Patrick Bra Styles Ndlovu’s remarkable performances have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, etching his name in the annals of greatness. His talent and charisma captivated audiences far and wide, leaving them spellbound and yearning for more. His legacy will continue to shine bright, a testament to his unparalleled artistry and dedication to his craft.

By Themba Khumalo

Bra Styles was a true gem of an actor, exuding an air of refinement, grace, and allure that set him apart from the rest.

He did not just perform, he embodied every character he brought to life. His passion for the craft shone through in every single role he took on.

His departure has left an everlasting imprint, with a remarkable portfolio of accomplishments that will continue to inspire for generations to come.

He embodied the notion that true professional prowess is not a mere walk in the park. It takes a medley of virtues, honed over years of tireless toil, to craft the perfect actor. In the world of showbiz, he was a unique specimen, a one-of-a-kind gem that shone brightly amidst what has become a sea of mediocrity.

Throughout his extensive career, Bra Styles left a lasting impression on the entertainment industry with his unforgettable performances spanning various eras and styles. His portrayal of the conniving and malevolent Sizwe Moloi in Zone 14 remains a standout, alongside his notable roles in Honeytown, Yizo Yizo, The Queen, Igazi, Gaz’lam, Cry, The Beloved Country, Knuckle City, Sarafina and a host of other great films. Notably, he brought the villainous Gold Finger to life in The Queen, cementing his status as a versatile and talented actor.

The captivating SABC 1 drama, Zone 14, kept audiences hooked for four seasons with the unforgettable performance of Bra Styles as the notorious Sizwe Moloi. His portrayal of the villain was nothing short of perfection, with every detail from his speech, stride, attire, and piercing gaze meticulously crafted. Viewers were left yearning for more of his captivating presence on their screens.

Moloi was a character that stirred up a riotous storm of emotions – a cocktail of disdain for his wicked ways, yet a deep-seated respect for the actor’s unyielding dedication to the craft and the sheer artistry it entailed.

In the gritty world of Yizo Yizo, he embodied the tyrannical principal with a chilling intensity. His mere presence was enough to send shivers down the spines of even the bravest students, who knew better than to utter a single syllable in his direction lest they incurred his wrath.

Bra Styles became a cast member of  Mzansi Magic’s The Queen in February 2017, portraying the role of a malevolent drug dealer named Goldfinger. This further enhanced his standing as an actor who excelled in portraying notorious characters with great authenticity.

Even after the credits had long ceased rolling, the echoes of his thunderous voice and the imprint of his intimidating scowl lingered in your mind, refusing to disappear.

A star is born

Hailing from the vibrant streets of Mohlakeng, nestled on the outskirts of Randfontein, he was a gifted jazz percussionist in his youth. It was the legendary Gibson Kente, the patriarch of township theatre, who first ushered him onto the grand stage. Before that time, Bra Styles was fortunate enough to grace the stage as an opening act for legendary artists of that era, such as the Manhattan Brothers. As he matured, he found solace in the soothing melodies of music, using it as a means to unwind and rejuvenate.

Back in the day, it was the norm for parents to put up a fight when it came to their child’s career choices. Bra Styles’ folks were no exception, fretting over his academic pursuits. But Kente, being the determined soul that he is, refused to back down and took the budding prodigy under his wing. With his guidance, Bra Pat’s talent blossomed into something truly remarkable.

During the 1970s, he became a part of Des and Dawn Lindberg’s stage productions. The first play they worked on was Godspell, a musical that was originally produced off-Broadway in 1971. It was staged in Maseru, Lesotho in 1973 and had a prosperous five-month run.

Des and Dawn Lindberg’s next major project was The Black Mikado, in which Bra Styles participated. This production achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first West End musical to be staged in Soweto, when it premiered at Diepkloof Hall in May 1976.

Bra Styles’ performance on this earthly stage has come to an end, but the angels are still eagerly awaiting his appearance on the other side of the curtain, where there is no question that he will dazzle and amaze them all with his brilliance.