BACK TO THE MIC

Actress Mo Setumo returns to her first love, radio – but acting is still part of the script

- BONOLO SEKUDU

SHE crept into fans’ hearts as the quiet yet stubborn Mmabatho in The Queen. Every episode she’d have them wondering what drama she’d bring after the passing of her onscreen husband – and when she left, it was like losing a sister.

It was at the point that Mmabatho had just developed a spine after finding out her husband had killed her mom. She even refused to mourn him, leaving fans shocked but in awe of her resolve.

Mo Setumo left the hit soapie in February this year, leaving many wondering where she was off to.

And now we finally know – she’s returned to her first love: radio.

Mo (29), who recently joined SABC Setswana radio station Motsweding FM, had a rather quiet exit from The Queen and she won’t be drawn into the reasons for her leaving.

All she’ll say is that it was time.

“I loved everything about Mmabatho,” she tells DRUM.

“It was a totally different character from what I’ve done before.

“It wasn’t an easy decision, but it had to happen.”

She started her new job on 1 April. Every weekday, from 3pm to 6pm, she’s in studio co-hosting Gotetsa Mosha alongside Lucky LTK, discussing youth development and culture.

Mo started in broadcasting, so it hasn’t been too hard to adjust.

“I worked in radio before becoming the actress people know. I love radio and TV so the transition to radio full-time was not difficult. In 2018 and 2019 I juggled TV during the week and radio on the weekend.”

When she’s doing the one, she longs for the other, she says.

She missed being on radio while acting. “Now I miss being on set, especially the amazing people I used to work with, both cast and crew.”