Man Candy: Bonko Khoza talks about his role in the new crime drama "Levels"

Fresh off a string of career-defining performances in The Wife, Red Ink, and iThonga, the powerhouse actor now steps into yet another heavyweight role. This time, he plays detective Steve Vilakazi in Levels, Mzansi Magic’s high-stakes crime drama that’s already delivering edge-of-your-seat storytelling and magnetic performances.

Produced by the multi-award-winning Busisiwe Ntintili under the Ntintili Factory, Levels unpacks the chaos that erupts after R1 billion in foreign currency disappears in a daring heist at a private airport. When elite detective Bongi Nkosi (played by the razor-sharp Lunathi Mampofu of Inimba fame) is assigned to lead the case, she doesn’t expect to be paired with Detective Vilakazi – a rising star from HQ whose presence unearths more than just clues.

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Secrets, betrayal, buried trauma, and an undeniable attraction complicate everything. At the heart of it all is Bonko Khoza, portraying a character torn between duty and desire, justice and survival. In this exclusive sit-down, he peels back the layers of Steve Vilakazi, shares what it was like working opposite Lunathi Mampofu, and reminds us why he remains one of South Africa’s most compelling talents.

When you first read the script, did you know immediately that you’d like to play this character? What was your initial reaction?

When I first read the script, I was immediately drawn to Steve. There was a rawness to him – a man who carries both strength and vulnerability in equal measure. I could see the layers, the contradictions, and the challenges. That’s always exciting for me as an actor because it means there’s room to truly build something real and human.

Safta award winning thespian, Bonko Khoza Image:Instagram/@bonkokhoza

Tell us a bit about the character of Steve Vilakazi?

Steve is a man trying to reconcile his past with his present. He’s not perfect, in fact, he’s deeply flawed – but what makes him fascinating is the way he navigates those flaws. He’s someone who’s constantly torn between doing what’s right and protecting himself, and that makes him relatable. We all have moments where our choices weigh heavy on us, and Steve lives in that space every day.

You’ve tackled intense and iconic roles before – what about Steve Vilakazi made you nervous, excited… or both?

What excited me most was the unpredictability of Steve. He doesn’t live on the surface – he makes you dig. That’s a gift for an actor but also nerve-wracking because you want to do justice to that complexity. I knew I’d have to approach him with honesty and vulnerability, which is always both thrilling and terrifying.

You’re known for fully immersing yourself in your roles. How do you keep each character fresh and distinct from what you’ve done before?

For me, it’s about listening. Every character has a unique voice, rhythm, and truth. I strip myself of what I’ve done before and allow the script, the world, and the people around me to inform how this new character breathes. I also spend a lot of time digging into their inner life – what they fear, what they desire – and that naturally creates distinction.

What sets Levels apart from every other series out there? Why is this one worth watching week after week?

Levels speaks to the world we live in right now – ambition, power, betrayal, survival – but it does so in a way that feels distinctly South African. The storytelling is bold and unafraid, the performances are electric, and the stakes are very real. It’s not just entertainment; it’s a mirror. And I think audiences will see themselves reflected in unexpected ways.

Your dynamic with Lunathi Mampofu’s character, Bongi Nkosi, is electric from the start. What was it like working with Lunathi?

Working with Lunathi was an absolute gift. She’s incredibly talented and deeply present, which makes every scene with her alive and unpredictable. We trusted each other, and that trust gave us the freedom to push boundaries and really explore the tension between Steve and Bongi.

Bonko Khoza playing detective Steve Vilakazi. Image: Supplied

What’s one behind-the-scenes moment or scene on Levels that stands out for you as a highlight?

There was a particularly intense scene we shot late at night in the warehouse where everything just clicked – the energy, the crew, the silence on set before “action.” When we wrapped that scene, the whole room felt it. Those moments remind you why you fell in love with storytelling in the first place.

What type of roles do you still wish to play in future?

I’m always chasing roles that scare me, characters who force me to grow as a human being. I’d love to explore more psychological roles, maybe a character caught between genius and madness, or stories rooted in African mythology told on a global stage. Roles that challenge perceptions and open doors for our cinema.

What impact do you want your work to have as you continue to grow as an artist?

I want my work to affirm that African stories have weight, beauty, and universality. I hope to inspire young actors who come from where I come from, to believe that their dreams are valid, and to remind audiences that acting is not just about escape. It’s also about reflection, healing ,and connection.

Award winning actor, Bonko Khoza. Image:Instagram/@bonkokhoza

Who’s most likely to break character and laugh during a serious scene – you or Lunathi?

Definitely me! Lunathi is laser-focused, but every now and then we’ll find the humour in the smallest thing, and it takes us a moment to get back into it. But that’s the joy of it, to work and to also have fun.