10 South African Celebrities That You Should Know Of

From musicians to politicians, actors, dancers, comedians to famous TikTokers and YouTubers, South African celebrities are countless. It seems like, with every passing day, a new celebrity is born or created.

In no particular order, here is a list of ten South African celebrities that you should know about.

Cassper Nyovest is one of the most famous celebrities in South Africa.

He is an award-winning rapper, songwriter, producer and businessman who has achieved so much in just a few years.

The 31-year old superstar has millions of fans around the world who enjoy his music and lavish lifestyle. He is the most followed person on Instagram in South Africa.

Also known as South African Queen B, Bonang Mathemba is another popular celebrity in South Africa.

This award-winning media personality has appeared in over 50 magazine covers and is celebrated for her work as a radio and television host, reality TV star, as well as and entrepreneur.

In 2020, she was listed in the Forbes’ 50 Most Powerful Women in Africa. Bonang also tries to give back to her community through her Bonang Matheba Bursary Fund.

Somizi Buyani Mhlongo, who is simply known as Somizi, is another revered celebrity in South Africa.

He is an accomplished actor, a dancer, a choreographer, radio presenter and a television personality who has enjoyed a successful career spanning over 30 years.

While he is widely known and celebrated for his accomplishments and talents, his fans also love Somizi for his bold sense of fashion and style.

It’s also important to note that Somizi is one of the few South African celebrities who are openly gay.

Minnie Dlamini is another popular celebrity in South Africa and is often considered as the face of South African television.

The beautiful media personality only started her career in 2010, and she has already achieved some great milestones.

She currently works as a sports show presenter for SuperSport.

Caster Semenya is one of the most prolific sports personalities in South Africa.

She is a middle-distance runner who has represented South Africa in a number of competitions and won.

Caster first caught international attention in 2009 when she participated in the world championships in Berlin and won the 800 metres Gold, where her speed aroused the suspicion of the IAAF, who subjected her to tests to prove that she was a woman.

She has been a common symbol for activism against gender discrimination in the athletics world.  

This politician is one of the South African celebrities who gained celebrity status for his activism works and often controversial remarks.

Julius Malema currently serves as a member of parliament and president of the Economic Freedom Fighters.

He is known to be very vocal about land reforms issues and social injustices. 

Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, popularly known as AKA, is one of South Africa’s all-time top rappers.

The musician/songwriter also dabbles as a producer has worked with international stars, including Kanye West and Snoop Dogg.

He has a fanbase beyond South Africa, and he is one of the most expensive South African celebrities to book for an event.

Connie Ferguson is one of the most prominent South African celebrities who has been in the limelight for over two decades. 

The 51-year-old award-winning actress has graced South Africa’s film industry since 1994 when she starred in the popular South African soap opera Generations.

Besides her successful acting career, Connie Ferguson is also a model, producer, and businesswoman who has been featured in the Forbes Africa cover.

Connie was married to Shona Ferguson, another popular South African celebrity, who passed on in 2021 from COVID complications.

Nkosinathi Innocent Sizwe Maphumulo, aka Black Coffee, is among the South African celebrities who enjoy popularity beyond the borders of South Africa.

Black Coffee is a deejay, producer, and songwriter. His album, Subcountiously, which featured artists like Usher, Pharrel Williams, David Guetta, and Diplo, was nominated for the 64th Annual Grammys Awards, which will take place in April 2022.

This award-winning artist with a colourful and eccentric style has made a name for herself globally and is one of the biggest South African celebrities.

In 2019, Sho Majodzi’s hit song, ‘John Cena’, got her invited to the Kelly Clarkson show, where during the talk show, she was surprised by John Cena. Her reaction in the video went viral, increasing her already famous status.

Which of these South African celebrities is your favourite? Let us also know why you love them.