those around him with an iron fist.

The action drama puts issues such as organised crime, blood diamonds, drug cartels and money laundering under the spotlight.

Catch The Alliance on e.tv on Wednesday, April 27 at 9.30pm