Written by: Tiisetso Tlelima
Pictures Credit: Courtesy of Rhythm City
Just the thought of being in the same room as Jamie Bartlett who plays Rhythm City’s conniving, malevolent and megalomaniac David Genaro sends shivers down my spine – it’s intimidating and exhilarating at the same time. He’s worked extensively in theatre, film and television both in South Africa and his native land, England. He’s acted alongside Hollywood stars like Angelina Jolie in Beyond Borders and Hilary Swank in Red Dust. Most of us remember him as the shady Mike O’Reilly in Isidingo, but it’s really his role as Rhythm City’s David Genaro that’s captured the hearts of millions of viewers across the continent. So naturally, when I arrive at his home in Auckland Park for our interview, I’m a nervous wreck. After all, it’s not everyday that one gets to chat to one of the most gifted actors in Mzansi.
He gives me a quick peck on the cheek, ushers me in and starts talking about his upcoming theatre production, Death Of A Colonialist which opens on 26 March at the Market Theatre. He makes us Rooibos tea and offers me a slice of panettone – a sweet fruit-filled Italian bread. He has a fetish for Italian cuisine, he says. He looks slightly different. He’s growing a long beard which I suspect is for his role as a 65-year-old history teacher in the play. Death Of A Colonialist follows the bittersweet story of an Eastern Cape history teacher reaching the end of his career at a private school in Grahamstown. Obsessed with Xhosa history, he’s so wrapped up in his teaching world he fails to notice the crises that are raging his family. “During apartheid the Market Theatre was like my home, so it’s nice to go back now and look at pictures of myself when I was 23,” says Jamie.
The play makes people really understand Xhosa culture – something which Jamie is very passionate about. He seems perturbed by our disinterest in our cultural practices and the rate at which South African languages are deteriorating. “We live in such a mish-mash of cultures we don’t even know who we are anymore,” he affirms. “A Sotho or Tswana speaking person can’t speak their own language. We’re just not in touch with our cultures.” He acknowledges that more money is needed to fund theatre productions and TV programmes that promote South African cultures. “Money given to the arts is pathetic. We are losing our cultures because there’s not enough money to pay writers, producers and directors,” he explains.
Lashing out at the SABC for serving as a mouthpiece for the ANC and failing to tell authentic South African stories, he says: “The SABC is emotionally bankrupt, morally bankrupt, spiritually bankrupt, financially bankrupt and so top-heavy, that’s why we see so many cheap, affordable re-runs. Only the strongest slaves can hold onto their bloodlines. The young and talented don’t have work. You’ll find students graduating from a four-year degree at AFDA but they can’t find work.” In order to turn the situation at the SABC into a beneficial one, he proposes a complete overhaul of the entire SABC structure. There needs to be more than just a change in management. “We need to stop appointing commissioning editors who can’t judge scripts. We need people who are highly qualified, people who have Masters Degrees in film and have a lot of experience. People who know what they’re doing,” says Jamie firmly.
He reveals that a lot of the educational programmes we see on TV, namely, Hopeville, Soul City, Sex Tips For Girls and the Brothers For Life Campaign are as a result of US and UN Aid money. Foreign money is being pumped into these shows because they spark conversations around HIV/Aids, abuse, crime and corruption. Our conversation shifts to TV news and he relays his preference of E.tv over SABC news because unlike the SABC it is not controlled by ANC cronies with a political agenda so they are more honest and unbiased. “I can make jokes about Julius Malema and they’ll allow it,” he says referring to his character David Genaro on Rhythm City.
Listening to him slam the SABC, I realise there is one distinct similarity between him and David Genaro. They’re both very verbose and they aren’t afraid to speak their minds. “I’m very passionate and it has got me in trouble in my career – sometimes I don’t have filters. I wish I was slightly more careful, more jaded and more guarded,” says Jamie. Nevertheless, this doesn’t stop him from criticizing the government next and calling the day UCT student Chumani Maxwele gave President Jacob Zuma’s convoy the finger, a revolutionary moment.
