Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
SOUTH Africa-based Zimbabwean actor Chrispen Nyathi, an award-winning performer, has delivered a clear message to his peers in the film industry: talent alone is not sufficient — formal training is essential for growth and sustainability in acting.
Nyathi, who rose to prominence through his role as Pastor Charleston in the popular South African Mzansi Magic series DiepCity, won the Outstanding Supporting Actor award at the 2024 Royalty Soapie Awards. Despite this recognition, the actor openly acknowledged that he lacks formal training.
Sharing images from a recent film set on Facebook, Nyathi wrote: “I know many of you will disagree, but your acting talent won’t serve you adequately without some form of schooling or training. I speak from experience as an actor who isn’t formally trained. I recommend school or intensive training because I recognise where I fall short, and had I received that level of training, I wouldn’t be lacking in those areas today.”
He went on to highlight the disparity between African film industries and Hollywood.
“There’s a reason why Hollywood is so successful and we are not. Ninety percent of actors in Hollywood hold qualifications in performance; they’ve studied the business and mastered the craft. That’s why their performances are unbelievably brilliant.
Compare the number of formally trained actors in Hollywood to those in South Africa or Africa, and the difference is clear,” he said.
Nyathi’s remarks sparked debate among his followers, with some challenging the comparison to Hollywood. Lesley Nkosi argued that Hollywood’s global success is not solely the result of formal training.
“If education and training were the key factors, then only Americans would be good filmmakers, which clearly isn’t true. Hollywood thrives because of infrastructure, budgets, investors and global distribution networks built alongside America’s economic and cultural dominance,” Nkosi said.
Nkosi added that many top Hollywood directors never attended film school, achieving success through creativity and access to resources rather than academic qualifications. Meanwhile, African filmmakers often contend with challenges such as limited funding, inadequate equipment and restricted international reach.
Others emphasised that practical experience can outweigh formal education. Nhlanhla Ngwane commented,
“I agree with you, but I don’t agree. Acting needs experience. You can get certificates at school, but without real experience, you won’t get far. Experience is what teaches you the craft.”
While some followers pushed back on his assertion, citing experience as equally important as training, Nyathi remained resolute. Responding to critics, he said he continues to seek guidance from top acting coaches to refine his skills.
“Talent alone is not enough. The post was meant to challenge the misconception that acting is ‘easy,’ that all you need is talent. That mindset undermines the work we do. I still take lessons from private coaches. Even after international recognition, I continue to train. It’s about putting in the work to be the best you can be,” he said in an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
Supporters of Nyathi’s stance also called for the expansion of arts education, arguing that the outdated belief that art or sport is “not real work” must be discarded. They stressed the need for accessible and affordable arts colleges to ensure that talented individuals are not excluded due to financial constraints, and that the full potential of the creative industries can be realised. — @mthabisi_mthire
