JOHANNESBURG: Step into the captivating realm of African reality TV as Netflix takes a bold leap into uncharted territory with 'Young, Famous & African'. Bursting onto the streaming scene in 2022, this groundbreaking series is the first original African reality show to grace millions of screens worldwide. From iconic musicians to beloved entertainers, these extraordinary personalities emerge from diverse corners of the continent, converging in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa.
'Young, Famous & African' envisions a transformative force, challenging preconceived notions of Africa on a global scale. With a dazzling ensemble of captivating and ambitious individuals, this show promises to unlock a fresh perspective on the continent's rich cultural tapestry and its booming entertainment industry. Get ready to lose yourself in the mesmerizing world of African celebrities, brimming with passion, glitz and an adrenaline-fueled dose of drama. However, before we dive headfirst into the heart-pounding journey, let's take a closer look at the cast members who will captivate us this May.
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Khanyi Mbau: Khanyi Mbau, a multi-talented South African actress, model, TV presenter and producer, made a name for herself in the local scene for her flashy lifestyle, dating wealthy men and a love of luxury cars. She is popularly known as the Queen of Bling. She got her big break at just 17, landing a major role (and paycheck) on the popular soap opera, 'Muvhango', after a few smaller gigs like presenting on 'Kideo Kids' and 'Sasko Sam.' In her book, 'B*tch, Please! I'm Khanyi Mbau', published in 2012, she revealed that she got married in a customary union at just 19 to a man named Mandla Mthembu, who was 49.
The couple made headlines with their matching yellow Lamborghinis and coordinated outfits, but their relationship was rocky. Mbau was eventually kicked out of their luxury hotel and left with nothing. She went on to date Theunis Crous before finding love with musician Tebogo Lerole. Today, she's dating Zimbabwean businessman Kudzai Mushonga, and her life continues to be a topic of conversation in South Africa.
Bonang Matheba: Bonang Dorothy Matheba, born on June 25, 1987, is a well-known South African TV presenter, radio personality, actress and social media influencer. Her captivating presenting skills and distinctive voice have earned her recognition in the industry. Matheba gained prominence by hosting the SABC 1 music show 'LIVE', now known as 'Live Amp'. She holds the distinction of being the first Black South African to grace the covers of numerous magazines.
Born in Mahikeng, North West, Matheba is the daughter of Charlotte Mokoena, the executive vice-president for Human Resources and Corporate Affairs of Sasol, and Gampi, a senior lecturer at North-West University. She belongs to the Tswana ethnic group. Her radio career started with 'The B* Hive', her inaugural radio show, and in 2015, she became a radio DJ for Metro FM. In 2008, Bonang collaborated with retailer Legit to launch her own clothing line called Just B.
Matheba also partnered with a London-based designer to create a collection of handbags named Baby Star. In 2014, she collaborated with high-end South African retail brand Woolworths to release a lingerie line called Distraction By Bonang, which is an ongoing venture with new collections being introduced. In 2018, she collaborated with Superbalist to release a collection of T-shirts named BONANG by Bonang Matheba.
Matheba was previously in a relationship with local hip-hop artist Slikour until 2009. It was rumored that Slikour ended the relationship through a Facebook message. From late 2015 to 2017, Matheba dated rapper AKA, and their relationship was marred by controversy as it began as an affair while AKA was dating DJ Zinhle, who was pregnant at the time. DJ Zinhle exposed the fling in August 2015 after their breakup. Since then, Matheba has chosen to keep her personal life and relationships relatively private.
Diamond Platnumz: Diamond Platnumz, whose real name is Nasibu Abdul Juma Issack, is a popular vocalist and pop performer from Tanzania. He is 32 and has gained fame despite facing difficulties in his relationships, including issues of infidelity. He shares the responsibility of raising two children with his ex-wife, Zari Hassan, and often travels to Johannesburg to be closer to his family.
As a musician, Platnumz has achieved tremendous success and has over 14.3 million followers on Instagram. He has had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned artists, including Alicia Keys. Platnumz embarked on his music career in 2006 at the age of 18, starting out by selling clothes. With the money he earned, he recorded songs and eventually released his first single, 'Toka Mwanzo', a fusion of Bongo Flava and R&B. In 2014, he was nominated for the Best International Act: Africa at the BET Awards.
Nadia Nakai: Nadia Nakai Dlamini, known by her first two names, is a Zimbabwean-South African rapper, songwriter, actress, and TV host. She was born on May 18, 1990, to a South African father and a Zimbabwean mother. She identifies more with her Zimbabwean heritage. At 16, she changed her surname to Kandava, her mother's maiden name. Prior to her involvement with the late rapper AKA, Nakai dated Vic Mensa. Sadly, Nadia lost AKA after he was fatally shot in Durban, South Africa.
Nakai attended Fourways High School in Johannesburg, before relocating to Kenya to complete her studies after a year. She went on to study Marketing Communication and Media Studies at Monash University in Johannesburg.
