Black Brain Pictures, this September debuts its new film “Piano Love” on streaming giant Netflix.
“Piano Love” tells the story of the characters Sipho and Lerato who are brought together through music and tragedy.
The project was completed in eight days and stars Mzansi's favourites; rapper Senzo “Kwesta” Vilakazi and choreographer Bontle Modiselle-Moloi.
An exclusive screening of “Piano Love” on August 29, was held at Hyde Park, where the cast and crew celebrated the rapidly shot film.
Modiselle-Moloi went all out for her red carpet appearance and wore a pink number by Sihle Zanele. The bubbly choreographer shared with IOL how the eight days felt longer than that but had the “best time”.
“The time and the effort and work that we put in is so incredible… It was a lot of pressure, I will be honest.”
Modiselle-Moloi admitted that stepping into the shoes of a lead actress came with pressure but didn't want to overthink it.
“I just wanted to be honest and authentic and I’m pretty sure that people will be able to resonate with the character.
“I hope that people will take away a lot from her, from her experiences, her story, her decisions and how she navigates her life.”
@iolnews Queen of dance Bontle Modiselle-Moloi stars in Piano Love which debuts on Netflix this September #Fyp #netflix ♬ original sound - IOL NEWS
The actress added that she relates to her risk-taker character, Lerato who throughout the movie has to make some tough decisions.
Modiselle-Moloi’s character in “Piano Love” is similar to her previous roles. Viewers have seen her in similar roles before on screen, and while she tries to unpack another layer to her acting, she does fall short.
“The next role I take on I hope has no dance,” she told IOL and we have to agree.
“I think it’s going to be important for me to show up in that way and kind of show that range and versatility.
“I think it’s great that people are going to see me stepping out. Out of my dance space as an actress but I think the next role must not be dance-oriented,” she added.
Kwesta is no stranger to red carpet appearances but the screening was different as this is his first time stepping onto one as an actor.
“I've been doing the music thing for about 17 years. It feels good to do something new after 17 years.
“I got out of my way and tried something new and hopefully it works out.”
When the renowned movie director Mandla N first called Kwesta about the opportunity to star in the movie, he said no but after some convincing, he bought into the idea.
“I was scared, I was afraid. I’m not even going to act tough, I was scared.”
The rapper had a good time on set and had help getting to his character’s essence. Kwesta has been left feeling empowered to take on more auditions and even sign up for acting lessons.
“A start of a new career.”
Hopefully, Kwesta is serious about his new career and will take on more acting classes to hone his craft.
@iolnews Rapper Senzo Vilakazi better known to his fans as Kwesta makes his acting debut this September in a new film called “Piano Love” produced by Black Brain Pictures. #netflixseries #fyp ♬ original sound - IOL NEWS
“Piano Love” also stars Lungile Yende who is slowly making a name for herself in the acting fraternity. She makes her Netflix debut in the film and stars as the mother of Sipho(Kwesta)’s child.
Yende, who is currently on screens on “Isipheto” was filled with excitement for the role, that she could relate to despite not being a mother herself.
“Piano Love” also features big social media names such as Moghelingz, Robot Boii and Chad Jones who portray themselves during their scenes. At the screening, Black Brain displayed their images instead of the other characters who had more lines than them such as Yende.
A central part of “Piano Love” is amapiano music, throughout the film some of the biggest songs in the genre are played and while it is a great way to celebrate the general, some of the music felt misplaced and overwhelming.
Mandla N revealed that it was a nightmare getting the clearances for the music to be on the film and they had to go through several hoops to get the masters cleared, but in the end, the costly process ended up being successful.
“Piano Love” is a movie that has the right intentions, to celebrate South Africa’s hottest genre, but it was shot in eight days and certain scenes felt rushed.
Continuing the spirit of amapiano to the world, the movie will have an international premiere in London on Monday, September 2.
IOL Entertainment