Nick Ndeda’s last significant on-screen appearance was in 2018, when he starred in Kevin Njue’s award-winning film “18 Hours” as a rookie paramedic racing against time to save a road accident victim. However, he is now set to make his comeback as he takes on the role of Leo, the “problem child” of the affluent Gatehi-Lang’at family in the Showmax Original telenovela “Second Family.”
Nick Ndeda has opened up about his return to the screen, his character’s intricacies, and his attempts to serenade Mumbi Maina and Mary Mwikali while on set.
You’re famously known for your iconic voice on radio. Where would you say you feel most at ease – radio or screen?
Believe it or not, I am most at ease on stage doing theatre. But the trick I employ is I relate the rest to being on stage. Radio is, after all, theatre of the mind, and screen is like a stage only smaller on the delivery but big on the expression and emotion. So it all works out perfectly for me.
This is your first lead role in a while. How has the experience been so far, getting back out there in such a big way?
The experience on set has been amazing. I have reunited with actors whom I can call friends and met new ones who have fast become family. It really is like a family on the set of Second Family. The cast and crew all gel so well because we all share a vision: to create a game-changing show not just for Kenya but for Africa as a whole.
Would you say Tehi is the black sheep of the Gatehi-Lang’at family? How does it feel to play such a character?
Tehi is definitely the black sheep of the family. It is fun playing the role because it’s less about playing the “bad guy” and more about playing a misunderstood character, who articulates his frustrations in not so correct ways.
What would you say motivates a character like Tehi?
Tehi is motivated by devotion. This may sound ambiguous but I believe that everything Tehi does, whether deemed good or bad by others, is because of his devotion to that person, or that idea, or that cause. He is so complex. I’m still understanding new things about him everyday. He’s such a rollercoaster.
Overall, how did you mentally prepare for the role of Tehi? Any formula to it?
Fortunately, before filming began, we had a chance to sit down with the writers, Mkamzee Mwatela and Annette Shadeya, and we discussed the character’s arc in the story as well as the backstory that helped mould Tehi. However, because of the nature of the show (being a telenovela), Tehi is constantly evolving. So, I am still peeling new layers of him with every three or four episodes we shoot, and I allow room for him to grow. It’s so exciting to see and to experience.
In a humorous scene, Tehi attempts to woo Katherine, Mumbi Maina’s character, but fails. Do you think he still stands a chance?
Listen, Tehi said he’s up for a challenge. As Nick, I’m like “Does he stand a chance?” and then I hear Tehi in my ear, saying, “Dare me!”
Where would you want Tehi’s story to go as the show progresses?
As long as the show runs, for starters. On a serious note though, I really want to have the audience eventually see the devotion to the things that cause him to have such a dramatic life. I understand and love that Tehi is seen as the “bad boy” but I think he’s the least bad person in this twisted web that is the Gatehi-Lang’at family. I know his ride is only getting wilder and I am here for it.