Celebrity Breeze Bringing you fascinating stories
Related Articles
Here’s a look at 10 talented actors who have made significant contributions to South Africa’s entertainment industry, despite not being South African by origin. These performers have captivated audiences with their skills, bringing diversity and unique perspectives to Mzansi’s screens.
1. Jerome Galiao
Image of Jerome Galiao
Jerome Galiao, born on June 5, 1984, is a 41-year-old Zimbabwean actor and model. Best known for roles in Isithembiso, Scandal, and Gomora, he has also featured in prominent commercials, including the Playboy: It’s a Planet of Attraction campaign (2017–2019).
Galiao began his career in Zimbabwe as a model and presenter on Youth.com and appeared in the local drama Estate Blues. After relocating to South Africa in 2008, he landed roles such as Ezra in Broken Vows, a police officer in Isithembiso, and a doctor in The River.
2. Raphael Griffiths
Raphael Griffiths, born January 2, 1992, in Johannesburg, is a Zambian-South African actor and singer. His father hails from Kitwe, Zambia, while his mother is Zulu. Initially hesitant to share his background due to xenophobia in South Africa, Griffiths is now proud of his diverse heritage.
He aspired to study political science but pursued Television Production at AFDA instead. His career kicked off in 2007 as a presenter on Qbase 28, followed by roles like Vusi Mukwevho in Muvhango and Zithulele in Imbewu: The Seed.
3. Connie Chiume
Connie Chiume, aged 73, was a celebrated South African actress of Malawian descent, known for her role as Mamokete in Rhythm City and appearances in films like Black Panther. Born to a Malawian father from Usisya, Nkhata Bay, and a South African mother from KwaZulu-Natal, Chiume was raised in South Africa but feels a connection to her Malawian roots. She regrets not fully experiencing her Malawian culture but embraces her mixed heritage.
4. Chioma Antoinette Umeala
Chioma Umeala, born July 19, 1996, in Johannesburg, is a 29-year-old Nigerian-South African actress. Her father is Igbo, and her mother is Xhosa. Best known for playing Ayo Demi in Isono: The Sin, Umeala grew up in Johannesburg with a passion for acting and music. She briefly attended AFDA but dropped out due to financial constraints. Starting with small roles in adverts and music videos, she rose to fame through appearances in various South African dramas, including Isono.
5. Sharon Seno
Sharon Seno, hailing from Kanye village, Botswana, is known for her role as Marang in Muvhango, where she portrays a glamorous “slay queen” alongside fellow Botswanan Angela Atlang. Born into a family of three, Seno previously starred in Botswana’s Colors and Ntwakgolo and reached the top five in the 2013 Miss Botswana pageant. Her move to South Africa led to her breakthrough in the local entertainment scene.
6. Chiedza Mhende
Chiedza Mhende, born October 19, 1991, in Harare, Zimbabwe, is a Zimbabwean-South African actress recognized for her role as Wandile Radebe in Generations: The Legacy. Initially aspiring to be a doctor, she discovered her love for theatre at age 11 through her school’s drama club.
After moving to South Africa in the 2000s to study acting, she performed in theatre productions before gaining fame in 2015 for her controversial yet impactful role as a transgender character in Generations.
7. Liteboho Molise
Born January 23, 1988, in Maseru, Lesotho, Liteboho Molise grew up in Butha-Buthe and Mohale’s Hoek. From a young age, she participated in school plays, excelling in drama, singing, and other arts. Though she initially pursued political science, her passion for acting led her to audition for Muvhango in Maseru. In 2012, she landed the role of Teboho Mukwevho, marking her rise as a recognized figure in South African television.
8. Joe Kazadi
Image of Joe Kazadi
Joe Kazadi, born January 13, 1991, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a 34-year-old Congolese actor, fitness model, scriptwriter, and entrepreneur. He is best known for roles like Thabiso in The Queen and Phillipe in Uzalo, as well as international projects like Strike Back and Slay. Fleeing war in the DRC with his mother, Esther Mbuyi, at age 10, Kazadi arrived in South Africa as a refugee. He grew up in Durban and later moved to Johannesburg to pursue acting, becoming a prominent figure in the industry.
9. Angela Atlang
Image of Angela Atlang
Angela Atlang, born in Maun Township, Botswana, is a Botswana-born actress and model famous for her role as Itseng Motsamai in Muvhango. Raised in a rural setting, she performed traditional chores like herding goats and cooking with firewood. After joining Muvhango, she became a well-known figure in South Africa’s entertainment industry, proudly representing her Botswanan heritage.
10. Anthony Oluwakayode Oseyemi
Image of Anthony Oseyemi
Anthony Oseyemi, born in Britain to Nigerian parents, identifies as a British-South African actor of Nigerian descent. Raised in South East London, he first visited South Africa in 1997 through the Phakama youth arts program, sparking his love for the country’s vibrant creative scene. Oseyemi has since starred in numerous South African dramas and films, drawn by the industry’s “overwhelming amount of creativity and talent.”
These actors, with their diverse backgrounds, have enriched South Africa’s entertainment landscape, proving that talent transcends borders.
