Khanyi Mbau - Biography, Real Name, Age and Career
Khanyisile Mbau, commonly known as Khanyi Mbau, is a 39-year-old South African actress, musician, businesswoman, television presenter, and socialite. She first gained public attention as the second actress to play the role of Doobsie on SABC 2's soap opera "Muvhango" (2004–2005). She is also known for her roles as Mbali in the SABC 1 soap opera "Mzansi" and in the SABC 1 mini-series "After Nine."
As of 2018, Mbau hosts SABC 3's entertainment show "The Scoop" and BET Africa’s "The Big Secret," and she plays the character Tshidi in Mzansi Magic’s "Abomama." Khanyi’s half-brother, Lasizwe Dambuza, is also in the entertainment industry.
Early Life
Khanyisile Mbau, widely known as Khanyi Mbau, was born on October 16, 1985, at Florence Nightingale Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her mother, Lynette Sisi Mbau, worked in the finance department of the pension fund at Barclays Bank. Khanyi’s father, Menzi Mcunu, was dating her mother at the time but was not married to her. Although Mcunu did not have custody of Khanyi, he named her "Khanyisile," meaning "one who brings light." She kept her mother's surname, Mbau.
After Khanyi was born, Lynette returned to work, leaving her under the care of her grandparents in Mofolo, Soweto. Her grandfather, Mr. Babes Mbau, played a significant role in her upbringing, especially in nurturing her appreciation for art. Her grandparents were known for their Westernized lifestyle and worldview, which influenced Khanyi’s upbringing. She attended an all-white school, further shaping her perspective on life. Khanyi has two siblings: Lasizwe Dambuza, who is also in the entertainment industry, and Thandeka Mcunu.
Career
In 2004, Khanyi Mbau took over the role of Doobsie in the SABC 2 soap opera "Muvhango" after actress Lindiwe Chibi was unable to continue following a tragic shooting incident involving her boyfriend, Dan Mokoena. However, in 2005, Mbau was reportedly dismissed from "Muvhango" due to excessive partying and media attention in the tabloids.
In 2006, Mbau joined the second season of SABC 1’s popular drama series "Mzansi," where she portrayed the character Mbali. Unfortunately, the series was not renewed for a third season. In 2007, she starred as Zee in "After 9," a mini-series on SABC 1.
In 2012, Mbau took on a leading role in "Ekasi: Our Stories," appearing in an episode of the E.tv anthology drama series, and was also featured in the Vuzu documentary "I Am." Additionally, she played Sindisiwe Sibeko in "Like Father, Like Son" on Mzansi Magic.
Her biography, "Khanyi Mbau: I Am Khanyi Mbau," written by Lesley Mofokeng, was released in 2014, offering insights into her life and career. In 2013, she launched her own chat show, "Katch It With Khanyi," on eKasi. She also joined the reality dance competition "Strictly Come Dancing" in 2014, pairing with dance partner Quintus Jansen. They competed until the seventh week but were eliminated due to a lack of votes.
In 2015, Mbau took on the role of Pinky in the E.tv drama "Ashes to Ashes," followed by her portrayal of Palesa Simelane in "Umlilo" in 2016. Later in 2016, she began co-hosting "The Weekend Edition" alongside radio and television personality Phat Joe.
Mbau has also made guest appearances on other South African television shows, including a stint as a guest judge on season 2 of "Turn It Out" in 2012.
In July 2017, Khanyi Mbau appeared on the entertainment show "The Scoop." In March 2018, she joined the cast of "Uzalo," where she portrayed the character Dinekile, also known as Lady Die. In April 2018, Mbau landed the lead role in the drama series "Abomama," playing Tshidi, a former "ghetto queen" turned suburban wife who is married to a respected doctor, played by Leroy Gopal. The show's debut attracted over a million viewers, making it the third most-watched program on DStv.
In July 2023, Mbau was announced as the host of the 2nd annual Basadi in Music Awards, held at the Joburg Theatre.
