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Uncle Mo talks developing "family-like bond" with actress Tyra Abok

JDC features a talented young cast, including Tyra Abok, who plays the lead role of Queen, and comedian Moses Kiboneka, also known as Uncle Mo
JDC starts Uncle Mo and Tyra Abok
JDC starts Uncle Mo and Tyra Abok
  • JDC is a popular TV show on Pearl Magic Prime channel, featuring a talented young cast
  • Tyra Abok plays the lead role of Queen and shares her audition experience
  • The cast has developed a family-like bond, and both stars have experienced challenges with fame and public perception

In a recent interview on Home of Our Stars, Abok shared her journey to joining the show, recounting how she had to audition and stand out from the crowd.

"During the audition, they gave us three roles, and each girl had to play Queen. I decided to stand out by switching through all three roles, which I think made a difference," she said.

Uncle Mo, on the other hand, shared a different story, highlighting a scene from his script that resonated with him and convinced him to join the production.

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"There is a scene where my character argues with his wife when they lose their children on the first day of school. That scene resonated with me and convinced me to join the production," he said.

Working with children can be both interesting and challenging, according to Uncle Mo. "These kids are incredibly sharp; they know their lines perfectly and deliver them on cue. It's tricky for the adults, who often forget their lines, requiring multiple takes for a scene," he said.

Abok echoed these challenges, stating, "We follow a call sheet and work on a schedule, much like being in school. It becomes daunting when adults forget their lines, especially in scenes where you have to cry repeatedly for multiple takes."

Despite the challenges, Abok shared that she has enjoyed working with the adults on the production.

Right chemistry

"When I first met Uncle Mo, I was very scared, but as I got to know him, I found him to be approachable. He may be the only adult you can sit down with and have a conversation," she said.

Uncle Mo agreed, adding, "People often perceive me as unapproachable because I am very quiet and calm when meeting new people for the first time."

Over time, the cast has "developed a family-like bond," which helps the show run smoothly. "We've become an extended family here. It's no longer just colleagues; we're a family now," Uncle Mo said.

Regarding handling fame, both stars share similar experiences. Abok says after the first five episodes of JDC, some girls approached her and that was when she realized people were watching her..

Uncle Mo, despite being an established celebrity, is still surprised when recognized by the public, as he perceives himself as an ordinary person.

Many actors face challenges with the public distinguishing between their TV personas and real lives.

"Moses Kiboneka and Uncle Mo are the same person to me. I'm just now learning that there's a difference when people point out something I say and connect it to what the comedian Uncle Mo would say," Uncle Mo remarked. Abok said,

"For me, there is a clear split between the two. Tyra is very shy and would never be as confrontational as Queen is."

Regarding boundaries they wouldn't cross as actors, Abok said, "I would take on any role as long as it doesn't compromise my relationship with God or the morals my family has instilled in me."

She added, "It's important to maintain self-respect because some people can't distinguish between your character and who you are in real life."

Uncle Mo echoed this sentiment, saying, "Everything I do is for my mother. If a role would seem disgraceful to her, I would never take it."

JDC airs every Thursday at 7.

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