Veteran actor Luthuli Dlamini, best known for his iconic role as Stan Nyathi on Scandal!, was spotted at the Hlane Royal Residence, attending the vibrant Buganu Festival.
Dlamini shared his heartfelt reflections on his deep connection to the country and the local culture, describing the experience as an emotional homecoming.
“The Swati culture is very beautiful, I even wanted to cry because it feels like I’ve come home,” said Dlamini.
He revealed that the elders of his grandparents hailed from Eswatini, connecting him to the proud Dlamini lineage that spans the globe.
“We are part of the Dlaminis that are all over the world, I just didn’t realise how big and beautiful it is to be a Dlamini. It’s very emotional for me,” he said.
Dlamini’s journey into acting began at the tender age of nine, when his mother enrolled him in acting academies to keep him on a positive path. Despite growing up in an era without modern technology like radio, emails, or TikTok, he found his passion in the age-old tradition of storytelling around the campfire.
“Our movies were these stories from our grannies about Shaka Zulu and so forth. That’s where the love and imagination for the industry started,” he reflected.
The seasoned actor emphasised that acting should be pursued out of passion and love for storytelling rather than the lure of celebrity or glamour.
“People study this discipline for three to four years, so if you are interested and passionate, learn about it and take any opportunity to act,” he said.
When asked about retirement in acting, Dlamini was clear.
“Never. Everyone has a story to tell, from babies being born to the elderly. Age doesn’t limit your story, and everyone can make money from those stories,” he said.
Celebrated for his performances on Scandal!, Generations and Rockville, Dlamini said his visit and his emotional connection to the Buganu Festival highlighted the enduring bond between culture, identity and storytelling.
Additional Context
Dlamini’s visit underscores the cultural significance of the Buganu Festival as a unifying event that connects people to heritage, identity, and ancestral roots, even across borders.
