“Over the years, many young actors have approached me: Vusi Kunene, Sello Maake ka Ncube, and Seputla Sebogodi. They all said, 'Hey Bra John, let's do 'The Island and we want you to direct.' But somehow, my heart was not in it or I was busy with something else, so I'd say, 'ja, ja, we'll do it.'”

South African actor and playwright

John Kani is a South African actor and playwright. Born Bonisile John Kani, he is known for his screen roles in films such as Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther, The Lion King, and Murder Mystery, and for his work in theatre during the apartheid era. He co-wrote Sizwe Banzi Is Dead in 1975 with Athol Fugard and Winston Ntshona, and also performed in it. His career spans stage and film, with work that has connected him to both anti-apartheid theatre and major popular screen productions.