Nimrod Nkosi on Law, Love, and Betrayal: A Glimpse into Showmax’s New Legal Drama

Showmax has just dropped the highly anticipated trailer for their latest original series, Law, Love and Betrayal (LLB), premiering on Thursday, 5 September. This legal drama promises to captivate audiences with its intriguing storyline and stellar cast, including well-known actors such as Dineo Rasedile and Pearl Modiadie. But one name that stands out is Nimrod Nkosi, who takes on the role of Gatsha Gumede, the formidable founder of Gumede & Associates, where a heated succession battle is brewing.

For over three decades, Nimrod Nkosi has been a familiar face on South African television. From hosting iconic shows like Jam Alley and Live Lotto Draw to more recent roles in uTatakho and acting stints in popular series such as Isibaya, The Queen, and The Estate, Nimrod has proven his versatility and staying power in the entertainment industry. Now, he embarks on a new journey with LLB, diving into the complex world of law and family drama.

A Deep Dive into Gatsha Gumede

In an exclusive interview with Xabiso Ngqabe, Nimrod Nkosi opened up about his latest character, Gatsha Gumede.

“Gatsha is a man who has achieved a lot in life. He came from a difficult background but pursued his education and studied law. He rose in that environment and eventually opened his own law firm. Starting small, he built it up until Gumede & Associates was formed.”

Nimrod explains

Gatsha is not just any lawyer; he is an expert in constitutional law and is known for his strategic prowess in court. His presence in the courtroom is often a strong indicator of the case’s outcome.

“If there’s a case he wants and he knows the judge, his presence alone indicates the likely outcome,”.

Nimrod says, hinting at the character’s influential nature

Inspired by Legal Legends

Nimrod’s interest in the legal world isn’t just confined to his character. He has always been fascinated by law-inspired movies and TV shows.

“I grew up watching law-inspired movies like To Kill A Mockingbird and shows like LA Law, Matlock, Chicago Law, and Boston Legal. When I was 11 years old, these were the shows I watched,”.

he shares

Drawing inspiration from these classic shows and characters, especially Blair Underwood in LA Law, Nimrod has worked hard to bring authenticity to his portrayal of Gatsha. He also credits his co-star Anelisa Phewa and her acting consultancy, Dramatec, for helping him add depth to his character.

A Complex Father Figure

Gatsha Gumede is more than just a powerful lawyer; he is also a father navigating complex relationships with his children, who are sometimes his employees.

“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.’”

Nimrod, a father himself, offers some advice for his character:

He stresses the importance of allowing children to express themselves and warns against comparing them or pitting them against each other.

“You can spend years trying to impress or please your parents, but those are years you’ll never get back if you don’t try to be yourself,”.

he adds

Nimrod vs. Gatsha: Would They Be Friends?

When asked if he could ever be friends with Gatsha in a parallel universe, Nimrod responds positively.

“Yes. I like men of power and stature, but I prefer quiet power. Ostentatious power is not my thing,”.

he says

Nimrod admires characters who command attention without being overtly loud, much like Morgan Freeman or Denzel Washington, whose presence is felt even in silence.

The Challenges of Becoming Gatsha

Portraying Gatsha has not been without its challenges for Nimrod, who describes himself as a naturally warm and friendly person.

“I needed guidance on why he is such an angry man. He has achieved a lot, and men like him have seen and done things that weigh heavy on their minds,”.

Nimrod reveals

Finding the motivation behind Gatsha’s anger and portraying a character who is often rude and demanding was a departure from Nimrod’s own personality.

“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,”.

Nimrod shares, noting how different Gatsha is from his own high standards and laid-back nature

What Sets LLB Apart

Nimrod is excited about LLB for several reasons. He praises Showmax for their high production quality and the captivating storyline that sets the show apart from other locally produced series.

“The story is enticing. It’s set in the glitz and glamour world of law, generational wealth, and scheming, making it unique. The aspirational element raises the bar – pun not intended,”.

he says with a smile

As a seasoned actor, Nimrod is thrilled to be part of the Showmax platform, which he believes is redefining pop culture in Africa.

“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. It gives an actor a bigger platform to be appreciated and possibly create work elsewhere,”.

he enthuses

The Future of Law, Love and Betrayal

With Law, Love and Betrayal set to premiere on 5 September 2024, viewers can look forward to a thrilling legal drama filled with intrigue, power struggles, and complex family dynamics. Nimrod Nkosi‘s portrayal of Gatsha Gumede promises to be a highlight, showcasing his range as an actor and his ability to bring depth to even the most challenging roles.

Catch Law, Love and Betrayal on Showmax from 5 September 2024, with new episodes streaming every Thursday.