While his big mouth may land him in trouble in real life, it’s certainly made him a hit on Rhythm City. His ability to use metaphors to illustrate the most indescribable emotions is admirable and awe-inspiring. Fans have even gone as far as labelling him the modern-day Shakespeare. “David Genaro has a lot of influence in almost everything that he says. He ignites the imagination,” explains Jamie as he re-enacts a scene where David says “you need a fucken huggies boy” after his psychiatrist shits himself. “I improvise there in the moment, but I don’t always have a say in what David Genaro says.”
On playing the baddie, Jamie has this to say: “There’s no doubt that the villain is often the best character to play. It does help that I weigh 110kg. You’re not going to find someone my size playing the wimp husband.” He explains that quite a lot of what David Genaro does stems from the brutality he witnessed during the 1992 Bosnian War when he was in the army. “I saw things that crippled me. The pain and agony of it just fucken killed me.”
Having played the role for three years, Jamie knows David Genaro so well getting into character has become effortless. “I have smells. When I’m with Lucilla I wear a particular kind of smell. David himself has his own smell. I know this guy very well. I know him so well I could fuck him if I want to,” he laughs. He goes on to say that David Genaro is a status character and a stunning vehicle to allow audiences to see the many layers of a villain. “You will see him when he’s feeling vulnerable and naked. He is cold-blooded but you also get to see when he weeps.” David is the epitome of evil, but he also has a wicked sense of humour. “Laughter is an amazing thing, we must have it otherwise we’re on the dull side all the time. That dull side needs a bit of punctuation and laughter.”
So are we ever going to see the demise of Genaro? While we both agree the character has been pushed too far and needs to be cut down to size, we can’t imagine Rhythm City without him. However, he confirms rumours that tragedy soon befalls David and he’s now on sabbatical from Rhythm City.
For more info on Death Of A Colonialist visit www.markettheatre.co.za
you are the man Jamie Bartlett!!! good work on rhythm cicy
genaro connot go out of rythm city because without him it is nothing.he's a very talented person who need to there always.sience he's gone rythm city is too much boring they act like old people.genaro will please do something like a drama of your own so can be able to seee you again?
genaro connot go out of rythm city because without him it is nothing.he's a very talented person who need to there always.sience he's gone rythm city is too much boring they act like old people.genaro will please do something like a drama of your own so can be able to seee you again?
david genaro is a star he reminds me of a list of talented actors . they all have share a common brutal experience: they get sacked or they sack themselvelves and then the owners opt for cheap staff. look, what happened to the Tau in generations and Jack mabazo who kept the whole of Mzansi on its toes? they vanish and while everyone is crying and bracing himself that maybe something better will pop up, there comes these sam, ajax, senzo, jackson e.t.c. can you let go off julia(xolie tshabalala) and expect the same response from fans? people wtah generation just to hear only Keneth Mashaba speak. he is the oly one who can fit in the likes of Tau,Mabazo,Julia,Khaya etc. as for rythm city the sooner you realise your mistake and force David back(just like everyone is foreseeing), the better. we will forgive you for taking us for a ride and console ourselves by the fact that not only do we have Fats, but the king himself as well-Genero!
To tell the truth out of all comments JAMIE you are the man,i like everything about him,his attitude,enthusiasm and his charisma i wish i could meet him for one week and for that it will be an honour for me to meet the roaring angel.
