Actor Nelson Ntombela speaks on turning point in life

Nelson Ntombela portrays gangster Chicken on Rhythm City. In real life, she is a reformed gangster who has even served jail time.

“The character is a walk in the park.

“Growing up wasn’t easy because I grew up under the umbrella of gangsters. People used to be afraid of me because of the people I used to hang out with and the things I used to do.”

Nelson believes that it i acting that saved his life. he began acting on the soapie a year ago, making his debut as a prison inmate. He now is the troublemaker on the show.

“Whenever I dress, I will always wear clothes with a chicken logo,” he says.

“Then when I started attending events I would carry a living chicken. That became my trademark and I trended a lot as a result.”

Speaking about his past life before acting, Nelson openly discusses it.

“I was very popular in prison because I knew a lot of gangsters. I know a lot about that life, it became home, but it was not a good place to be in. Most of those people I used to hang out with died, some are in prison and some are reformed like myself.

“When you see so many people close to you dying and getting arrested; there comes a point where you ask yourself am I going to end up like that too?”

Hi mother’s death was the turning point for him in his criminal life.

“My parents were pensioners growing up, so there were certain things they couldn’t do for me. The only thing she could do for me, my mother, even when I was in trouble, was be there for me.

“After she died I realised I had nobody . it was time to turn my life around,” he says.

“I think my life changed because I welcomed God into my life. Everyone has a gift . You have to find that. It requires time, patience, dedication and believing in yourself.”