Latest news with #KhanyiMbau
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Khanyi Mbau jets off to Los Angeles for Netflix Reality Universe
Khanyi is the first African to receive a Netflix Reality Universe Superlatives nomination. Media personality Khanyi Mbau recently jetted off to Los Angeles for the annual Netflix Reality Universe Superlatives, a global celebration of Netflix's most popular reality TV stars. Mbau made history this year, becoming the first African to receive a nomination in the prestigious awards, and it's her first-ever career nomination. She is nominated in the Main Character Energy category for her role in the hit Netflix reality series Young, Famous & African. 'So excited to be nominated as the first African for the Netflix Superlative vote for: Main Character Energy… 'What does giving the main character energy mean? Taking a lead role in your own life rather than living as a supporting cast member for others,' she wrote, sharing the exciting news on Instagram earlier this month. ALSO READ: Dr Rebecca Malope to receive lifetime honour at Basadi in Music Awards Khanyi Mbau: '16 hours flight' Mbau posted a few snaps on her Instagram Stories, giving fans a sneak peek inside her trip to the United States for the prestigious awards. Pictures: Khanyi Mbau's IG stories/Screenshot Voting closed on 15 July, with winners set to be announced during the Netflix Summer Break event on 17 July. Mbau is competing against several international reality TV personalities, including Too Hot to Handle's Harry Jowsey, Love Is Blind's Jess Vestal, and Owning Manhattan's Ryan Serhant. NOW READ: Gigaba's ex-wife on leaked sex video: 'We were blackmailed for almost six months'
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Khanyi Mbau breaks barriers as the first African nominee for Netflix Reality Universe Superlative
Media personality, Khanyi Mbau excitedly revealed that she has received a nomination at the international Netflix Reality Universe Superlative, making her the first African to receive the nod. Image: Instagram South African actress, Khanyi Mbau has made history and raised the SA flag high as the first African to receive a nod at the international Netflix Reality Universe Superlative awards. The media personality has been making waves in the acting industry as she has appeared on many shows, including 'Meet The Khumalos', "Happiness is a Four-letter Word', 'The Wife' as well as 'Young, Famous & African', among many others. The 39-year-old has been nominated under the category of 'Main Character Energy' at the prestigious awards for her reality TV show stints on 'Young, Famous & African.' Mbau excitedly took to social media to make an announcement about the international nod to her fans and urged them to support her. 'So excited to be nominated as the first African for the Netflix Superlatives vote for: Main Character Energy, head to my IG story or the link in my bio to cast your vote and help me win, you can vote once a day from now till the 15th of July,' the reality TV star shared. Speaking to 'TshisaLive', Mbau revealed that this is the first time in her acting career that she received a nomination. 'I have never been nominated for any of my TV work and this means the world to me. Been in the industry for over 23 years now, so this is major. 'Once I win ... I plan on bringing it back home to my abundance angels. This win would be a symbol to my girls that giving up is never an option. Someone will recognise your effort one day. Keep going,' Mbau shared. The 'Mbau Reloaded' reality star also shared that being an actress and a reality star has changed her life drastically in terms of opportunities and she has even met people who have motivated her to strive for greater heights. 'Being an actress and a reality star with influencer marketing opportunities has impacted my life in a tremendous way. It's given me access to the most influential people on the planet, global access to incredible experiences and it has truly educated me on life, it's an ongoing trip of self-discovery.
The Herald
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Khanyi Mbau bags first nomination after 23 years in the industry
Khanyi Mbau is beaming with pride after being nominated for the Netflix Reality Universe Superlatives in the Main Character category for her reality TV show stint on Netflix. She is nominated alongside other notable reality TV stars including Jess from The Perfect Match , Harry from Too Hot to Handle , Ryan of Owning Manhattan , and Chrishell of Selling Sunset — making her the only African in the category. 'I have never been nominated for any of my TV work and this means the world to me. Been in the industry for over 23 years now so this is major. Once I win ... I plan on bringing it back home to my abundance angels. This win would be a symbol to my girls that giving up is never an option. Someone will recognise your effort one day. Keep going,' Khanyi told TshisaLIVE. 'What sets me apart from all the other nominees is that I am from the best country on earth — South Africa. No DNA ... our country is heaven.' As an actress, Khanyi has featured in two Netflix films, Happiness Ever After , and Meet The Khumalos, aside from other productions on other platforms. Her reality TV show stints include Young, Famous and African (YFA) — which bagged her the nomination — as well as Mbau Reloaded — Always Rise on BET, which honed in on her juggling motherhood and business. 'I would say reality TV is basically what the word 'reality' is! I keep it real 100. It's the only way I can sleep at night and be OK with myself after every season. 'I keep it genuine, I have never been for the market of fitting in or being liked, nor do I compete for number one, but I am in the business of making my audience feel. Good or bad, I need you to feel. Because it's through emotion that one connects to self.' While Nadia Nakai recently revealed that she is not going to be in the upcoming season of YFA , Khanyi was evasive in confirming whether she would be part of the show, saying the show is her 'baby' and the future will tell. 'Africa has become a big-time player in the global entertainment industry. The show has brought seasoned celebrities into your homes allowing you to see what it takes to belong to your audience while navigating your own life and its challenges, but also that it's not a far-fetched dream to become anything you desire." While there have been disputes surrounding the title of the show and the cast of the crew which has featured Zari Hassan, Swanky Jerry, Annie Macaulay-Idibia, Naked DJ, Andile Ncube, Diamond Platnumz and others, Khanyi said people need to shed light on why they are called 'young'. 'We think young is only applicable when you are at a certain age but young is a state of mind, you are as young as your dreams are. The show is not Youth Famous and African, so you are as young as you want to be ... in Beyoncé's voice, 'forever young'." Some might think that reality TV could be damaging to a brand and shy away from doing it, but for Khanyi, she has reaped a positive impact from her involvement. 'Being an actress and a reality star with influencer marketing opportunities has impacted my life in a tremendous way. It's given me access to the most influential people on the planet, global access to incredible experiences and it has truly educated me on life, it's an ongoing trip of self-discovery. I am grateful for the exposure. Professionally, I have met key people who have inspired me to be better, want better and to also inspire and assist those around me selflessly. 'A big shout out and a word of gratitude to Netflix — it has changed so many lives, putting our continent on the world map for industries in entertainment and production.'
