One of the biggest standouts in eGagasini: Waves of Change cast is the exciting new generation of talent leading it. At the heart of the drama are three fresh faces who carry the emotional weight of the series: Nomfundo Radebe, Aphelele Shezi and Londeka Mkhwanazi.
As the members of rising music trio Truth or Dare, they’re not simply introducing themselves to television audiences; they’re driving one of etv’s most exciting new shows. It’s also a tradition fans have come to expect from Stained Glass TV. Over the years, the production company has built a reputation for discovering and nurturing young talent, many of whom have gone on to become some of the industry’s biggest stars. With eGagasini, that legacy continues as a new generation steps into the spotlight.
Here’s a closer look at the trio behind Truth or Dare.
Nomfundo Radebe as Sihle: “The things I wasn’t able to do as Nomfundo, Sihle gets to do“
Nomfundo Radebe makes her television debut as Sihle, the fearless, ambitious vocalist who believes stardom is the only path to the life she deserves. Bold, confident and unapologetically driven, Sihle is never afraid to chase what she wants even when those around her think she’s dreaming too big.
For Nomfundo, portraying Sihle has become an opportunity to experience a version of herself she never had the freedom to be growing up. “What’s exciting about playing Sihle is that I’m young and I’m having fun. The things I wasn’t able to do as Nomfundo, Sihle gets to do. The things I used to get into trouble for at home, I now get to play on screen. It’s such an amazing honour.”
Working alongside experienced actors has also become one of the production’s biggest learning experiences for the newcomer, who says every day on set is an opportunity to grow. “I’ve learned how important it is to keep reading and to always give yourself space to learn. We learn from the people we look up to because one day we hope to become like them. They help us so much on set, and that’s a real honour.”
Aphelele Shezi as Njabulo: “Stepping into someone who’s simply free to express himself has been really fun”
Aphelele Shezi stars as Njabulo, the stylish producer, hustler and visionary determined to build his own music empire. While Njabulo is confident, expressive and always thinking several moves ahead, Aphelele describes himself as far more reserved in real life. That contrast is exactly what makes the role so enjoyable.
“The most fun part is getting to live vicariously through Njabulo. I’m naturally very reserved, but he’s outgoing, confident and doesn’t care what anyone thinks. If he wants to groove or sing, he does it. Stepping into someone who’s simply free to express himself has been really fun.”
Beyond the music, Shezi believes viewers will connect deeply with the friendship at the centre of the story. “People are going to learn a lot about friendship, compromise, holding each other accountable when we go astray, and what it really means to be there for one another. Working with these two amazing ladies has made that journey even more special.”
As a musician himself, Shezi also found surprising similarities between his own experiences and Njabulo’s artistic journey, particularly the frustrations that come with the creative process. “There are so many similarities between us as artists. I understand what it takes to write songs, and I know that frustration of knowing exactly what you want to say but not finding the words. Watching Njabulo battle writer’s block reminded me that creating magic takes time. It’s reassuring because every artist goes through it.”
Asked to describe eGagasini: Waves of Change in a single word, his answer is simple: “Fun.”
Londeka Mkhwanazi as Lwandle: “I love that she’s imperfect. She makes mistakes, but she learns from them.”
Londeka Mkhwanazi plays Lwandle, the church-raised singer blessed with extraordinary talent but weighed down by impossible choices that threaten everything she loves. Torn between family expectations, faith and her dreams, Lwandle quickly becomes one of the show’s most emotionally layered characters.
Londeka says she relates strongly to the young woman audiences meet at the beginning of the story.”Right now, I relate so much to Lwandle. Before the world changes her, she’s just a humble girl who grew up in church, respects adults and is trying to navigate friendship, adolescence and life as it comes.”
What resonates most, however, is Lwandle’s willingness to make mistakes and grow from them. “I also love that she’s imperfect. She makes mistakes, but she learns from them. She understands that growth means not repeating the same mistakes.”
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Durban’s evolving music scene, eGagasini: Waves of Change follows three ambitious best friends from Umlazi whose dreams of making it big are suddenly within reach. But as their careers begin to soar, one devastating night changes everything, forcing them to protect a secret that could destroy their future.
The series airs Monday to Friday at 19:30 on e.tv, with new episodes available daily on eVOD. The cast also includes Meshack Mavuso Magabane, Gugu Gumede, Nolwazi Tsebesha, Ntando Mncube, Duduzile Ngcobo, Mduduzi Nombela, Anele Nene, Zanele Zulu, Pinky Mjwarha and Sbonakaliso Mazibuko.
eGagasini: Waves of Change is produced by Stained Glass TV, with Gugu Zuma-Ncube and Pepsi Pokane serving as producers. If you’ve missed the explosive opening week, or simply want to catch up before diving into the latest episodes, read our week 1 recap HERE