Nakai gained recognition when she appeared on the hip-hop show 'Shiz Niz' on ETV, where she performed and won the Mixtape 101 competition, becoming the first female rapper in the show's history to achieve this feat. In 2013, she released her debut single, 'Like Me', under Sid's record label in Johannesburg. Later, she signed with Cassper Nyovest's record label, Family Tree. Following her signing, Nakai released one of her biggest hits, 'Naa Mean'.
In 2021, Nakai left Family Tree to establish her own record label, Bragga Records. Since her breakthrough in the music industry, she has collaborated with both local and international artistes, including Ice Prince, Stefflon Don and Gemini Major among others. She is recognized as one of the wealthiest female rappers in South Africa.
Andile Ncube: Andile Ncube is a well-known South African radio host, TV personality and businessman. He gained popularity as the host of the 'X-Factor South Africa' in 2014. Born on October 4, 1981, in Johannesburg, Ncube pursued his passion for media by studying journalism at Pretoria Technikon (Polytech) before transferring to AFDA, a private institution specializing in film, TV and radio broadcasting.
With a TV career spanning nearly two decades, Ncube started in 2003 and rose to fame as the host of the 'Mzansi Friday Night Music Show' on SABC1's 'LIVE'. In 2008, he left the station to pursue new opportunities. In June 2014, he was announced as the host of 'The X Factor South Africa.' Currently, Ncube hosts 'Sports Night Live with Andile' on Radio2000ZA.
Ncube was previously married to South African model and actress Ayanda Thabethe in 2013, but their marriage ended in 2015. Throughout his career, he has been romantically linked to various South African female celebrities, including Katlego Danke, Rosette Mogomotsi and Sebabatso Mothibi. He has two known children, a nine-year-old daughter named Gabriella (Gabbie) from his past relationship with Rosette, and a baby boy born in December 2020 with his current girlfriend, Sebabatso.
Naked DJ: Quinton Paul Masina is better known as Quinton Masina or Naked DJ. He's a rising star in South Africa, juggling multiple roles as a DJ, radio host, reality TV personality and record producer. One of his notable contributions is his relationship advice segment called 'Ask A Man' on Metro FM.
Born on August 12, 1980, in Benoni, Gauteng, Quinton's family hails from Mpumalanga, an eastern province of South Africa. His mother is a businesswoman running a salon and a private preschool, while his father worked as a human resources manager. What's fascinating is that all four of Masina's siblings have also pursued careers in the entertainment industry. Ntando and Hlelo are involved in show business, and his brother, Fortune, is an award-winning creative director and producer at Urban Brew Studios.
Masina has had his fair share of romantic relationships, which often become the subject of internet gossip. His first wife was Bulelwa, and although the details of their marriage are unknown, they have a child together. During an appearance on the TV show 'Blame it on Fame,' Bulelwa accused Masina of having a sex addiction, revealing this information to Hlelo and Ntando. After their divorce, Masina met Naledi Willers, the winner of the first season of 'Real Housewives of Johannesburg'. They reportedly tied the knot in March 2017, making her his second wife.
Zari Hassan: Zarinah Hassan, better known as Zari the Boss Lady, is a talented Ugandan reality TV star who wears many hats. Besides being an influential entrepreneur and philanthropist, she is also a musician with a diverse background.
Born on September 23, 1980, in Jinja, Uganda, Zari currently resides in South Africa where she owns multiple businesses and properties. Her family history reflects her mixed heritage, with Indian, Ugandan, Somali and Burundian roots. Her mother died of a heart failure in July 2017. Growing up, she had four siblings, Zuleha, Asha, Zara and Abdul Karim, and together they had many adventures. She attended Jinja Girls High School, where she actively participated in music, drama and dance competitions, receiving consecutive awards for her acting skills.
After completing high school, Zari made her way to Uganda's capital, Kampala, where she ventured into karaoke performances at various hangouts. Her talent brought her financial success, which eventually led her to the UK, where she pursued a diploma in cosmetology. During her time in school, she had the opportunity to showcase her musical abilities at an end-of-year function. In 2007, she released her debut single, 'Oliwange,' which achieved remarkable success and earned her a nomination for Best East African Video of the Year at the Africa Channel O Awards. She continued to make waves, winning the prestigious Award of the Year in the Diaspora category in 2009.
Zari's personal life has had its share of ups and downs. She was previously married to South African socialite Ivan Semwanga, with whom she had three sons. However, their relationship ended in divorce in 2013, and sadly, Ivan died due to a heart attack in 2017. She then found love with Ugandan basketball player Farouk Sempala, but their marriage was short-lived, marred by accusations of abortion. She has also been romantically involved with music mogul Diamond Platnumz, with whom she shares two children, Latifah Dangote and Prince Nillan. However, their relationship also came to an end. Currently, there are rumors linking her to GK Choppa, but her love life remains private and speculative. Despite the ups and downs, she continues to shine as a multifaceted personality, leaving her mark in the entertainment industry.
Kayleigh Schwark: Meet Kayleigh Schwark, a multi-talented sensation from Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa. At the age of 27, she conquered the worlds of modeling, football, media and reality TV. This fitness enthusiast and Internet personality is widely recognized as the partner of Naked Dj, a renowned DJ and entrepreneur. Their love story started back in late 2019, and despite the criticism they face due to their their age difference (with Naked Dj being 12 years older) and his previous marriages and children, Schwark chooses to love him wholeheartedly. Together, they prove that true devotion knows no boundaries.
