No one makes films as magical as Tebogo Malope, born and raised in Central Western Jabavu in Soweto where football and community theatre have always been a big thing. He could have easily been a PSL football player if the film bug did not bite him in his teens, having played under 15 for Orlando Pirates. It was when he met Spike Lee in Soweto after a hard day of training that he was inspired to pursue film and he never looked back.
“Spike Lee, I want to be just like you when I grow up…” he said. “Give me a call when you are like me…” said Spike to a dreamer whose career would take all over the world, working with the world’s greats. Have they met again? You find out from him. Tebogo is an all-rounder, having directed exceptional shows across the board – documentaries, TV, movies, music videos and commercials. He has also worked with various brands including Mini Cooper and Samsung among others. Tebogo is the director behind Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story, Kwesta’s Spirit, Netflix’s Queen Sono, For Love & Broken Bones and more.
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
– He just directed the NBA series with rapper J Cole and former U.S President Barack Obama.
– He is also working on an Amazon series starring Emancipation star (Will Smith film) Imani Pullum.
– He is the executive producer and director of Showmax’ Outlaws.
There are a number of documentaries and international films he just signed for which will be revealed in due time. A true Pastor’s kid, Tebza as he is known in the industry also became a youth pastor at the Grace Bible Church under the leadership of Bishop Mpho Sono, who was certain Tebza would take over the reigns one day.
