Khanyi Mbau Bio, Wiki
Khanyi Mbau, whose birth name is Khanyisile Jacqueline Mchunu Mbau, is a multi-talented South African figure known for her roles as an actress, musician, television presenter, and socialite.
Her career reached new heights when she portrayed the character Doobsie on SABC 2’s popular soap opera, “Muvhango,” from 2004 to 2005. Additionally, she made her mark as Mbali in the SABC 1 soap opera “Mzansi” and appeared in SABC 1’s mini-series titled “After Nine.”
In the world of television, Khanyi has further solidified her presence. As of 2018, she took on the role of the host for the SABC 3 entertainment show, “The Scoop,” and also hosted “The Big Secret” on BET Africa. Furthermore, she showcases her acting skills as Tshidi on Mzansi Magic’s series, “Abomama.”
Lately, she has gained more popularity for taking part in the reality show Young Famous & African.
Khanyi Mbau Age
Mbau was born in Soweto, South Africa, on October 15, 1985. She is presently 37 years of age.
Khanyi Mbau Height
Mbau’s height is 5 feet 7 inches, which is equivalent to 1.57 meters.
Khanyi Mbau Family
Mbau’s mother, Lynette Sisi Mbau, held a position in the finance department of the pension fund at Barclays Bank. At the time, her father, Menzi Mcunu, was not married to her mother; they were in a dating relationship. Mcunu had no legal claim to the child, but he nevertheless chose to give her a name: Khanyisile, which means “one who brings light.” Mbau retained her mother’s surname.
Soon after Khanyi’s birth, Lynette entrusted her care to her own parents, who resided in Mofolo, Soweto. Lynette returned to work, leaving Khanyi’s grandmother to play a significant role in raising her.
Mbau’s grandparents had a distinctly Western influence in their attire and worldview. Mbau fondly recalled, “Gladys, my grandmother, was strict about upholding rules. She managed her household with the same decorum and attention to detail that one might associate with Buckingham Palace.” Mbau affectionately referred to her as the “Queen of England.”
Khanyi Mbau Husband
Mbau married to her ex-husband Mandla Mthembu a South African businessman from 2006 to 2009. The two have one daughter together Khanukani Mbau (born 2006) a young South African content creator and social media personality. After their divorce, Mbau has been so private about her love life. Lately, she has been seen in a romantic relationship with a Zimbabwean businessman Kudzai Terrence Mushonga.
Khanyi Mbau Career
Television
In 2004, Khanyi Mbau replaced actress Lindiwe Chibi in the role of Doobsie on the TV series Muvhango after Chibi was shot by her boyfriend Dan Mokoena. However, a year later, she was fired from the role due to excessive partying and media appearances.
In 2006, Mbau joined the SABC 1 drama series Mzansi for its second season, playing the character Mbali. The show was not renewed for a third season. Later in 2007, she portrayed Zee in the SABC 1 mini-series After 9.
In 2012, Mbau served as a guest judge on the second season of SABC 1’s Turn It Out. She also appeared in an episode of E.tv’s anthology drama series, Ekasi: Our Stories, and was featured in the DStv Vuzu documentary titled “I Am.” Additionally, she portrayed Sindisiwe Sibeko in the DStv’s Mzansi Magic mini-series, Like Father Like Son.
In August 2012, Mbau released her biography, “Bitch, Please! I’m Khanyi Mbau,” written by journalist Lesley Mofokeng.
In 2013, Mbau was featured in the docu-reality television series Reality Check on E.tv. She also began hosting her own talk show, “Katch It With Khanyi,” on the OpenView HD channel eKasi+. The show gained significant viewership and was even nominated for the South African Film and Television Awards 2015 during its second season.
Also, in 2014, Mbau competed in the seventh season of Strictly Come Dancing but was eliminated in week 7. In July 2015, she won the MTV Africa lip sync battle competition.
During April 2015, Mbau landed a supporting role as “Pinky” in E.tv’s telenovela, Ashes to Ashes. She was also nominated for “Best Instagram Account” in the Channel24 Online Awards in November 2015.
In March 2016, Mbau played the role of Palesa Simelane in the TV drama series Umlilo. In July 2016, she co-hosted a lifestyle show called “The Weekend Edition” on SABC 3 alongside radio and TV host Phat Joe.
The following year in July 2017, Mbau appeared in a new entertainment show called “The Scoop” on SABC 3. In September 2017, she hosted the reality series “The Big Secret” on BET Africa, where participants revealed their darkest secrets.
In March 2018, Mbau joined the cast of the popular TV show Uzalo on SABC 1, portraying the character Dinekile aka Lady Die. She also starred in the drama series “Abomama” released in April 2018.
In July 2023, Mbau was announced as the host of the 2nd annual Basadi in Music Awards, held at Joburg Theatre.
Radio
In 2016, Khanyi Mbau took on the role of co-hosting the radio show “Whose Show Is It Anyway” on Metro FM, where she shared the spotlight with fellow entertainers Somizi Mhlongo and Ntombi Ngcobo. The show made its national debut on July 18, 2016, and continued for a year until it concluded as part of a station reshuffling.
Film
In February 2016, Khanyi Mbau made her debut in the film industry with “Happiness is a Four-letter Word,” where she portrayed Zaza, a character who is a mother of two, a shoe store owner, and the trophy wife of Bheki (Simo Magwaza). The movie achieved significant success at the box office, grossing over R7 million in its third week on screen. Following this achievement, she was recognized by the Johannesburg Film Festival as one of the top 10 South African actresses in film in October 2016.
Her second film, a thriller titled “The Red Room,” was scheduled for release in cinemas in 2018.
In 2017, Khanyi Mbau embarked on the production of her third film, “Frank and Fearless,” in collaboration with filmmaker and comedian Leon Schuster. This film was also set for a cinema release in 2018.
Business ventures
In November 2018, Khanyi Mbau made an announcement about the introduction of her own gin brand named “I Am Khanyi – Millennial Shimmer Gin.”
Khanyi Mbau Net Worth
Mbau is believed to have an estimated net worth of $10 million.
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