Fantana: Fantana is a talented Ghanaian rapper and fashion designer hailing from the Greater Accra Region. Born on July 3, 1997, she is making waves in the music industry. She is the daughter of the renowned politician Dorcas Affo-Toffey, who represents the Jomoro Constituency in parliament.
Fantana burst onto the music scene in 2019 with her debut song 'So What.' Since then, she has treated us to a string of rap hits including 'Rich Gyal Anthem', 'No Dulling', 'Touch Me', and 'Girls Hate on Girls'. But Fantana's creativity extends beyond music. In 2015, she completed her education and jetted off to Miami to attend Design & Architecture Senior High School. After graduation, she returned to Ghana and pursued her interest for fashion at Kwobs Fashion School, where she honed her skills as a designer. From spitting rhymes to creating stylish ensembles, Fantana is a force to be reckoned with, showcasing her talents both on the stage and in the world of fashion.
Luis Munana: Luis Tshita Munana, Namibia's top male international model, has graced catwalks in London and the USA. He's now one of the most famous people in Namibia and a successful entrepreneur.
Born on July 23, 1991, in Rundu, Central Namibia, Munana grew up in a family of six, being the youngest child. After attending various schools in search of a curriculum that allowed him to study seven subjects, he settled for the Academia High School in Windhoek. Later, he pursued a degree in financial information. However, it was his participation in 'Big Brother Africa' in 2014 that propelled him to stardom, even though he was evicted on day 28.
Undeterred, Munana went on to establish Voigush Media, a company involved in print publishing, television and social media. He also works as a director, producer and writer for Voigush Africa, a lifestyle and entertainment outlet. Additionally, he created the popular animated cartoon show, 'Waka Waka Moo TV', which even made its way to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Although his romantic relationships with former housemates Mira and Tanzanian actress Wema Sepetu didn't last, his career successes continued. In 2019, he achieved another milestone by becoming the first Namibian to be featured on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list at the age of 27.
2baba: Innocent "2Baba" Idibia is a highly acclaimed artist from Africa, best known for his mega-hit 'African Queen'. Born as Innocent Ujah Idibia, he hails from the Idoma tribe in the southern part of Benue State, Nigeria. He has three siblings, Steven, Oche and Hyacinth. 2Baba attended Mount Saint Gabriel's Secondary School in Markudi, Benue State, and later pursued a preliminary National Diploma course in Business Administration and Management at the Institute of Management & Technology, Enugu (IMT). It was during his time at IMT that his music journey began.
In 1996, 2Baba sang jingles at the GB Fan Club, affiliated with the Enugu State Broadcasting Services (ESBS), and adopted the stage name '2Face' (later changed to 2Baba in 2016). Initially, he was part of the group Plantashun Boyz, but eventually went solo and tasted sweet success. 'African Queen' was his breakthrough song in 2006.
Apart from his musical achievements, 2Baba has received other notable honors. In March 2019, he was recognized as an honorary fellow of the music school at Obafemi Awolowo University. In August 2019, he was appointed the Good Cause Ambassador for the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). 2Baba is happily married to Annie Macauley, a renowned Nigerian actress, model, movie producer and entrepreneur.
Swanky Jerry: Jeremiah Ogbodo, popularly known as Swanky Jerry, is a talented Nigerian fashion stylist, TV personality, creative director and image advisor. He has gained widespread recognition for his stunning designs that have graced red carpets. Through his exceptional work, Jerry has not only earned a significant fortune but also secured brand sponsorships and opportunities in the film industry, further adding to his success.
There are rumors regarding Jerry's sexuality and his alleged marriage to another man. These speculations have sparked curiosity about his long-term partner, as he was said to be married to Yvonne Nwosu. However, their social media activity, or lack thereof, has left their relationship status shrouded in uncertainty. It's an intriguing puzzle that has captured the attention of many.
Jerry was educated in Lagos. He attended Command Day Secondary School in Oshodi, where he completed his studies in 2009 and obtained his WAEC certificate. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos. His story is one of creative brilliance, career success and a mystery surrounding his personal life, making him a captivating figure in the Nigerian entertainment scene.
Annie Macaulay-Idibia: Annie Macaulay-Idibia has stood by her famous husband through thick and thin, embodying the essence of a traditional African homemaker. Despite making some questionable choices, her childhood experiences have shaped her perspective on life.
Born in Ibadan, Nigeria, Annie hails from Akwa Ibom state. After her parents' separation, she moved with her mother to Lagos. It was there she witnessed her mother's struggles to provide for their family. Despite the adversities, Annie persevered and pursued her education. She attended Lagos State University and the University of Lagos, earning a diploma in Computer Science and a degree in Theatre Arts. Annie's determination to support her family led her to work at a young age, taking up a sales job at 15. Initially starting with small modeling and acting opportunities, her fortunes took a turn for the better in 2004 when she appeared in 2Baba's music video for 'African Queen'.
'Young, Famous & African' Season 2 will premiere worldwide on Friday, May 19, on Netflix.