Who is Nhlanhla Kunene, aka Tsiki Tsiki from Adulting?
Nhlanhla Kunene became a household name in South Africa after his critically acclaimed performance in the Showmax original series Adulting. He plays Eric alongside stars like Thembinkosi Mthembu, Luthando Mthembu, and Thabiso Rummusi. Kunene often portrays gangsta characters, but he is nothing like them in real life.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Nhlanhla Kunene's profile summary and bio
- Who is Nhlanhla Kunene?
- How old is Nhlanhla Kunene?
- Nhlanhla Kunene was raised by a single mother
- Nhlanhla Kunene's wife
- Nhlanhla Kunene's Adulting character on Showmax taught him about parenting
- Nhlanhla Kunene embodies the characters he plays spiritually
- Nhlanhla Kunene's Instagram
- Nhlanhla Kunene's filmography and theatre
- FAQS
Nhlanhla comes from a humble background. He has nurtured his acting talents since his school days, often participating in school plays and industrial community theatre projects.
Nhlanhla Kunene's profile summary and bio
Full name | Nhlanhla Kunene |
Year of birth | 1994/1995 |
Age | Around 30 years in 2025 |
Place of birth | Emnambithi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
Current residence | Johannesburg, South Africa |
Nationality | South African |
Ethnicity | Black |
Languages | English and isiZulu |
Religion | Christian |
Hair colour | Black |
Eye colour | Dark brown |
Height in meters | 1.76 m |
Height in feet and inches | 5 feet 9 inches |
Gender | Male |
Sexual orientation | Straight |
Relationship status | Single |
Siblings | Three |
Education | Wits University (Drama but dropped out), Duma Ndlovu Academy |
Profession | Actor |
Known for | His role as Eric in Adulting on Showmax |
Social media |
Who is Nhlanhla Kunene?
Nhlanhla Kunene is an upcoming South African actor best known for his role as Eric or Tsiki Tsiki from Adulting on Showmax. He began his career in theatre before landing minor roles on prominent television shows like Muvhango and The River.
He got his big break when he joined the cast of Lavish on Mzansi Magic. In the series, he portrays Jabu, a gangsta who is not serious about life but loves his girlfriend.
His career has skyrocketed since joining Adulting (2023 to date) as one of the lead acts. His character on the show is a gangster who loves his daughter. He previously said that he never thought he would be the breakout star of the Showmax series because of its star-packed cast.
I initially thought the attention would be on Bonga because Thembinkosi is an amazing actor...So, I was shocked when people started embracing Eric, and that even women found him appealing, despite his rough, ghetto background. I didn't expect it at all.
Source: Original
How old is Nhlanhla Kunene?
Actor Nhlanhla Kunene's age in 202 is around 30 years old. He was born around 1994/1995 but has yet to reveal his exact date of birth.
Nhlanhla Kunene was raised by a single mother
The Adulting actor grew up alongside three older siblings in Emnambithi, KwaZulu-Natal. They were raised by a single mother who worked as a domestic worker. He told Drum that his mother wanted him to be a doctor but was not totally against the idea of him pursuing an art-related career.
She did not flat-out say no to acting, but I could see she wanted me to do something else. I was somewhat of a whizz or a genius in maths and physics in high school, but I realized that I was more of an artist than I was an academic.
Nhlanhla's family struggled financially when he was growing up. He was forced to drop out of Wits University's drama school in his sophomore year because his mother could not afford school fees. He managed to join Duma Ndlovu Academy, which helped sharpen his acting skills.
Nhlanhla Kunene's wife
Kunene is not married and has yet to be linked to any romantic relationship. In a May 2023 interview on Podcast and Chill with Mac G, the actor revealed that he is focused on being celibate and avoiding alcohol because of the side effects associated with the two.
There are men that are not working at the moment in the township because they had sex with the wrong people...There are so many things happening at that moment, like energy transfers. Some women have abortions, some miscarry without knowing...So, if you have a spiritual eye, you understand spirituality and energy more than anything, you'll understand what I am trying to say.
