From Darkness to Resilience: Ntobeko Sishi, Beloved ‘Ntokozo’ of Gomora, Chronicles How He Almost Took His Life
Ntobeko Sishi, who played Ntokozo on the popular Mzansi Magic drama Gomora, has opened up about his dark past and how he almost took his own life.
Ntobeko Sishi Dabbles Into Music
The actor and musician recently released a new EP titled A Night In The Hills, which tells the story of his time at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he battled depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
He said that his EP was a way of healing and dealing with the things he went through at UCT.
Ntobeko Sishi Almost Took His Life
Sishi told City Press that he was emotionally fragile for a long time, and his aunt discovered some of his songs where he talked about wanting to end his life. She urged him to see a therapist, but he denied having a problem.
I wrote this to heal, to truly deal with the things I went through in university, to tell those stories, and to close that chapter because I never did. The purpose of A Night In The Hills is to tell the story of my time at UCT, which is a university in the hills. I wanted it to feel like a narrative piece of a night: going there being a Christian, losing my way completely, questioning everything, finding love, getting heartbroken and dealing with my suicidal thoughts.
One of the songs on the EP, Lost, features a WhatsApp voice note from his aunt, who expressed her disappointment and concern for him.
Ntobeko said that it was the first time he talked about the emotions he had bottled up growing up. He said his upbringing was not the greatest, and he lost his mother when he was six.
Now In A Better Place
The 25-year-old said he was now in a much better place mentally and spiritually and was happy to tell positive stories through his music. He also said that he left Gomora to focus on his music career, which he had always wanted to make a priority.
Ntobeko clarified that he did not write his songs to trend or be famous but to share his story and inspire others who might be facing similar challenges.
Ntobeko has a BCom degree in economics and finance and a postgraduate diploma in management and entrepreneurial studies from UCT. He said his education helped him gain knowledge beyond entertainment, especially in making music.
He also recently declared his life to God on Instagram, saying that he once feared Him as a merciless fascist, but now he found joy and belonging in Him. He wrote: “I’m not alone, and neither are you. I love you, and God bless you.”