Media Personalities Archives - Owen S Management

Bonnie Mbuli

March 15, 2022 By Owen Swanson

Bonnie Mbuli

Bonnie Mbuli was born in Soweto, South Africa.

She was discovered by an actor’s agent when she was just thirteen years old. Her first job – shortly thereafter – was in a television series titled Viva Families. This was followed by cameo roles in various international productions: Born Free 2 and Cave Girls. Bonnie went on to present several magazine programs for television including Teleschool, Zapmag, Technics Heart of the Beat and Limits Unlimited.

In 2001, Bonnie was cast as the lead role in the hit television soap opera, Backstage aimed at the South African youth market. She was later given the role of Portia in the series Gazlam and afterward as a detective in the series Zero Tolerance.

Bonnie hosted a talk show in South Africa on SABC 1 entitled True-Life, won a role in the mini-series Homecoming, and appeared in two Canadian television series: Charlie Jade (a sci-fi epic) and Scouts Safari (an adventure series set in the African wild). She had a starring role in Home Affairs for Penguin Films: a popular thirteen-part series about the lives of five very different women. Bonnie went on to appear in television series Soul City and Hillside (for SABC 1 and SABC 2): she played the lead in both. She was then cast in the ground-breaking series, The Philanthropist for NBC (later on SABC 3), a prime time American action drama TV series.

She has played the role of singer Dolly Radebe in the film Drum; the lead role in the Danish film Blinded Angels, directed by the acclaimed Jon Bang Carlsen; and she starred opposite Tim Robbins and Derek Luke in the Phillip Noyce Universal Pictures blockbuster Catch a Fire. The Washington Post had this to say about Bonnie’s performance in Catch a Fire : “South Africa’s Henna Is ‘On Fire’”. She also played Zindzi Mandela in Clint Eastwood’s film Invictus about Nelson Mandela’s involvement in the 2010 rugby World Cup which also starred Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon.

Bonnie is more than just a household name in South Africa: she was a child star who won the hearts of South Africans across the country and continues to blaze trails as an inspiring role model. Her influence reaches beyond South Africa: she is said to possesses a ‘talent reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn’ by the New York Times. Well-travelled, highly articulate and possessed of an agile mind, Bonnie carries herself with an elegance, grace and élan evident to all. She is frequently on the cover of South Africa’s glossiest magazines and continues to feature on the many current and popular radio and television shows.

This multi-talented performer is also a skilled MC for high-profile events, and her voice – a velvety alto – is much in demand as a voice-over artist.

Bonnie has starred in e.tv’s Rhythm City in a recurring role, playing the intriguing, powerful and sometimes crazy Nozipho; on Mzansi Magic’s drama series Rockville as the feisty Dudu and on Etv’s ground-breaking crime investigation series Traffic: the first of its kind to star a female on South African television.

In 2015, Bonnie starred opposite Sir Kenneth Charles Branagh as police woman Grace Mthembu in the popular British series Wallander.

Bonnie came third on M-Net’s popular television show, Survivor Maldives – “Celebs vs Plebs”. On Survivor, this beloved star came across as a positive and nurturing soul and with a strong mental spiritual and physical backbone.

After a three year stint as host on the South African lifestyle show Afternoon Express which has one of the largest viewerships in South African television, Bonnie returned to the small screen with a bang starring in Season 1 and 2 of BBC One’s Noughts and Crosses where she plays the formidable Jasmine. On South African television, she currently stars in Season 2 of Mzansi Magic’s riveting political drama, The Republic.

Bonnie is also a published author: her memoir Eyebags and Dimples is a best seller in South Africa and is available in most major bookstores nationwide.

Community and social development are passions very close to Bonnie’s heart. Her has done extensive work with abandoned children and in South African orphanages has been influential in her has become a spokesperson for Adoption Voice S.A.

Bonnie is one of the best-loved and most appealing stars in South African. She has an undisputedly august and professional reputation as one of the most multi-talented celebrities in the South African entertainment industry.

For bookings or more information on Bonnie, please get in contact with an agent at OSM Talent.

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Themba Behrens

July 22, 2021 By Owen Swanson

Themba Behrens

Click here Themba's resume

Themba Robin – a South African Voice Artist, Actor, MC and Content Creator .