Source: UGC
Nhlanhla Kunene's Adulting character on Showmax taught him about parenting
In the original Showmax series Adulting, Kunene's character, Eric, is a university dropout and carjacker. He is also a father to a daughter, Ncumisa (played by actress Siphesihle Khanyile), whom he welcomed with his high school sweetheart.
Eric and Ncumisa share an adorable father-daughter relationship, which is part of Eric's character appeal. While talking to Xabiso Ngqabe, the actor revealed that the role has changed his view on fatherhood.
It taught me that fatherhood is not easy – especially when the mother is not around. Now you're a single father to a girl child, and there are things you find it hard to talk about. It also taught me there's no formula to parenting.
Nhlanhla Kunene embodies the characters he plays spiritually
Nhlanhla has captivated audiences since his performance on The River as the entitled Ndumiso. He became an instant fan favourite after joining Adulting on Showmax.
While talking to Drum, the actor revealed that the secret to his exemplary onscreen performance is his ability to take over the character. He compares acting to spirituality because an actor has to invite a character's spirit to play it well.
I research each character, study as much as I can about them. But I also invite their spirit to come into me so that I can make the character believable when you watch me on screen. I embody the character and I become one with the character. Then when I am done shooting the show, I tell him that I am done and he needs to leave.
Source: Getty Images
Nhlanhla Kunene's Instagram
Kunene is active on Instagram. He created his account, @nhlanhla_kunene_, in December 2018, and it currently has over 88.9 thousand followers.
The actor previously opened up about wanting to delete his Instagram because of all the attention he was receiving. He told Drum that his DM's are full of inappropriate content from fans, especially ladies.
It makes me feel uncomfortable, and I want to make sure that I do not lose focus. I want to build myself, and I know exactly where I want to be. I am even considering deleting my Instagram because all of that also brings with it spirits that I do not want to be associated with.
Nhlanhla Kunene's filmography and theatre
Project | Year | Role |
Adulting on Showmax | 2023 to date | Eric 'Tsiki Tsiki' |
Lavish on Mzansi Magic | 2022 | Jabu |
The River on 1Magic | 2018 | Ndumiso |
Muvhango on SABC2 | 2019 | Minor support role |
Step Up to Start Up | 2018 | Lead |
IsiThelo – The Mask (short film) | 2016 | Support role |
Missing (short film) | 2016 | Support role |
Magic Pot (Theater) | 2017 | Lead |
Forbidden Knowledge (Theater musical) | 2016 | NA |
The Antidote (Theatre musical) | 2016 | NA |
Secret Society (Theatre) | 2015 | NA |
FAQS
Here are some frequently asked questions about Nhlanhla Kunene's life and career.
Where is Nhlanhla Kunene from?
The Adulting star is a native of Emnambithi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He was raised by a single mother alongside his three older siblings.
Who plays Tsiki Tsiki on Adulting?
South African actor Nhlanhla Kunene portrays Eric 'Tsiki Tsiki' on Showmax's Adulting. The character is a gangster who tries to balance fatherhood and crime.
Who are the main characters in Adulting?
Adulting on Showmax is a comedy-drama about four young men navigating life in Johannesburg. The four main characters are portrayed by the following actors in both seasons 1 and 2;
- Thembinkosi Mthembu as Bonga
- Nhlanhla Kunene as Eric
- Thambiso Rammusi as Mpho
- Luthandi BU Mthembu as Vuyani
Source: Getty Images
Nhlanhla Kunene has already established a strong foundation in South Africa's entertainment industry. His primary focus is to build his acting career in the aftermath of the monumental success of his role on Showmax's Adulting.
READ ALSO: Jenn Carter's gender: Is the rapper a girl? Meet the drill sensation
Briefly.co.za shared lesser-known facts about upcoming drill rapper Jenn Carter. She is known for being part of the Brooklyn-based hip-hop collective 41 alongside rappers Kyle Richh and TaTa.
Carter's gender interests fans because she often rocks menswear and men's hairstyles. Check the article for more on her gender identity and sexuality.
Source: Briefly News