Okae this man can act it like its real,as sweet as it gets h e deserves a better gramy than one ever awarded to anyone.this man has talent people and u knoe ti,im proud of him a mentor
DUDE YOUR THE MAN UR THE REASON I WATCH RYTHM CITY,THE WAY YOU SPEAK ENGLISH ITS SO INSPIRING.TO TELL U THE TRUTH IF IT WASNT 4YOU I WOULNT WATCH THE PROGRMME BOETIE 4REAL CHINA.KEEP DOING WAT YOU DO BEST!!!!!!!!!!!WISH I COULD SEE YOU MORE ON THE PROGRAME.ALL THE BEST.SHOUT AND OUT
You are the best.like the way u do ur movie and ur stands keep on with good works
david bloody genaro is my favourite bad guy of all da plays....he is da best....i wish i cud talk with da very same accent and act the way he does.....i like genaro.....sud he leave rhythm city ama be bored nd off da couch wen its time for rhythm city
Jammie you are the man, welcome bk
wow jammie is the best actor that i have ever seen in my life, he is the reason i watch rythem city and i jst wish that generation can get an actor like, someone to make dlomo not sleep at night not kenneth, he doesnt feel the role of jack mabaso. and evry time te oka is thinhking , he doesnt do things out of nowhre and i want to say BIG UP to the writter of rythem city and i just hope that even Mfundi mvundla can learn somthing from u
you rock.. would actually wanna meet u
Let me tell you boetie! You are STAR china, I can't imagine Rhythem City without you. I wish to see ya in more TV programmes. I love you china!
i have seen good actors in my life , but i take my hat off for Jamie,he is an exceptional actor and makes you want to eat him for being so adorable and i love just how he expresses himself...he is simply God's gift to people like me, he happens to be my inspiration, i love him with every beat of my heart..i would love to spend time with him, even 5 minutes wil do, that is how much love i have of this guy...mwaaaaaahhhh
Mr.Genaro you are man of the men.I love to live your life.You are the best of the best.The way you talk,way you dress is beautiful wonderful don't you ever change.
OMG,,,, i love david,,, from me to you ,, you are indeed the best actor alive 'CHINA' the go getter,,,, the mesiah
OMG,,,, i love david,,, from me to you ,, you are indeed the best actor alive 'CHINA' the go getter,,,, the mesiah
You are the best, Jamie! I'm in Kenya and I don't miss an episode of Rhythm City, even the omnibus. David Genaro makes me love English even more. Tell you what boetie, if they can't take you out. Come on china!
Genaro is the man with it all. keep it up buddy! I like Miles too.
You make the RCity a soap not to be missed. Love u guys
jammie u're flipping good bootie wish i could meet you one day but you
must tell bra miles to get his fucken huggies on china!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jammie u're flipping good bootie wish i could meet you one day but you
must tell bra miles to get his fucken huggies on china!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
U R FLIPPING PERFECT BOOTIE HOPE TO MIT U CHINA!!!CIAO
U are gud on the screen china.
yho yho yho... u'r de man, u'r breathe tkin' beotie, u'v got de magic, holda phone, u'v got de vibe, u'r WOW , i adooooooore u... kp it rollin' ....
Best thing that ever happened to South African television... "You sexy beast!"
Dammit i have never seen such a sexy man...ur are the it!
David genaro is very cruel man who is always there to sabotage my favourite actor Miles Vilakazi's plans. He is extremely romantic and fast for that matter....I really enjoy to him in that regard.
How may i meet him i really like that man u are my role moddle my man
nastingly sweet and sour,, david gets my skirt up all the time,,, his lines always gets me even when i knew there were coming,, u go boetie............... i love it when he drinks his whisky and slams the glass to the wall,,,, ooooh me and my bad boys
david genaro is hot n sexxy,women cant resist him lucilla,gail,he got them this romantics hunk
david genaro is hot n sexxy,women cant resist him lucilla,gail,he got them this romantics hunk
WOW! To be honest ,words alone can NEVER describe how talented his man is. I used to watch him while he was on Isidingo and he oozed this sexy,enigmatic aura. I wonder where he attended his school of acting so that he can give guys that act in Generations a tip. Jamie is Holywood material and i'm sure a lot of people agree that we have a gem of an actor in him. He appeals to everyone ,young and old and his acting abilities are out of this world.
You rock Jamie, and i hope they keep giving you roles like this that make you shine ever so brightly. With actors like these, who needs the likes of Denzel Washington ,when we have our very own right here in our back yard.
Long live to you!