His comical undertone and infectious personality translates well across all mediums.

He has appeared in two Netflix Shows, a number of popular TV commercials and his voice can be heard on TV and Radio spots.

He will bring spark and wit to your project .

For bookings or more information on Themba, please get in contact with an agent at OSM Talent.

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Shannon Leibach

May 4, 2021 By Owen Swanson

Shannon Leibach

Click here for Shannon's resume

Shannon Leibach was born in Johannesburg on the 17th October 1995 and started acting at an early age. Since he was enrolled in school he participated in school concerts, eisteddfods, and toastmasters; winning numerous awards from the age of eight to eighteen.

When Shannon matriculated he knew that acting, MCing and presenting was his passion, he decided to study Theatre and Performance at Wits university from 2014 to 2018. While studying Shannon won a monologue competition hosted by the prestigious IMTA and was flown to New York where he placed 2nd in his age group for monologue, improv, scene, commercial and cold read work.

Not long after that Shannon participated in the annual Presenter Search on 3 competition which is an open audition hosted by SABC 3 for their new Top Billing, Expresso, and Afternoon Express shows. Out of 5000 people Shannon placed 7th narrowly missing out on the coveted top six which all landed SABC contracts but the best was yet to come.

In 2019, with no radio experience, Shannon was handpicked by DJ Fresh to join his brand new radio show on the radio station 947. Dj Fresh had been one of the judges on Presenter Search on 3 and saw the massive potential he had and knew it was the right time to snatch him up.

Shannon has been a hit on the show with his sharp humor and down to earth nature that Joburg has come to adore. Shannon has worked with brands such as Vodacom and Samsung and lately you can see him rocking the DJ decks at a club near you as he is thoroughly addicted to any type of entertainment.

For bookings or more information on Shannon, please get in contact with an agent at OSM Talent.

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Leeanda Reddy

March 31, 2021 By Owen Swanson

Leeanda Reddy

Click here for Leeanda's resume

Leeanda Reddy won a SAFTA (South African Film and Television Award) in 2016 for Best Lead Actress (Isidingo). She is a popular screen and stage actress, currently appearing on Mnet’s Legacy as Nirvana and still well known for her role as Priyanka Kumar on SABC3's Isidingo. Her film career has seen her perform with Naomi Watts in Diana (2013), Boris Kodjoe and Tront Espen Seim in the international crime thriller series Cape Town (2016) as well as feature with Idris Elba in Dark Tower (2017). Locally, she was the lead actress opposite Leon Schuster in the blockbuster; Mr Bones 2 and also the lead actress in 3 Days to Go, released in cinemas in January 2019. She is due to appear in the eight part crime-thriller “Reyka” releasing in 2021.

Leeanda has a diverse performance career in television, film, theatre and corporate entertainment. She has an impressive record as an MC and Conference Chair in the corporate arena.

Theatre has seen her perform on major stages throughout South Africa as well as abroad in India and Edinburgh, Scotland. Apart from her dramatic on screen roles, she is equally known for her comedy performances, having brought well loved theatre characters to life on stage and performing stand-up comedy across the country.

For bookings or more information on Leeanda, please get in contact with an agent at OSM Talent.

Lorcia Cooper Kumalo

September 16, 2020 By Owen Swanson

Lorcia Cooper Kumalo

Lorcia Cooper Kumalo was born in raised in Cape Town. Lorcia trained in dance at Debbie Turner’s Academy of Dance. A renown face on SA shores, Lorcia wears many caps, namely; Dancer, Choreographer, Dance Teacher, Actress, Presenter Motivational Speaker and Life Coach.

Lorcia joined her first youth dance group at the age of 15, Cape Youth Dance Company. Moving on to join her first professional outfit, the North West Dance Company at the age of 18 years old. At the age of 20 Lorcia was nominated for the FNB Dancer of the Year. This catapulted her dancing career as she went on to perform in various theatre and corporate shows across the world, including Europe and the USA.

