Khanyi Mbau has made a big name for herself in South African entertainment. She is not only known for her exceptional talents but also for her stunning beauty. Her life has been under the media spotlight, and this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of her career, biography, and personal endeavours. So, who is she? Khanyi Mbau is an actress, musician, television presenter and socialite from SA. She came to the limelight after starring in the Mzansi soapie Muvhango as Doobsie and in Mzansi as Mbali. She has also appeared in other shoes such as After Nine, The Scoop and The Big Secret.
Who are Khanyi Mbau’s parents? According to GH Gossip, her mother, Lynette Sisi Mbau, worked in the finance department of the pension fund at Barclays Bank. At the time of Khanyisile’s birth, her father, Menzi Mcunu, was in a dating relationship with Lynette. However, Khanyi took her mother’s surname Mbau. The Mzansi star was raised by her maternal Grandparents in Mofolo, Soweto.
CAREER
Careerwise, Khanyi wears many hats. She rose to fame as an actress, musician, television presenter, and socialite. Her notable roles include Doobsie in Muvhango from 2004 to 2005 and Mbali in Mzansi.
As per TVSA, Khanyi took over the character Doobsie on Muvhango in 2004 after actress Lindiwe Chibi passed away. However, Khanyi left the role a year later due to rumours of excessive partying and being featured in Sunday tabloids.
In 2006, she appeared as Mbali on Mzansi but stayed in the role for one season. Moreover, in the following year, she portrayed Zee in the SABC1 mini-series After 9.
Since then, she has appeared in various TV shows such as Abomama, Ashes to Ashes, aYeYe, Check-Coast and Family Secrets.
In the music scene, Khanyi released a self-titled album on 1 January 2010. According to Deezer, she also has two singles Ubusuku Bonke and Shake. Additionally, she has been featured in various songs such as Unconditional Love, Warrior by LeAnne and Ilambu by Nokwazi.
PERSONAL LIFE
Khanyi Mbau has had a controversial romantic life. At 19, she married Mandla Mthembu, despite the 30-year age gap. But when Mthembu faced financial difficulties, Mbau ended the marriage. Mthembu allegedly went broke in 2008, but he rubbished the rumours two years later he disappeared from the spotlight, and South Africans have been trying to connect the dots on his whereabouts since 2010.
They had a daughter Khanukani Mbau born in 2007. According to reports by IOL, Khanyi fell under fire for her parenting skills after she revealed that her daughter, who was then 15 years was living in her own apartment. Many netizens felt that her parenting style was too progressive.