Portrayed by actress Seipati Mahamu, Nyakallo on "Outlaws" takes viewers on a chilling yet heartbreakingly vulnerable journey this season.
Image: Supplied
“Outlaws” cast member Seipati Mahamu has been captivating viewers with the portrayal of Nyakallo.
Described as cold, calculating and unapologetically ruthless, Nyakallo’s reign in season two of “Outlaws” knows no limits. From kidnapping newborn babies to turning against her own sister, she is determined to build an empire with or without Tlali by her side.
Mahamu opens up about crafting Nyakallo’s darker layers, navigating the emotional weight of miscarriage storylines, and why power, not love, fuels her fire.
Nyakallo’s character is ruthless and has an evil side. Mahamu knew when she got the script for season two that building Nyakallo’s character arc would be a massive task.
Mahamu reached out to renowned actress and acting coach Camilla Waldman, who many will remember as Anne de Villiers on “Generations”.
“The moment I saw the layers I had to peel back for Nyakallo, I knew Camilla was the perfect person to help me navigate this mammoth journey. We worked extensively on unravelling Nyakallo this season.”
Mahamu told Waldman that she wanted a touch of Anne’s iconic villain energy blended with Nyakallo’s own emotional wounds, and together they crafted a deeply complex character.
“I also had to explore the psychology of a scorned woman. We all know what they say about a woman scorned, right? I had to dig deep into that emotional space: the pride, the pain, the desperation.
“With Camilla’s guidance, we found something layered and human beneath the ice.”
Nyakallo’s character is motivated by power and survival; “love has nothing to do with it,” Mahamu said.
“Nyakallo has never loved Tlali. Even in season one, we saw that he was simply a means to an end. At the core of her storyline, she’s still wounded by what Leruo didn’t give her. She’s carrying unresolved anger, and she’ll do anything to provoke him or reclaim control.
“This isn’t about romance. It’s about dominance. It’s about survival. It’s about proving she cannot be discarded.”
"Outlaws" power couple Tlali, portrayed by Keketso Mpitso and Seipati Mahamu.
Image: Showmax
Nyakallo’s decision to be with Tlali has been more of a power strategy than love. Mahamu admits that Nyakallo wouldn't even glance Tlali’s way if he had no power.
“If we’re being honest, Nyakallo is the real brains behind the operation. Tlali is impulsive and hot-headed; he acts on emotion. They wouldn’t have gotten this far without her strategy.
She lets him believe he’s in control, but she’s the mastermind behind the empire. And that works beautifully in her favour at times.”
Nyakallo’s character may be ruthless and strong, but viewers in season two also got to see a vulnerable side to her when she experiences a miscarriage.
“Nyakallo wants to be seen as this untouchable queen, strong, powerful, unstoppable, but at her core, she’s deeply fragile. She’s building an empire with Tlali, yet she cannot give him the one thing he wants most, a child.
“That inability eats away at her. From around episode 15, when she begins plotting how to tell Tlali she can’t carry a pregnancy to full term, viewers see the cracks. That emotional weight was heavy.
“Miscarriage is a traumatic experience for any woman, and embodying that pain made it difficult for me to fully de-role at times.”
In season two, Nyakallo’s wardrobe is a standout and has Seipati Mahamu obsessed from day one.
Image: Supplied
In season two, Nyakallo’s wardrobe is a standout and has Mahamu obsessed from day one. “Our wardrobe stylist, Kgomotso, absolutely understood the assignment. I didn’t interfere.
“I trusted the creative team completely, and they delivered. Every outfit screamed power and that blonde weave? Ice. Cold. Queen.” Mahamu added that the fashion and hair elevated Nyakallo’s presence.
When Mahamu is not on set, she is deep into her e-hailing business. “Entrepreneurship is a big focus for me, and I’m also exploring property investments. 2026 is definitely my year of business expansion.
“Acting is my passion, but building wealth beyond the screen is the goal.”
Catch “Outlaws” on Showmax.
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