‘Rythm City’ Sabelo’s Viral ‘Homeless’ Photo Explained

08/03/2024

1 minute read

‘Rhythm City’ actor Ishmael Songo playing a hobo/drug addict. Images via Twitter @Buhlenomuhle

Talented actor Ishmael Songo is known for his popular character of Sabelo on e.tv’s cancelled soapie, Rhythm City.

‘RHYTHM CITY’ ACTOR: PREVIOUS ROLE

The former Rhythm City actor has been trending for his previous character in 1Magic’s canned telenovela, Lingashoni.

Songo portrayed the character of a homeless drug addict called Japan in the popular telenovela.

In the show, Japan stole money from his family and disappeared for days on end to get high with his friends on the streets.

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He starred alongside Rhythm City actress Magi Williams, who played his mother, Brenda, while his sister, Poppy, was played by Lungelo Mpangase.

Between Brenda and Japan, who’s the real abuser? 🧐 #Lingashoni Tonight at 21h30 on @1MagicTV pic.twitter.com/DCO4tphGLv

— Stained Glass TV (@stainedglasstv_) April 21, 2022

HIS ROLE AS SABELO

Sowetan reports that his Rhythm City character, Sabelo, was also a drug addict in the e.tv soapie.

The publication adds that Songo’s portrayal of a nyaope addict left viewers addicted to his acting.

The actor explained in his 2015 interview why he proposed the daring storyline to the show.

“I saw how bad the problem of the drug had become; it’s become like HIV. I come from a poverty-stricken environment, and I saw how bad things are for these guys.”

He also revealed he hung out with nyaope addicts in his home township of Tembisa for research.

“I had to sit down with them to see and learn how they roll their joints because we had to make it convincing.”