Lebohang Lephatsoana is making waves in Showmax’s hit teen drama Youngins, where his performance as Tumelo has instantly captured the hearts of audiences. The journey from being a TikTok sensation to a breakout star has been a whirlwind for Lephatsoana, but one that he embraces with gratitude and humility.

Critics have taken notice. DRUM’s Siya Tsewu praised Tumelo’s ability to charm viewers from the very first episode, while Bona’s Limpo Nonkonyane described Lephatsoana as “a star on the rise.” Emmanuel Tjiya, editor-in-chief at Sowetan Mag, celebrated the on-screen romance between Tumelo and Sefako, calling it “the most daring love story, capturing TV viewers and changing the world for the better.” The show’s cultural impact is undeniable, even earning a Media of the Year nomination at the 2024 Feather Awards. Fans can look forward to more as Youngins returns for a second season on 15 November 2024, with new episodes every Monday.

Reflecting on Youngins’ Success

In a conversation with Xabiso Ngqabe, Lephatsoana opened up about the rewards of working on Youngins.

“The show has shown me that my dreams are valid and reaffirmed the aspirations I’ve had since grade seven,”.

he shared

Working with industry veterans like Loyiso MacDonald and Bab’ Simo Magwaza has been a highlight of his career, and he remains committed to staying humble.

“I truly feel that God placed me in the right place at the right time,”.

he added

Navigating Fame and Social Anxiety

Despite his newfound fame, Lephatsoana admits that dealing with attention isn’t always easy.

“I know it might surprise some people, but I struggle with social anxiety. Crowded places make me feel overwhelmed,”.

he revealed, noting that he’s learning to manage it and appreciate moments when the spotlight isn’t solely on him

Tumelo’s Popularity

The love for Tumelo took Lephatsoana by surprise.

“It came like a storm,”.

he said

Fans have embraced Tumelo’s lively and relatable persona, describing him as “spicy” and “a vibe.” Lephatsoana has found it heartwarming to receive so much appreciation, calling it “very special.”

Finding Himself in Tumelo

Lephatsoana sees parts of himself in Tumelo, especially the way he speaks and interacts with friends. However, he made sure to exaggerate certain traits for the role, such as Tumelo’s distinct walk. One unique aspect of Tumelo is his use of the term “mogweri,” a Sepedi word for friend. The term became a signature part of the character’s charm, thanks to co-star Thabiso’s suggestion.

Lessons Learned from Playing Tumelo

Portraying Tumelo has taught Lephatsoana the importance of understanding and not judging his character.

“I had to deeply explore who Tumelo is and why he makes the choices he does,”.

he explained

One of the most poignant aspects of Tumelo’s journey is his relationship with Sefako, which highlights complex themes of love and abandonment.

Representing the Queer Community

As Tumelo, Lephatsoana takes on the responsibility of representing a young, openly queer character.

“I didn’t fully grasp the impact until I started getting direct messages from young boys sharing their experiences,”.

he said

The heartfelt messages from viewers made him realize how meaningful Tumelo’s story is.

“It’s crucial that our stories are represented, especially for young LGBTQI individuals,”.

he emphasized

Advice for Tumelo

If Lephatsoana could give Tumelo advice, it would be to focus on self-care.

“Tumelo is a refuge for many, but he needs to prioritize himself,”.

he said, noting the importance of being confident in one’s decisions

Tumelo’s Evolution and Challenges

Reflecting on Season 1, Lephatsoana is proud of Tumelo for finally choosing himself. The second season will bring new obstacles, particularly the struggle with peer pressure.

“He succumbs so much to pressure,”.

he teased, promising that fans are in for a wild ride

“The viewers definitely aren’t ready for what’s coming,”.

he added, hinting at intense and unexpected twists

Looking Forward

Working with the Olifants five cast members has been a blast for Lephatsoana, who cherishes the fun and camaraderie on set. He is excited for viewers to see Tumelo’s growth and the new challenges he faces. The show, produced by Tshedza Pictures (Adulting, Outlaws), is also nominated for Best South African Streaming Series at the Behind The Scenes Awards and Best Newcomer (Kealebogo Masango) at the National Film & TV Awards South Africa.

While awaiting the premiere of Season 2, fans can catch up on Youngins Season 1, streaming on Showmax now.