Gabriel's living under the influence of another man but would obviously never admit it.
The late Muzi Thabethe haunts him over his shoulder, whispering "You aren't good enough, brutha."
Buyile Mdladla as Gabriel Gigaba
Here's an insider take on this leading character from Mzansi Magic's
Genesis, taken from Gabriel's character bible which Buyile would have worked from to realise the role:
Archetype: The Fallen Angel (Fallen Angels are, at the end of the day, “evil”, yet somehow we find ourselves feeling and rooting for them)
Gabriel is Powerful. Dark, Manipulative, Sauve - all at the same time. He has an eye and ear for talent. Driven by greed and love for money and success.
He's an adored, powerful music exec and CEO of Genesis Records. He's charismatic and very flashy in all he owns and does. He's dynamic, charming, witty and loveable.
His natural charm is often misconstrued for the flirtatious man he used to be in his youth. He is big in attitude and energy. He is a high achiever and has a huge work ethic.
He will do whatever he needs to do to achieve his present goal. He has a strong voice and has great authority. He manages to instil great loyalty in certain people, especially his family and Genesis board members.
He’s your typical alpha-male who likes to be in control of everything going on in his life. When he’s not in control he becomes irrational and spiteful.
Sometimes being challenged reinforces his warped idea that the world is against him and that making life hard for others is a way of experiencing power.
He grooms artists and gets involved in sexual misconduct and abuse of power. Think P. Diddy. A man who thinks he’s untouchable and that the world belongs to him.
After a dangerous life filled with sex and promiscuity, he will testify how God chose him out of the darkness and "ordained" him to lead the gospel world.
Gabriel failed at several endeavours before meeting Felicia, a widow who elevated him to the man he is.
He is constantly reminded that the now mega recording label, Genesis, was started by Felicia’s late husband, Bab’ Muzi Thabethe.
Even though he has worked hard to put this family together, Gabriel is still struggles with Bonko’s disapproval as his father and is constantly reminded that he’s a stepfather and nothing more.
Gabriel has a dark past and a double life that has become a habit. Power has gone to his head like a strong drink. He thinks he owns everyone.
He uses money and power to get what he wants. He gets kicked out of paradise. He will do anything to maintain power, even trample on anyone. He lived a secret life until his dark and disturbing scandals come to light.
Sexuality: He is very much your quintessentially straight male. Any woman who is beautiful, powerful independent and young, he finds attractive and sleeps with. They throw themselves at him all the time. Even though he’s got so many sex partners, he still goes home and satisfies his wife.
Want: Power.
Need: To be worshipped.
Fears: To lose all he has built.
Wound: That he will never measure up to Muzi Thabethe.
Related character portraits:
Baby Cele as Felicia Thabethe-Gigaba
KB Motsilanyane as Wendy Sedibeng