Congratulations are in order for Thobani Nzuza, the talented South African actor known for his compelling performances in popular television series such as eHostela, Uzalo, and DiepCity. This dynamic artist has recently announced the release of his second theatre play, an exciting milestone in his burgeoning career.
In a heartfelt message on Instagram, Nzuza revealed that he had decided to publish this new play, a work he crafted during his time at varsity in 2014. The decision was inspired by an email from Professor Ravengai at Wits University earlier this year. In the message, Professor Ravengai expressed interest in the play, noting that it had been the subject of a directing project by two fourth-year students. The professor’s enthusiasm for Nzuza’s work highlighted its potential educational value, particularly for first-year students studying non-realist and presentational theatre.
Born on May 4, 1993, Thobani Nzuza has established himself as a versatile figure in the arts, serving as an actor, director, playwright, vocalist, and dancer. His journey in the world of performance arts began in 2010 when he enrolled in the Community Arts Center. Under the mentorship of renowned artist Buhle ‘Bo’ Mlazi, Nzuza honed his craft and laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
His debut came in 2014 with the stage play Silencing the Hurricanes, produced by Themi Venturas, which was showcased in Bangkok. The success of this initial venture propelled him to write and direct Shintsha Guluva for the Isigcawu Festival, receiving critical acclaim and earning him the Best Director award.
Nzuza’s contributions to theatre did not go unnoticed, as he continued to thrive in both acting and directing roles. In 2015, he starred in Secret Valley of the Great Kings, for which he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Durban Mercury Theatre Awards. His collaborative effort with Kagiso Tsimakwane in 2015 produced the successful one-man show Boy Ntulikazi, which garnered several awards, including the Best Actor Award at the 2015 Isigcawu Festival.
His accolades further expanded in 2017 when he received the Best Actor Award at the Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival, where Boy Ntulikazi also clinched the Best Production Award, along with the Best Community Production Award at the South African Theatre Magazine Awards.
Beyond South Africa, Nzuza represented the Shakespeare festival in Germany in 2016 with Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Debbie Lutge. His television career took off with notable roles, including Mdeni in Mzansi Magic’s eHostela in 2018, followed by impactful performances in the supernatural telenovela Isipho and the widely watched soapie Uzalo. Most recently, in 2021, he captivated audiences with his portrayal of Simangaliso Xaba in DiepCity.