Online Reporter
“Outlaws” cast member Seiphati Mahamu has been captivating viewers with the portrayal of Nyakallo.
Described as cold, calculating and unapologetically ruthless, Nyakallo’s reign in season two of “Outlaws” knows no limits. From kidnapping newborn babies to turning against her own sister, she is determined to build an empire with or without Tlali by her side.
Mahamu opens up about crafting Nyakallo’s darker layers, navigating the emotional weight of miscarriage storylines, and why power, not love, fuels her fire.
Nyakallo’s character is ruthless and has an evil side. Mahamu knew when she got the script for season two that building Nyakallo’s character arc would be a massive task.
Mahamu reached out to renowned actress and acting coach Camilla Waldman, who many will remember as Anne de Villiers on “Generations”.
“The moment I saw the layers I had to peel back for Nyakallo, I knew Camilla was the perfect person to help me navigate this mammoth journey. We worked extensively on unravelling Nyakallo this season.”
Mahamu told Waldman that she wanted a touch of Anne’s iconic villain energy blended with Nyakallo’s own emotional wounds, and together they crafted a deeply complex character.
“I also had to explore the psychology of a scorned woman. We all know what they say about a woman scorned, right? I had to dig deep into that emotional space: the pride, the pain, the desperation.
“With Camilla’s guidance, we found something layered and human beneath the ice.”
Nyakallo’s character is motivated by power and survival; “love has nothing to do with it,” Mahamu said.
“Nyakallo has never loved Tlali. Even in season one, we saw that he was simply a means to an end. At the core of her storyline, she’s still wounded by what Leruo didn’t give her. She’s carrying unresolved anger, and she’ll do anything to provoke him or reclaim control.
“This isn’t about romance. It’s about dominance. It’s about survival. It’s about proving she cannot be discarded.” – IOL