TimesLIVE
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Khanyi Mbau bags first nomination after 23 years in the industry
Khanyi Mbau is beaming with pride after being nominated for the Netflix Reality Universe Superlatives in the Main Character category for her reality TV show stint on Netflix. She is nominated alongside other notable reality TV stars including Jess from The Perfect Match, Harry from Too Hot to Handle, Ryan of Owning Manhattan, and Chrishell of Selling Sunset — making her the only African in the category. 'I have never been nominated for any of my TV work and this means the world to me. Been in the industry for over 23 years now so this is major. Once I win ... I plan on bringing it back home to my abundance angels. This win would be a symbol to my girls that giving up is never an option. Someone will recognise your effort one day. Keep going,' Khanyi told TshisaLIVE. 'What sets me apart from all the other nominees is that I am from the best country on earth — South Africa. No DNA ... our country is heaven.' As an actress, Khanyi has featured in two Netflix films, Happiness Ever After, and Meet The Khumalos, aside from other productions on other platforms. Her reality TV show stints include Young, Famous and African (YFA) — which bagged her the nomination — as well as Mbau Reloaded — Always Rise on BET, which honed in on her juggling motherhood and business. 'I would say reality TV is basically what the word 'reality' is! I keep it real 100. It's the only way I can sleep at night and be OK with myself after every season. 'I keep it genuine, I have never been for the market of fitting in or being liked, nor do I compete for number one, but I am in the business of making my audience feel. Good or bad, I need you to feel. Because it's through emotion that one connects to self.' While Nadia Nakai recently revealed that she is not going to be in the upcoming season of YFA, Khanyi was evasive in confirming whether she would be part of the show, saying the show is her 'baby' and the future will tell. 'Africa has become a big-time player in the global entertainment industry. The show has brought seasoned celebrities into your homes allowing you to see what it takes to belong to your audience while navigating your own life and its challenges, but also that it's not a far-fetched dream to become anything you desire." While there have been disputes surrounding the title of the show and the cast of the crew which has featured Zari Hassan, Swanky Jerry, Annie Macaulay-Idibia, Naked DJ, Andile Ncube, Diamond Platnumz and others, Khanyi said people need to shed light on why they are called 'young'. 'We think young is only applicable when you are at a certain age but young is a state of mind, you are as young as your dreams are. The show is not Youth Famous and African, so you are as young as you want to be ... in Beyoncé's voice, 'forever young'." Some might think that reality TV could be damaging to a brand and shy away from doing it, but for Khanyi, she has reaped a positive impact from her involvement. 'Being an actress and a reality star with influencer marketing opportunities has impacted my life in a tremendous way. It's given me access to the most influential people on the planet, global access to incredible experiences and it has truly educated me on life, it's an ongoing trip of self-discovery. I am grateful for the exposure. Professionally, I have met key people who have inspired me to be better, want better and to also inspire and assist those around me selflessly. 'A big shout out and a word of gratitude to Netflix — it has changed so many lives, putting our continent on the world map for industries in entertainment and production.'
News24
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Khanyi Mbau commands spotlight with ‘Main Character Energy' nod at Netflix awards
Khanyi Mbau has earned a nomination for Netflix Reality Universe Superlatives. The awards spotlight standout personalities and moments from Netflix's reality shows, which collectively form the Netflix Reality Universe (NRU). This 'universe' brings together stars from reality shows like Love Is Blind, Perfect Match, Selling Sunset, Love on the Spectrum and more. Fans can vote in 10 categories: Main Character Energy, Reality Ride or Dies, Cutest Couple, Biggest Flirt, Most Strategic Player, Ultimate Reality BFFs, and Style Icon. Mbau was nominated in the Main Character Energy category for her appearance in Young, Famous and African. 'So excited to be nominated as the first African for the Netflix Superlative vote for Main Character Energy,' she wrote on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Khanyi Mbau Metanoia (@mbaureloaded) Mbau also encouraged fans to vote for her before closing on 15 July. Young, African and Famous follows famous media personalities from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Uganda and Tanzania. Netflix's first African reality series, season 1, premiered on 18 March 2022, followed by a second season in May 2023 and season three in January 2025. Other cast members include Annie Macaulay-Idibia, Bonang Matheba, Diamond Platnumz, Swanky Jerry, Zari Hassan, Nadia Nakai, 2Baba, Naked DJ, Kayleigh Schwark, Andile Ncube, Luis Munana, Ini Edo, Kefilwe Mabote and Fantana. Show Comments ()
