5 celebrities you didn’t know were from Mpumalanga
For many years Mpumalanga has produced a number of well-known public figures. From soccer players to actors, and idols.
Euphonik
Dj Euphonik’s real name is Themba Mbongeni Nkosi, and he was born at the Shongwe Mission Hospital. He grew up in eLikazi before moving to Benoni, and also has roots in eMgobodzi, a rural area in the Nkomazi area, where his maternal grandparents are from.
Euphonik is currently hosting a show called The house of house music on 5FM, every Sunday night.
K.O
Ntokozo Mdluli, popularly known by his stage name, K.O, was born in Piet Retief. He was a member of a hip-hop group, Teargas, and in 2006 the trio released their debut album K’shubile K’bovu under electromode music.
K.O co-runs a music and entertainment company called Cashtime Life.
He has released the singles “Mission Statement”, “Son of a Gun”, “Caracara” and “Skhanda Love” preceding the release of his solo debut studio album, Skhanda Republic on November 7, 2014.
Africa Tsoai as John Maputla
Africa Tsoai is a South African actor, best known for his role as John Maputla in the SABC1 drama series Skeem Saam.
Africa was born in Hebron-Graskop in Mpumalanga, a place just below God’s Window.
Just like many South Africans who go and seek greener pastures, after matriculating Tsoai studied graphic design at Rudolph College in Johannesburg.
Africawas popular in the 90s. He had a lead role on the SABC2 Sepedi drama series, Mokgonyana Matswale as Tsokotla. Africa also had a lead role on the Sepedi television drama, Bophelo ke Semphekgo.
Tribute Bridie Mboweni
Mboweni is a jazz singer and songwriter, who was born in Mkhuhlu, Bushbuckridge. She signed under Native Rhythms, a record label which is famous for signing up rising stars of South African such as Siphokazi, Zuluboy, and Camagwini.
Mboweni was announced as one of the artists to perform at the 17th annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival in April this year.
Uyanda Mbuli
Uyanda Mbuli was born in KaNyamazane and grew up between Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Johannesburg. She is the youngest of five siblings born to Rannie and Tamary Sibiya. She attended the Guardian Angels Catholic Girls School.
Ayanda also won the Miss Cape Town 1996 and Miss Mpumalanga Province 1997 pageants.
She was a host at the Kora All Africa Music Awards 2006 and a South African host at the 2006 Daytime Emmys. She also made her acting debut on the SABC1 drama series Tshisa playing the role of Nomonde.
