Lebohang Lephatsoana Talks About Landing His Role in Youngins
Lebohang Lephatsoana is making his mark as Tumelo in Youngins, the Showmax Original youth drama that’s not only stealing hearts but also racking up awards nominations.
He chats about his breakthrough role in the series:
Youngins became a hit in Mzansi. What’s the most rewarding thing about being on this show?
Youngins has shown me my dreams are valid and reaffirmed the aspirations I’ve had since grade 7. I’m beyond grateful that it’s coming together with such a big production. The show has afforded me the chance to work with actors I grew up watching, such as Loyiso MacDonald and Bab’ Simo Magwaza, incredible veterans in the industry. I truly feel God placed me in the right place at the right time. I remind myself to stay humble and grateful.
How are you handling the popularity that comes with being on a big show?
I know it might surprise some people but I struggle with social anxiety. Being in crowded places often makes me feel overwhelmed and anxious. However, I’m learning to manage it better. I’ve come to appreciate moments at events when the attention isn’t solely on me.
Were you surprised at the amount of love your character has received?
It came like a storm. People loved Tumelo from the start, saying things like, “This boy is spicy, he’s a darling and he’s a vibe”. Being loved by everyone is heartwarming. It’s special to enter a space where everyone appreciates you.
Looking at Tumelo, are there any character traits that are similar to yours?
Playing Tumelo, I drew heavily from my own experiences — the language, the environment, and the way my friends communicate. I exaggerated many of our similarities, like his walk, which is over the top compared to my more reserved nature.
Let’s talk about “mogweri”. How did this name come about?
It came from Thabiso [who plays Tumelo’s high school friend and roommate, Mahlatsi]. During a shoot, he shared how his mom and her friends call each other ‘mogweri’, a Sepedi term for friend. We decided to incorporate it into the show, enhancing the bromance between Tumelo and Mahlatsi. That’s why you hear Tumelo using it frequently on the show. From the moment we started doing it, everyone embraced it and it quickly became a signature element.
What have you learnt from playing this character?
I’ve learnt not to judge the characters I portray. I had to take time to deeply explore who Tumelo is and understand his motivations. Once I grasped the reasons behind his actions, I could portray him effectively. I didn’t have to judge him for choosing Sefako, despite the poor treatment he receives. There are also abandonment issues at play.
Your character is openly queer. How does it feel to delve into a story that represents the queer community?
Hats off to the writers for including a young gay boy in the narrative. Initially, I didn’t fully understand the impact until I began receiving direct messages from young boys, some from Durban, sharing their own stories. Some would say, “Dude, when I see Tumelo, I see myself — I’ve been through similar situations”. It made me realise many people out there are experiencing similar challenges. That’s why it was crucial for someone to authentically tell Tumelo’s story in this way. These are real experiences for young queer individuals, even at school. It dawned on me that I’m truly honouring this character’s story and it resonates with people. It’s important that our stories are represented, especially those of young LGBTQI individuals.
How did Tumelo evolve in Season 1?
One thing I’m most proud of with Tumelo is that he finally chose himself.
