More and more South African stars shine overseas in music and film

More and more South African stars shine overseas in music and filmElaine, Nasty C, Black Coffee and Sho Madjozi are just a few of the musicians flying the Mzansi flag high on the international stage.

by Nokwanda Ncwane

28-05-2023 18:47

in Entertainment

South Africa is one of the leading countries in Africa to produce actors and actresses who become stars who shine in Hollywood. Lately Mzansi is also slowly but surely also adding musicians to the list of international stars who are making it in the United States.

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Here are a few more of Mzansi's artists who have bagged international deals.

1. Elaine https://www.instagram.com/p/CD4DB1GJHDO/

Ndivhuwo Mukheli, popularly known as Elaine, is a South African R&B singer and songwriter from Pretoria.

Elaine, 21, released her EP titled Elements and recently signed to Columbia Records, home to artists such as Pharrell Williams, Alicia Keys, Beyonc and Adele.

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Her song You're The One has more than 2.5 million views on YouTube.

Her EP reached top spot on both the national iTunes and Apple Music album chart, making her the first independent female artist to do so.

2. Nasty C https://www.instagram.com/p/CEOHzB6p_vg/

The award-winning rapper - real name Nsikayesizwe Ngcobo - started as an independent artist and later signed to Mabala Noise.

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In March, Nasty C signed an exclusive deal with legendary hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings through a joint venture with Universal Music Africa.

Nasty C has also won almost every hip-hop award in South Africa, as well as a few continental awards.

3. DJ Black Coffee https://www.instagram.com/p/CEFIMwMDgqt/

Nkosinathi Maphumulo, whom we know as Black Coffee, is an international house DJ who was born in Durban. The 44-year-old artist is now based in New York City.

He has collaborated with artists, such as David Guetta and Usher. He has scooped several awards, including the Breakthrough DJ of the Year award at the DJ Awards in Ibiza and BET Award for Best International Act.

4. Sho Madjozi https://www.instagram.com/p/CCEMBTYgiSZ/

This 31-year-old Tsonga rapper and song writer originally wore the name Maya Wegerif. She also signed with Epic Records earlier in 2020, and became the first South African to do so.

Sho Madjozi is not new on the international stage: In 2019 she bagged her first BET Award for Best International Act. She also was Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award Favourite African Star.

Other South African stars in the US

Nomzamo Mbatha: The Durban-born 32-year-old actress lives in California. Mbatha also signed a management deal with Creative Artists Agency and starred in Coming 2 America alongside major-league Hollywood stars Wesley Snipes and Eddie Murphy.

Trevor Noah: The Daily Show presenter moved to the US in 2015 and is ranked as one of the best comedians in the world. In 2019, Forbes magazine ranked Noah as the fourth highest paid comedian.

Charlize Theron: The Benoni-born star was the first South African to win an Oscar, which she won for Monster in 2003. Theron has starred in many famous Hollywood movies and scooped many awards.

Lesley-Ann Brandt is another, read about how she made it here:

Lucifer' actress Lesley-Ann Brandt talks about Hollywood life

Then there are these famous faces:

See how many of these Hollywood stars are actually from South Africa

Whether it's in music, film or television South Africa sure does have talent and is not afraid to export and expose its national treasures to the world stage.

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