Lorcia’s first break onto local television screens was on the hit ETV show, Backstage. Both acting and choreographing for the show, Lorcia played the role of Charmaine. After leaving the show, she moved on to perform in various prime time shows. In 2019 and 2020 Lorcia was nominated for a SAFTA award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama series (Lockdown), taking home the award in 2019.

With her passion rooted in being a change facilitator and making a positive difference to the youth, Lorcia started a programme called ‘Life Skills through Dance’, by partnering with brands such as McDonald’s, Easy Waves and Shield the programme which has to date reached over 3000 young people and taught them valuable life skills through the medium of dance, empowering their future’s.

For bookings or more information on Lorcia, please get in contact with an agent at Owen S. Management on 011 483 0940 / [email protected].

Solo Langa

July 9, 2020 By Owen Swanson

Solo Langa

Solo Ntsizwa Ka Mthimkhulu (Zothile Langa), one of three children, was born and raised in Diepkloof, Soweto. Having written music for 15 years, he was known as a rapper and performer throughout his high school years. Solo finished high school in 2005 and went on to study Accounting at the University of Johannesburg. He did not finish his degree because he chose to persue a career in music.

The centre of his music is the art of story-telling and creating a visual picture. His first offering was in 2011, with an E.P. entitled ‘No Shades of Grey’ which received a review of 4/5 in Hype magazine. In 2012 he came out with his first single and music video entitled ‘Bad’ and later on that year went onto sign a recording deal with Grey Dreaming under Kabomo Vilakazi.

In 2013 Solo released two more singles ‘Star Dust’ and ‘The Frolic’ which feature on his debut studio album, ‘.Dreams.A.Plenty.’. In January 2014, he released the remix to ‘Star Dust’ which features Tumi from the Volume and Proverb, which also features on the album. ‘.Dreams.A.Plenty.’ was released on the 4th April 2014 and can be found in music retail stores as well as iTunes. Hype Magazine gave this album a stellar review and awarded it 4.5/5 in June 2014.

Solo also won the coverted ‘Best New Comer Award’ for 2014 at the SA Hip Hop Awards in December 2014.

In 2015, Solo released the 1st Single off his sophomore album, ‘Dreams.B.Plenty’, entitled ‘Overtime’. ‘.Dreams.B.Plenty.’ is the first album that Solo released under his own record label, ‘1988 Music (Pty) Ltd’.

Solo was also roped in by the car brand, Jeep to write and record a theme song for their 2015 release, Jeep Renegade. This campaign assisted in the car being the highest selling model for Jeep in 2015.

Solo released a joined album with label mate, Buks under the banner of BETR GANG in November 2015. The album was called ‘We Need A Title’ and was distributed on their website www.betrgang.com. Fans were given the opportunity to purchase the album at any amount they wanted.

BETR GANG won the ‘Jameson Indie Grant Challenge’ in 2016, which saw them receive a grant of R100 000 to shoot a music video for their single, ‘The Heist’. The music video was released on the 5 August 2016.

On the 16th September 2016, Solo released his sophomore album, ‘.Dreams.B.Plenty.’ under his label, ‘1988 Music’. The album features great artists like Kabomo, Ziyon, Spoek Mathambo, Lilly Million and more. This art piece also features renowned South African actors like Tumisho Masha, Fulu Mugovhani (SAFTA Award Winner for Best Lead Actress 2016), Altovise Lawrence, Richard Lukunku, Neo Ntlatleng, Tango Ncetezo and Mpume Mayiyane.

The stand out single, ‘Jubilee No Ligamo’ climbed all the way to number 11 on the Kaya FM top 40. On the 5th November 2017, Solo alongside his partner Dineo Moeketsi won the ‘Most Stylish Couple’ award at the 2017 SA Style awards. This came as no surprise after the self-proclaimed ‘Dapper Rapper’ won the ‘Best Dressed Man’ of the night the year before at the GQ Man style awards and multiple style features in their print magazine over the past 3 years. Solo’s love and passion for music has always shown through the work he puts out to his audience, on the 8th December 2017, ‘Solo and The BETR Gang’ announced the release of their second album ‘Tour Dates’. This concept album which was released on 3 January 2018, is a collaboration project, that sees Solo & The BETR Gang team up with 14 phenomenal features in SA Hip Hop.

