Lorcia Cooper is back on TV with her latest role in the new Afrikaans drama "Paradys," which kicked off last night at 7pm on SABC2. I had the chance to catch up with the talented actress at the watch party held at Cinema Nouveau, where we talked about her exciting new character

MUZI: Congratulations on your latest role, what attracted you to this particular project? 

LORCIA:.This story is absolutely incredible. It's the first of its kind on free-to-air television, which makes being part of something so historic truly special. What really stands out is the authentic colored dialect and how the stories connect with communities across South Africa. The best part? It's not driven by stereotypes at all. Instead, it focuses on genuine human stories that happen to be told by colored people.

MUZI: I'm curious about how this will set itself apart from 7 De Laan. What makes it different, and who are you hoping to reach with this new show?

LORCIA: What sets this apart from 7 de Laan, which I absolutely loved, is that this show brings incredible authenticity when it comes to representing people of color. The way characters speak Afrikaans, how they look, and the overall diversity makes it appealing for everyone to watch. 

This is genuinely a human story that doesn't rely on tired stereotypes about colored communities. Instead, it dives deep into family politics, religion, friendship, and love. If you're someone who enjoys family-centered stories, this show is definitely for you. It's truly designed as a family show that everyone can connect with.

MUZI: At istyleblaqnews, we love highlighting black excellence, and we definitely see you as someone who represents that success. So I'm curious - when you hear the term "black excellence," what does that mean to you personally?

LORCiA: Black excellence means embracing the unique talents and abilities you've been blessed with. It's about staying committed to your dreams and putting in the real work to achieve them, even when the path gets tough. There's no substitute for dedication and persistence when you're chasing something meaningful. True excellence comes from honoring your potential and refusing to settle for anything less than what you're capable of becoming.

You can catch Paradys every weekday at 7 PM on SABC2.