Sisanda Henna – Trackers

By starrymag | June 12, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you have been busy working on?

A) Most recently worked on “Rogue” from Lionsgate, directed by MJ Basset.

“Deep State II” on Fox and Epic, which was shot in Cape Town and Morocco.

And a new romantic comedy feature film that I am co-producing and will be starring in titled Sucked In.

 

Q What made you want to be a part of the series “Trackers?”

A) I love thrillers and the scope and scale of this that feels like an espionage series got me very excited

 

Q) How was Inkunzi originally described to you?

A) He was described as “a ruthless gang leader, flashy and volatile.”

 

Q) Was there anything you added to him that wasn’t in the initial breakdown for the role? 

A) Oh yes. Quite a bit. We went digging into his spiritual beliefs, about ancestors and getting spiritual protection for the dangerous work he is involved in. Also, I looked into loyalty as a big theme for him, being surrounded by men he can trust and looking after family first. Then, once I found the real-life person to symbolize him, came the accent/ voice, gold tooth and “isiphandla” (the traditional bracelet made of goat skin).

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on this show? 

A) Yes… James Alexander I know from many years ago. Him and his wife, Anel, are based in LA now…. We worked together many years ago. Meren Reddy and Thapelo Mokoena I have also known. Thapelo and I are buddies. And I had been wanting to work with Brendon Daniels, an actor whose work I really love.

 

Q) What kind of physical prep or stunt work went into being ready to film?

A) Wow. Physical preparation for this role was exciting. So, the production got me a trainer, who looked after my diet as well so we could put on some mass so as to be physically imposing onscreen. There was weight lifting and lots of eating to get ready. I really loved doing the stunt work and preparations for this. First, it was time spent at the shooting range, handling guns and then learning street style of shooting guns. Then, lastly stunt work and wire work. I wanted to do as many of my own stunts as possible. My poor double didn’t end doing a lot because I would practice a lot with the stunt team, put the padding on and then on shoot day I was ready to do it. I took a few knocks, but loved every bit of it.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to film?

A) There’s a few. [laughs] The shootout sequence up in the mountains with rhinos in the truck (real rhinos were only used in the safe scenes, not around guns).

 

Q) How did you shake off a long day of shooting?

A) A long bath, a drink or walk on the beach…Being in Cape Town was awesome. I love being by the ocean…and spent some time with my two sons who came to visit the set and got to play with uncle Thapelo Mokoena, one of my co-stars.

 

Q) What do you think it is about “Trackers” that will make it a quick fan favorite action show?

A) You have never seen South Africa like this. It is a meaty thriller, incredible locations, and colorful characters, an eclectic mix of action-drama, crime investigation, anti-terrorism and a bit romance in the mix. [smiles]

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the fan feedback you’ll be receiving from US audiences? 

A) Yes, absolutely. As you may know, “Trackers” was bigger than “Game of Thrones” in Africa on M-net. It was a huge hit. So, we can’t wait to connect to US audiences.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do?

A) To these special people – a huge thank you. Can’t wait for you to see Rogue and we’re excited to hear who they think should play the romantic leading lady in our upcoming rom-com Sucked In. [laughs]