The album is structured in the same way that a nationwide tour would be set up. Each song on the project represents a city in South Africa. All the regions are also represented by a feature from an artist, who originate from said places. This further reinforces the tour concept. Solo & The BETR Gang went on to create a never done before, 8-week residency at the AGOG Gallery in Maboneng and have not disappointed by putting on a brand-new show every week featuring special guests from the album as well as other industry heavyweights.

At the Grand Finale of their residency, Solo and The BETR Gang announced their new EP titled ‘des DATES de TOURNEE’ (Tour Dates - France Edition), which is the 3rd offering from the digital hip hop band. The 5 track EP was released digitally on Friday, 08 June 2018. The band then went on to announce their 3-city France Tour to promote the EP, they performed in Bordeaux, Nantes and Paris from the 18 June – 30 June 2018.

On the 5th October 2018, Solo and The BETR Gang released their new project, ‘Tour Dates Deluxe’ which featured 5 new tracks with 7 additional artists. The launch of their deluxe album was also the launch for their nationwide tour, which would see them performing in different regions with the artists who champion that region as headliners on the ‘Tour Dates for Tour Dates’ Tour.

In October 2018, Solo was named as number 4 in the Top 10 Best Dressed Males of 2018 by GQ Magazine.

For bookings or more information on Solo, please, get in contact with an agent at Owen S. Management on 011 483 0940 / [email protected]

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Chi Mhende

June 9, 2020 By Owen Swanson

Chi Mhende

Click here for Chi's resume

Chi Mhende is a Zimbabwean born performer and voice over artist.

She has worked extensively in the theatre performing leading roles, in both Shakespearean and Original works, on renowned Joburg and Cape Town stages. She has a background in Art Therapy having worked as a drama practitioner for the Zakheni Arts Foundation and as an Improv artist with the Bonfire Theatre Company. Woven into this freelancer’s game are appearances on international television shows namely; Mad Dogs, Homeland and Dominion.

In 2014 Chi received the Best Actress Award at the Durban International Film Festival for her lead role in the feature film Love The One You Love, directed by Jenna Bass. This role also led to an African Movie Academy Award nomination for Promising Young Artist.

In July 2015, Chi accepted the role of Wandile Radebe on SABC 1’s Generations: The Legacy, a role that came with much controversy and chatter, questioning the producers’ casting of a female performer in a male role. In November 2016 the character was revealed as Transgender. The actress, who describes herself as a “full on method performer” underwent a gruelling transformation which involved the strapping of her breasts and forgoing months of grooming rituals in order to deliver a body unlike her own, and create what Mzansi came to know as a very “pretty, yet sexually confused young MAN”. An advocate and die-hard soldier for human rights, Chi was delighted to portray this ground-breaking role (the first of its kind on African television), an opportunity she defines as “any artist’s dream come true and the absolute point and purpose of our existence as storytellers.”

In February 2017 Chi was named the SA Ambassador of the charity organisation Dramatic Need, a centre that provides an artistic outlet for children in the village of Rammulotsi, Freestate. Art based workshops and stories from the young people have delivered the internationally celebrated show The Children’s Monologues. Previously performed at The Royal Court by international stars such as Nicole Kidman and Benedict Cumberbatch, as well as at the Market Theatre in a magical 2016 concert opened by the late great Hugh Masekela. In November 2017 the children’s stories were again honoured at the Market Theatre, both having been directed by James Ngcobo with the 2017 show being staged by an all female cast. Thembisa Mdoda, Mmabatho Montsho, Cindy Swanepoel, Natasha Sutherland, Fiona Ramsay and other noteworthy artists where amongst this star studdedcast. Chi having performed with both the 2016 and 2017 players. In an international display, staged only hours later, the exact same script went up on the Carnegie Hall stage, directed by the charity’s long-time friend, trustee and sole international director of the Monologues, Academy Award Winner Danny Boyle.

Chi made her return to the theatre in the July of 2017 restaging of Sue Pam-Grant’s comedy drama Chasing Chairs, opposite Theo Landey. Later that year, celebrating the Panto season’s 30th anniversary, Chi made her Joburg Theatre debut Janice Honeyman's Pinocchio, as the villainous Pussy Galore The Cat.

