Showmax has just dropped the trailer for legal drama Law, Love and Betrayal (LLB), premiering on Thursday, 5 September. Alongside familiar faces like Dineo Rasedile and Pearl Modiadie, the trailer gives us our first glimpse of Nimrod Nkosi as Gatsha Gumede, the founder of Gumede & Associates, where a succession battle is brewing.
Nkosi, a beloved figure in South African television, has a storied career that spans over three decades. He’s well-known for hosting iconic shows such as Jam Alley, Live Lotto Draw, and more recently, uTatakho. His acting credentials are equally impressive, with notable roles in Isibaya, The Queen, and The Estate.
In a recent interview, Nkosi shared insights into his character and the unique elements that make LLB stand out.
Gatsha Gumede, portrayed by Nkosi, is a man who has risen from humble beginnings to become a formidable force in the legal world. “Gatsha Gumede is a man who has achieved a lot in life. He came from a difficult background but pursued his education and studied law,” Nkosi explained. “He rose in that environment and eventually opened his own law firm. Starting small, he built it up until Gumede and Associates was formed.”
As an expert in constitutional law, Gatsha’s presence in the courtroom is both commanding and influential. His ability to sway outcomes with his reputation alone highlights his dominance in the field. Nkosi drew inspiration from classic legal dramas like To Kill A Mockingbird and LA Law, noting that these early exposures shaped his appreciation for the genre.
Nkosi’s portrayal of Gatsha is influenced by prominent actors and real-life experiences. He quoted Blair Underwood’s role in LA Law as a significant source of inspiration. Additionally, conversations with friends who are lawyers helped Nkosi understand the nuances of courtroom dynamics in South Africa. This guidance, along with coaching from acting consultancy Dramatec, added depth to his performance.
A significant aspect of Gatsha’s character is his complicated relationship with his children, some of whom are also his employees. Nkosi, a father himself, offered advice for Gatsha: “I would tell him, My brother, just chill a little bit. The lottery of birth is amazing; you’ll never give birth to someone exactly like you.” Nkosi’s advice reflects his belief in balance and individuality, emphasising that while discipline is important, it should not overshadow personal growth and self-expression.
Portraying Gatsha posed several challenges for Nkosi. “I needed guidance on why he is such an angry man,” he noted. “He has achieved a lot, and men like him have seen and done things that weigh heavy on their minds. You can imagine the cases he has handled and things that burden him. But the process was to find out what exactly bothers him this much.”
Despite his natural character as a warm and affectionate person, Nkosi embraced the character’s more abrasive traits. “The difficult part was being rude and cutting people short. Saying things like, ‘Get out of my way’; ‘Where’s my tea?’; ‘ There’s no blue cheese’. He’s that fussy. He’s quite different from me. Yes, I have high standards, but I’m not a cutthroat type of guy, even on set.”
Nkosi highlighted the high production value of LLB as a key factor that sets it apart from other local productions. “Showmax has upped the game in the quality of production value, which is a big plus. Secondly, the story is enticing,” he said. The series explores themes of law, wealth, and deception, promising a compelling watch.
Nkosi expressed his excitement about being part of a Showmax’s original series. “Growing up in the industry, we could not have imagined that streaming would be like this. It’s a blessing to be part of this new wave of streaming content,” he said. “This being my first Showmax Original, I’m excited! Showmax is available across Africa, so I can go to Ghana, and people will recognise me.”
As Law, Love and Betrayal approaches its debut, viewers can look forward to Nkosi’s compelling portrayal of Gatsha Gumede, a character whose intricate personality and powerful presence promise to make a significant impact on the legal drama genre.
Law, Love and Betrayal premieres 5 September 2024 with new episodes dropping every Thursday.
Fact Box:
Born and bred: Born in Orlando East – Soweto and family is from Bergville, KwaZulu Natal
Birthday: 22 March 1972
Languages: IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Swati, TshiVenda and English
The craziest request from a fan: When Nimrod Nkosi was presenting Lottery SA, fans would often try to hug him, thinking it would bring them luck and help them win. Someone even plucked out his hair in public and ran away. Occasionally, winners would approach him, wanting to send him money to thank him, believing he was the reason for their win.
Currently watching on Showmax: “I’m watching Empini. I follow Siyabonga Thwala, one of the leading men, and Nambitha Ben-Mazwi. I’m also watching Rosemary’s Hitlist. I love true-crime documentaries because I learn so much from them. Recently, I also watched Tracking Thabo Bester.”
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