John Kani Resigns From Playing ‘Fences’ Lead Role After Sudden Illness, Reveals Tumisho Masha Will Take Over

• John Kani will no longer be playing the lead role of Troy Maxson in the theatre production Fences due to an illness
• The show is set to take place on February 2 at the Joburg Theatre and a replacement has already been found 
• Reacting to the news, peeps said they are hurt because they planned to go watch the show because of the seasoned actor

Veteran Mzansi actor John Kani has stepped down from his lead role in the highly anticipated theatre production Fences due to health issues.

Kani was supposed to play his dream role, Troy Maxson, at the Joburg Theater on February 2 in commemoration of Black History Month.

According to IOL, the Black Panther star revealed in a press statement that he is not completely stepping down. He is still involved in the show as a co-producer.

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“It is with great sadness that I have to announce that I will be stepping down from the role of Troy Maxson in August Wilson’s, ‘Fences’. It is a role I have long dreamed of playing.

“I will, however, continue to play a significant role as a co-producer and continue to be part of the rehearsals working closely with the director and the cast."

The celebrated thespian further revealed that the director has chosen Tumisho Masha to take over the challenging role.

“I am delighted to advise that the director has chosen the highly talented and experienced actor, Tumisho Masha, to succeed me in the role. I have no doubt that Tumisho will do great justice to this challenging part, as I would have done.”

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Mzansi reacts to John Kani's sudden sickness that cost him his dream role

Entertainment commentator Phil Mphela took to Twitter to also announce the sad news.

People reacted by writing posts about how sad they are that they will no longer be able to see John nail the role. Other netizens wished the star a speedy recovery.

 @PositiveClick said:

"Oh man. I was planning to go watch it. I hope he gets better."

@AdelaideNM shared:

"Get well ❤️‍ soon Ntate John."

@PrincessSkhu posted:

"Arg man, speedy recovery to him."

@ThatoTsolo_ added:

"Ao banna! I was actually going to watch it just to witness him performing."

Uzalo drops Ronald Mkwanazi aka Bab’ Nsimbi, seasoned actor thanks producers for the opportunity

In other entertainment news, Briefly News reported that Ronald Mkwanazi was reportedly shook after Uzalo producers fired him from the SABC 1 soapie. The 64-year-old actor portrayed the character of Bab' Nsimbi.

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Other actors who were recently booted from the show include Nompilo Maphumulo and Menzi Biyela. A source told Daily Sun that producers felt the old man had no influence in terms of increasing the number of viewers on the show.

The source went on to reveal that the news came as a surprise to the seasoned actor and he was deeply hurt. Ronald, who has acted in German TV shows and theatre productions, joined Uzalo in 2022.

Source: Briefly News