Radio
In 2016, Mbau became a co-host on the Metro FM radio show "Whose Show Is It Anyway," alongside Somizi Mhlongo and Ntombi Ngcobo. The show premiered nationwide on July 18, 2016, and continued for a year before ending due to a station reshuffle.
Film
Mbau’s first feature film, Happiness is a Four-letter Word, premiered on February 19, 2016. She played the character Zaza, a trophy wife to Bheki (played by Simo Magwaza), a mother of two, and the owner of a shoe store. The film premiered with strong box office numbers, surpassing R7 million in revenue within three weeks and eventually crossing the R10 million mark. In 2017, Mbau began work on her second film with comedian and filmmaker Leon Schuster, titled Frank and Fearless, which was set for release in 2018. Her third film, a thriller titled The Red Room, was slated for a 2019 release.
Business Ventures
In November 2018, Mbau launched her own gin brand called I Am Khanyi - Millennial Shimmer Gin.
Personal Life
Khanyi Mbau was married to Mandla Mthembu from 2006 to 2009. She became romantically involved with Mthembu, a former Robben Island inmate and multimillionaire, in 2005 when he was 50 years old. They married in July 2006. However, by 2007, they were living apart after an incident at the South African Music Awards in Sun City, where Mthembu accused Mbau of infidelity and gold-digging. Later that year, the couple reconciled, and they had a daughter together, Princess Mthembu.
Reports of financial difficulties surfaced in 2008, with issues such as delayed car payments on Lamborghinis and a warrant for Mthembu's arrest due to unpaid maintenance for his daughters from his previous marriage to Dolly Matshabe. The couple separated in 2009.
In October 2009, Mbau became romantically involved with 51-year-old construction mogul Theunis Crous, who gifted her a BMW Z4. However, by January 2010, Crous ended the relationship and reclaimed the car.
In July 2014, Mbau started a relationship with musician Tebogo Lerole. Despite rumors suggesting their relationship was merely for appearances, the two continued to be together.
Songs
- Igwinya – 2010
- Shake – 2016
- Ubobalela – 2010
- Izondo – 2010
- La ‘Weyi – 2010
- Sthandwa Sami – 2010
- Dunusa – 2010
- I Miss You – 2010
- Red Shoes – 2010
- Skheshekheshe – 2010
- Cina – 2010
- Do Me – 2010
- Crazy – 2010
- Intro – 2010
- Happiness – 2010
- Again – 2012
- Slay – 2016
- Shake – 2016
Movies
- Hear Me Move (2015)
- Happiness is a Four-letter Word (2016)
- She is King (2017)
- The Red Room (2018)
- Frank and Fearless (2018)
TV Roles
- Uzalo – 2018
- The Big Secret – 2017 – 2018
- The Scoop – 2017 – 2018
- South African Music Awards – 2017
- Lip Sync Battle Africa – 2017
- The Weekend Edition – 2016 – 2017
- Umlilo – 2016
- Katch It With Khanyi – 2014 – 2016
- After 9 – 2007
- Ashes to Ashes – 2015
- aYeYe – 2015
- Check – Coast – 2014
- eKasi: Our Stories – 2013 – 2014
- I Am – 2013
- Like Father Like Son – 2013
- Muvhango – 2004 – 2005
- My perfect family – 2014 – 2015
- Mzansi – 2005 – 2006
- Mzansi Love – 2013 – 2014
- Mzansi Love – 2014
- Scandal – 2005
- Reality Check – 2013
- Skwizas – 2014 – 2015
- Strictly Come Dancing – 2014
- The close up eNCA – 2014
- Comedy Central Roast – 2014
- The Lab – 2006
- South African Film and Television Awards – 2014
- Tropika Island of Treasure – 2011
- Turn it Out – 2012
Awards & Nominations
Awards
- 2015: Best Instagram Account during the Channel24 Online Awards.
- 2009: She won the Drama Queen of the Year during the Feather Award.
Nominations
- 2017: Best Supporting Actress ‘Happiness Is a Four- Letter Word’ during African Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
- 2016: Media Personality during Oliver Empowerment
- 2015: Best Talk Show ‘ Katch It With Kanyi’ during South African Film and Television Awards.
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