David genaro is a loving person, an inspiration nd role model 2 many gosh i jc love hs acting d way hs mind workz he cen smell trouble even b4 it arrives,, i lyk d part whr he fuld pipul sayng hs nym was franco , david's twin nd d way he dressed Lol dave i wish u wuld nt go anyway becoz i admire u though u dnt knw me bt i wish 2 mit wit u nd grab dat wondering nd admiring actng boetie ure d man china keep it filping up nd keep d ball rollng u deserve every thng dat cmes ure way china
Hold tha phone!!!!knoe wat china? U BELONG IN HOLHOOD...U inspire me realy.
david is the best "botie" i lyk his charisma and the way he pronounce english
his english is dope
pls dnt leave rythm city man its nothin witout u
#omg I MET HIM TODAY,i couldnt believe how down to earth he was.....o my word i just adore him, hes english is dope IN real life, mzansi has talent hands down
About a year ago i met his dad Rick and i can tell you thats where his English comes from.
I like this man,he is aorle model to a lot of upcoming busness minded youth of thi continent
MAN I LIKE YOUR CHARISMA AND THE WAY YOU THINK
OMGOOOOOOOOOD, do you know how much I love this man.He is by far my favourite actor in South Africa.My life long dream is for you to just buy me McDonald,do whateva I wouldn't care.He looks interesting I'd love to just have a conversation with you.
You are amazing at what you do and you excite me.All the best and keep doing what you doing.
I love you Jamie Bartlett.
Whats up with David?i miss him
Ooh i like your style
Is it you?im not sure Do you?? Really? So what about that mac donalds if it really is you!!!!
im a guy from Botswana never to mis Rythem City kante o kae monna yo go tweng David Genaro i mis him.
Rhythm City lost flair ever since Genaro went on sabbatical. The plot is just revolving around the boring Miles. Do something abt it Mr Director!
he my life journey role model i also learned much from him and i think he is the best of all
I truly love the character of that guy and i wonder why it was cut or put on hold as he pulled more and more people to watch the soapie.
Love you Jamie to bits, you're ma no.1 SA star. I adore you china... Keep the good work up boetie... Mnuaaaaah...
YOU SURELY ARE A GREAT ACTOR AND MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE IN TELEVISION AND BROADCASTING SHOULD LOOK UP TO YOU. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
jah neh....china, u the best actor ever.......I really really DIG yo work china,like the way you do yo thing china......*hats off*& im inspired by the fact that u can speak my language *XHOSA*.....you are a great actor& really proudly South African, way to go bro....
When my 5 year old cousin saw yo pic on jet's magazine,she came to my room running, calling out loud "cindi,cindi.....nanku Genaro wakho!!!!!!!!!" ="....cindi...cindi,here's yo Genaro!!!!"she made my day.
Jammie believe you me you make Rythm City a soapie i dont want to miss. Your way of acting is really superb. U R GREAT CHINAAAAAAAAA
I KNEW DG WILL SOON GET OUT OF THE CELLS AND DO WAT HE DOES THE BEST, HEY DUDE YOU ROCK AND YOU REMIND ME COLD STNE THE ROCK ON THE CONDAMMEDMOVIE YOU THE STAR MAN, NO WONDER WHY THEY GAVE YOU THAT ROLE, IT SEEMS AS IF OR MAYBE NOBODY COULD HANDLE IT , THUMBS UP...
U r a fucking stunner ,u realy do rock my world .i remember u saying that balthazar boatie i will make him suffer big time nd i like the way u speak. I tel u wat 1dy im going to work with u genero nd i wil never mis rythm city
Davie is the main man
I know people who've got talent but you Sir,you are an outstanding talented actor that can be compared to none. David Genaro has his own dimension and i absolutely love that character..wouldnt miss Rhythm City 4 anything! Big up Jamie..you keep me glued to the screen,ALWAYS! Great work China!
the guy is one of the best actor i had ever encounter. i compare him with the big guns such as bruce willies and the likes. i telling the guy i hollywood material, watching him working with angelinah jolie on beyond borders i said that my man.