Move over Kardashians, these South African celebrity families are making moves and proving that talent runs in the family. Whether it is famous siblings or a family act, we take a look at our favourite local celebrity households.
THE BALA BROTHERS
The brothers were born into a musical family, their parents are both singers and their grandfather was a choral composer.
Brothers Zwai, Loyiso, and Phelo Bala first landed on the country’s radar when Zwai joined the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School in 1988. He became the first black member of the group, during a time when South Africa was divided by Apartheid.
In 1995 Zwai joined Kwaito group TKZee, and in 1999, Loyiso won his first South African Music Award for Best Faith Album. Twelve years later in 2011, Phelo released his self-titled debut solo album.
In 2006, the Bala Brothers came out with their first collective release, B3, and have performed in countries like Norway, Germany, Australia and Zambia.
THE MODISELLE SISTERS
First-born Refilwe Modiselle is known for being the country’s first professional runway model with albinism. She also has experience in the music industry, performing as a backing vocalist for local singer Keabetswe “KB” Motsilanyane while in school. In 2013 she appeared on the Oprah Magazine’s Power List, which kicked off her TV career.
Bontle is a successful dancer and choreographer. In 2015, she starred in the dance film Hear Me Move, for which she received an Africa Movie Academy Award nomination in the category Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
The youngest of the three, Candice is best known for her role as Lerato on the Generations: The Legacy. Previously she was a presenter on the kids show YOTV Live, on SABC1.
THE VAN JAARSVELD SIBLINGS
Bobby and Karlien van Jaarsveld are both superstars in the Afrikaans music community, and collectively have a following of over 1 million across their social media platforms.
Not only is he a singer but Bobby played the lead character in the Afrikaans film Liefling – Die Movie, in 2010. He also starred in the movie As Jy Sing in 2013. He was a coach on the local singing competition, The Voice SA.
Karlien started her career as a background singer and guitarist for Bobby, before embarking on a solo career. Following her success as a solo artist, Karlien tried her hand at acting and starred in the Afrikaans movie Platteland with Bok van Blerk, Jay and Lianie May. The brother and sister team also have a reality show titled Bobby en Karlien: In Jou Skoene, where they spend 48 hours with someone less fortunate. A family affair, both siblings, are managed by their mother, Ronel Brink.
THE FERGUSON POWER COUPLE
Connie and Shona Ferguson’s whirlwind romance began in 2001, and the pair married two months after dating. She is best known for her role as Karabo Moroka on the long-running SABC1 soapie Generation and Shona for playing Dr Leabua on the Venda soapie Muvhango.
The power couple owns Ferguson Films and has produced and starred in shows such as The Queen, Rockville and Kings of Joburg.
Connie’s daughter from a previous marriage Lesedi Matsunyane-Ferguson, is also following in her mother’s footsteps, having joined The Queen earlier this year.
THE RANAKAS
Following the highly successful Dineo’s Diary, which chronicled the life of TV personality Dineo Ranaka, VUZU Amp commissioned the spin-off show: The Ranakas – wherein viewers catch a glimpse of this very lively household. Her father Kgotlaesele is an author and her mother, Siba owns a catering business.
Dineo’s oldest sister Manaka also stars on Generations: The Legacy and most recently appeared in Lockdown season three. Mpumi is the introvert, Ziggy is seen as the hustler of the family, and the last born Ranaka is a DJ and event organiser.
In other news – Former SA’s Got Talent winner allegedly assaulted by SANDF soldiers
Cape Town opera singer James Bhemgee says he was assaulted and harassed by South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers during a raid on Tuesday, adding that he was treated like a “terrorist.
Bhemgee, a former street sweeper, became a household name after winning SA’s Got Talent in 2010. According to Bhemgee, the raid happened around 13:30 at a house he is staying at in Mitchell’s Plain. Read more
Source: Channel24
