Showmax’s teen drama sensation, Youngins, has set the streets buzzing, with Season 2 racking up the most-first day views of any title on Showmax since the African streamer’s relaunch in February in partnership with Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky. This after #YounginsShowmaxS2 trended at #1 on X on its launch day.
Youngins was also recently named Best South African Streaming Series at The Behind the Scenes Awards, while its Season 2 trailer topped a million views in under 24 hours online.
Watch the trailer for Youngins S2
Toka Mtabane is one of the breakout stars, stealing hearts as Khaya Jali, the handsome and popular high schooler dating the glamorous Buhle (Kealeboga Masango). The Eastern Cape-born actor sat down with Xabiso Ngqabe to discuss Khaya’s evolving storyline and how he navigates emotionally taxing scenes.
Viewers love Khaya! How do you feel about the response so far?
When I first got the brief for this character, I immediately knew this was the show for me. So I wasn’t entirely surprised by how much people love Khaya. I’m incredibly humbled by the support and grateful to see viewers rooting for him. The reception has been amazing.
How has Youngins impacted your career?
First of all,Youngins is amazing. From the writing to the cinematography. The show has had such a positive impact on me and people are really starting to notice the talent. As an actor on the rise, you’re always looking for that big break, but the timing doesn’t always align. Often, you wait for opportunities to come your way. With Youngins, I feel like it chose me. It felt like a perfect moment where preparation meets opportunity, almost like it was meant to be.
What are you most excited about for Season 2?
Without revealing too much, Season 2 gets intense. What excites me most is the development of other characters’ storylines. For instance, we only got a brief look at Sefako in Season 1, but in this season, we dive deeper into his journey and struggles.
Going into the new season, how has Khaya evolved?
The plot of this show gives every character so much room to grow. Khaya has definitely grown. He’s trying to find himself and, as you know, he’s very impulsive. You’ll see him grow massively this season – that’s all I can say.
Any character traits of Khaya that you relate to?
I always say that the way Youngins is written makes it hard to detach from yourself because we all grew up similarly. Other than what Khaya goes through with his dad, there are many similarities between us. I am older than he is, and he’s Zulu while I’m Hlubi – but otherwise, we’re pretty much the same.
What has being on Youngins taught you as a performer?
This role really pushed me because it’s a lead role and the storyline is intense. It taught me a lot about how to contextualise things that aren’t directly relevant to me at the time. I also learned a lot of Zulu. I speak Xhosa, but with Khaya, I had to learn a lot of Zulu. In my preparation, I spent a lot of time going to places where I knew I could pick up this kind of slang, and it really helped.
What have been the highlights of filming this season?
Filming Youngins is always fun! I know I’ll sound overly excited, but it was truly amazing. I can’t pinpoint just one moment because the entire experience was great for me. You know when you’re so into something that nothing else matters? That’s exactly what happened while I was filmingYoungins. My social life and everything else just stopped. It was magical.
The first few episodes started with a tragic death. How did you handle the emotionally intense scenes?
This season is packed with intense moments. Even in Season 1, there were emotionally demanding scenes for our characters, and it only gets heavier. The best way I handle it is by keeping my process light. Everyone is blessed with a gift, and I was fortunate enough to discover mine early on. It doesn’t take much for me to bring things to life, but I make a conscious effort not to go too deep and risk harming myself. I always prioritise protecting my well-being – that’s how I manage the taxing scenes.
What do you usually do after filming a demanding scene?
I do a lot of things that resonate with me. I’m an artist at heart – I grew up immersed in art from a very young age. At school, I took Design, Drama, and Visual Arts. When acting starts to feel overwhelming or takes its toll, I like to explore other art forms. I paint a lot and even dabble in stand-up comedy, mostly for improv. It helps me keep the creative muscle active and my body ready so that when I’m put in a challenging situation, I can perform at my best. I also work out a lot, which is such an intense escape for me, and spend time with family to recharge.
Are you into soccer, just like Khaya?
Yes, of course! I grew up playing soccer and support Chelsea all the way. My blood is blue! We’ve been through a lot, but we have a good squad. Chelsea has also been a team where African stars have truly shone, like Victor Moses, Didier Drogba, John Obi Mikel, and Michael Essien.
What has it been like working alongside Tabile Tau, who plays Sefako, Khaya’s roommate?
Ahhh, that’s my brother! When I met him, I realised he’s Xhosa, so we clicked. We’re friends off-screen too. We relate on so many levels, and he’s been absolutely nailing the role of Sefako, even as a straight gent. I’m so impressed with his portrayal.
FACTBOX
Age: 22 years old
Born and bred: Sterkspruit, Eastern Cape
High School: Lady Grey Arts Academy
Studied: Market Theatre Lab
Language: Xhosa, Sesotho, English, Zulu and Afrikaans
Love for Soccer: “I played a lot of soccer growing up. My dad almost made it to professional football, and he even has a soccer team back home called Rangers FC. The team competes in the SAB (South African Breweries Regional League). I also went for trials with Chippa United. Soccer has always been something I’ve enjoyed.”