In March 2019, Chi left Generations as an actor and began training as a multicam director on the show, under mentor and Principal Director, Ronnie Lennox. In May 2019 she joined the cast of Africa 's first ever Netflix Original Queen Sono as SOG Director General, Miriro Dube.

With more than a decade long voice-over career, having voiced numerous local and international documentaries, TV and Radio campaigns, Chi has been the station voice for 702, Cape Talk and Fine Music Radio.

For bookings or more information on Chi, please get in contact with an agent at OSM Talent.

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Keorapetse Hlope

February 27, 2020 By Owen Swanson

Keorapetse Hlope

Keorapetse is a TV & radio presenter, voice artist, producer & reporter.

Keorapetse studied a Bachelor of Science Informatics degree at UNISA, from there she joined the CNN Fellowship and South African Voice Over Academy to further develop her skills.

This award winning news anchor brings over 10 years’ experience to the booth, her voice lends itself to a wide range of scripts, including the widely popular conversational delivery style. Keorapetse is bilingual, namely in Setswana and English as well as able to deliver a Nigerian accent. The warm notes in her voice add a nuance to each delivery. Able to take direction, Keorapetse will be a welcome addition to any brand.

For bookings or more information on Keorapetse, please get in contact with an agent at OSM Talent.

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Tshepo ‘Howza’ Mosese

February 25, 2020 By Owen Swanson

Tshepo 'Howza' Mosese

Click here for Tshepo's resume

Tshepo Mosese, has been described by many in and outside of the industry as a born entertainer. With over 15 years in the media and entertainment industry, Tshepo is an actor, presenter and recording artist, affectionately known to his fans as, Howza.

Tshepo has not only made his mark as the hot boy of Kwaito, but he is also well-known for the roles that he has portrayed in Generations, Backstage and Tshisa- where we saw him rubbing shoulders with some of the top actors in Mzansi. Currently he is one of the leads on ETV’s popular daily soapie, Scandal, playing the role of Police detective, “Lerumo”.

Howza doesn’t only want to entertain his fans though; he is also keen to make a difference in people’s lives. He is a world youth Diabetes ambassador, who enjoys jetting around the country and the world sharing his story of living with type 1 Diabetes. His aim is to increase awareness about the illness, and be a positive role model for the youth. He is also currently studying Psychology.

For bookings or more information on Tshepo please get in contact with an agent at Owen S. Management on 011 483 0940 / [email protected]

Lunga Shabalala

February 13, 2020 By Owen Swanson

Lunga Shabalala

Lunga Shabalala is a well known South African Actor, Presenter and MC.

His career launched in 2010 when he scooped the coveted title of host of Selimathunzi, one of South Africa's longest running magazine shows. He later went on to present shows such as "The Man Cave" on SABC 3 for more 6 seasons and played host for reality TV Show "Shes the One."

Lunga really found his niche within the sporting arena and has anchored AFCON magazine show, "That other soccer show" on SABC Sport, Official red Carpet for the PSL Awards, Host of the Discovery Sports industry awards for two years running, host of the UEFA Champions League Trophy tour, alongside Ryan Giggs and Thierry Henry.

Most recently Lunga Shabalala played host at the Inanda Africa Cup & the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final Viewing.

Over the years, some of the worlds most notable brands have put their trust in the hands of Lunga Shabalala, whether it be using his influence to help push an idea/brand or being the trusted personality to represent them on an international scale.

A lot of the trust embedded in Lunga can be attributed to his great social media following, a true reflection that he is at the pulse of what South Africans stand for & aspire towards.

Most recently Lunga Shabalala graced the cover of MensHealth Magazine, and is well celebrated for his healthy living and gym lifestyle.

Lunga Shabalala is celebrated within the acting field just as much as he is within the TV presenting sphere.

2014 was the year that saw him embark non this journey staring i popular SABC 1 drama, Task Force.

Lunga currently stars as Lindani in the much celebrated, and International Emmy Nominated Drama, The River.

For bookings or more information on Lunga, please, get in contact with an agent at Owen S. Management on 011 483 0940 / [email protected]