Multifaceted South African actress Ama Qamata (25) not only shines on screen, but also in her advocacy for self-confidence and empowerment. Best known for her portrayal of Buhle Ndaba in the acclaimed series Gomora, and the iconic Puleng Khumalo in Netflix’s Blood & Water, Ama extends her influence beyond acting through a meaningful partnership with Dove.
GLAMOUR: How did you first venture into acting and what fuelled your passion for the entertainment industry?
Ama: Acting has always been a part of my life. I discovered my love for it during school plays; I portrayed Snow White at just nine years old! My drama teacher recognised my talent early on and gave me my first award. And with my parents’ unwavering support, I saw the potential for a career in acting.
Glamour: When did you experience your breakthrough moment? Ama: My journey began with My Perfect Family on SABC when I was 17, juggling filming with high school commitments. Landing a significant role on Gomora was a milestone, even though my appearance in Blood & Water preceded it. The latter garnered international recognition and transformed my life.
Glamour: As an actress in diverse productions, how do you view the industry’s evolution in terms of diversity and representation? Ama: There has been a noticeable increase in opportunities, particularly for African talents, which were previously limited. The global reach of streaming platforms and digital connectivity has bridged gaps and brought us closer together. The arrival of Netflix in South Africa has provided a platform for showcasing local content to a worldwide audience. I believe that as young artists, we have unprecedented prospects that our predecessors did not.
Glamour: What are your long-term aspirations and goals in your acting career? Are there specific roles or genres you aim to explore in the future?
Ama: My main goal is to move into production and to take a more active role behind the scenes, shaping narratives through scriptwriting and creative input.
Glamour: Your collaboration with skin and body care brand Dove’s Real Beauty campaign, which promotes inclusivity and body positivity, has garnered attention. Dove’s commitment to eschewing the use of AI in advertising to represent “real bodies” is commendable. Could you tell us a bit more about this partnership and what it means to you?
Ama: Collaborating with Dove on their Real Beauty campaign is truly inspiring as the brand promotes inclusivity and celebrates authentic beauty. Dove’s pledge to showcase real bodies in its campaigns – without the use of AI – is commendable. This partnership resonates with me deeply and addresses a pertinent topic in society, emphasising the importance of recognising and appreciating the natural beauty of women of all ages, colours and shapes.
Glamour: What drives you to persist in pursuing your dreams and breaking boundaries, especially during moments of self-doubt or uncertainty?
Ama: My motivation comes from various sources, sometimes even from facing rejection. Being told that something is unachievable propels me to prove naysayers wrong. For example, in instances when I feel overlooked or underestimated, I’m driven by a desire to showcase my true worth. Surrounding myself with supportive and uplifting individuals, such as my incredible friends and my nurturing mother, also fuels my determination. The mutual encouragement and positivity shared among us reinforces my resolve to keep pushing forward and striving for success.
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