After a harrowing ordeal that left fans and the entertainment world reeling, renowned actor Vuyo Dabula has triumphantly returned to our screens. In December 2022, Dabula was the victim of gun violence, a traumatic event that forced him to step back and focus on his recovery throughout 2023.
Now, fully healed and more determined than ever, Dabula is back, bringing his signature charisma and talent to new projects that promise to captivate audiences once again.
Below, Dabula opens up about his journey of recovery, the professional milestones marking his comeback, and the personal growth that has reshaped his perspective.
- Can you start by giving us an update on what you’ve been up to lately, both professionally and personally?
Vuyo Dabula: A lot of people don’t know that I spent a good part of 2023 recovering from a gunshot wound. I was the victim of gun violence in December 2022, so much of 2023 was focused on my recovery. I’ve also been hitting the gym quite hard, and I am now fully recovered.
Professionally, after recovering, I played the lead in an amazing ad for SunBet, it was an incredible experience since I hadn’t done an ad in a while. Funnily enough, I started my career doing ads as a model before gravitating towards full-time acting.
Thereafter I worked on a film for ShowMax, playing a cool character who is a baddie. He starts off as a good man but becomes quite bad.
I’ve also been focusing on recovering mentally and spiritually from that horrible near-death experience. It’s been a good year so far, with much introspection and self-care.
- Are there any new projects or roles you’re particularly excited about that you can share with us?
Vuyo Dabula: I’m excited about the role I played in the SunBet campaign to come alive. As an actor, I enjoy the filmmaking process. I’ve noticed that we aren’t as adventurous as we could be in our films, TV dramas, and series. We don’t use a lot of CGI or green screens. My experience with CGI was limited to “The Avengers: Age of Ultron.”
In the SunBet ad, I saw an opportunity to experience what filmmaking can be at its fullest, with CGI, multiple costume changes, and interesting locations. The director’s treatment and the storyboard were appealing. The ad reminded me of action-adventure films like Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider, appealing to the enthusiastic young man in me. I had a lot of fun with the experience.
- How have you been spending your time outside of work? Any new hobbies or interests?
Vuyo Dabula: I’ve been focusing on recovery, both physically and mentally. Physical workouts have been particularly helpful. There’s something about working out that releases feel-good hormones and brings satisfaction from challenging yourself. I’ve been lifting more weights this year, as I’m 47 turning 48, to build more muscle to support my skeletal frame.
I’ve also spent time rediscovering my other interests, like cooking. I’ve been enjoying making meal preps for the gym, cooking cheat meals, and cooking for my son. Additionally, I’ve been getting back into playing the guitar with a tutor here in South Africa. This time off has allowed me to introspect and reconnect with myself.
- What has been the most fulfilling part of your journey over the past year?
Vuyo Dabula: The most fulfilling part has been having time for myself to introspect and figure things out, as well as reconnecting with important relationships. The entertainment and film industry can be demanding, so having this time to solidify and anchor relationships has been invaluable.
- How was the experience working on the Sunbet.co.za TV commercial? Any memorable moments from the shoot that you can share?
Vuyo Dabula: One memorable moment was the parachute scene. Although I’m not necessarily afraid of heights or action sequences, I’ve become more cautious with age. But once I threw myself into the moment, I enjoyed it.
Another favourite moment was a scene where my character walks out of a pond. The water was quite deep and heavy, but I immersed myself in the process. It’s one of my favourite shots, reminiscent of a Michael Bay action hero moment.
- How do you balance your work in the entertainment industry with your other personal and professional interests?
Vuyo Dabula: I value relationships, family, and myself. I don’t want to burn out or have health issues from overworking. I allocate time for myself and ensure I attend to important relationships, which empower and strengthen me. My support system is crucial to my best work. I make sure I’m not overbooked and communicate consistently with people around me about my schedule.
- What advice would you give to aspiring actors and entertainers looking to diversify their careers as you have?
Vuyo Dabula: Be interested in people, different situations, and different cultures. Engage with artists, shoot music videos, and spend time in diverse environments. Networking and connecting with people naturally lead to opportunities. Be open, kind, and curious, and you will find yourself in diverse situations.
- Finally, what are your hopes and goals for the coming year, both within the industry and personally?
Vuyo Dabula: I’m learning to work quietly and share my plans only when they’re ready. For artists, it’s important to create in a safe space without distractions or expectations. Focus on your work, and when it’s ready, unveil it to the world.
Come Alive with Vuyo here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7ugZghsUZ8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==