Khanyi Mbau
- Birth name: Khanyisile Jacqueline Mchunu Mbau
- Born: 15 October 1985
- Place of birth: Soweto, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Main activity: Actress, musician, television presenter and socialite
- Musical genre: Hip hop, Afro-pop
Khanyi Mbau is a South African actress, musician, television presenter and socialite. She is known for her extravagant lifestyle and cosmetic enhancements, earning her the nickname “Queen of Bling”.
Career
Mbau began her acting career in 2004, when she took over the role of Doobsie on Muvhango from actress Lindiwe Chibi, who was shot by her boyfriend. A year later, she was let go from the role for partying too much and being in the Sunday tabloids. In 2006, she joined the second season of the SABC 1 hit drama series Mzansi as Mbali. Later in 2007, she played Zee in the SABC 1 mini-series After 9.
In August 2012, Mbau published her biography Bitch, Please! I’m Khanyi Mbau, written by journalist Lesley Mofokeng.
In 2016, she released her self-titled debut album under Mabala Noise Entertainment. In 2017, she starred in the romantic comedy film Happiness Is a Four-letter Word as Zaza. She also hosted a radio show on Metro FM called Whose Show Is It Anyway with Somizi Mhlongo and Ntombi Ngcobo-Mzolo. Also in 2018, Khanyi launched her own gin brand called I Am Khanyi - Millennial Shimmer Gin. In 2021, she appeared in Netflix’s new reality TV show, Young, Famous and African.
Personal Life
Mbau married businessman Mandla Mthembu in 2006 when she was 21. The couple had a lavish wedding that cost millions. They had a daughter named Khanukani in 2007 and divorced in 2009.
Mbau then dated businessman Theunis Crous from 2009 to 2011. Crous was married at the time.
Mbau then dated musician Tebogo Lerole from 2011 to 2020. They had an on-and-off relationship.
Mbau then dated Zimbabwean businessman Kudzai Terrence Mushonga from 2020 to 2021. Mushonga is wanted by the Zimbabwean police for fraud and allegedly fled to South Africa with R190 million.
Mbau has undergone several cosmetic procedures, including breast implants, liposuction, skin lightening and veneers. She also changed her eye colour from brown to green using artificial iris implants.
Net worth
Mbau’s net worth is estimated at $10 million as of 2023. She earns her income from acting, music, hosting, endorsement and business ventures.
Khanyi Mbau movies and shows
- Mzansi (TV series), 2006-2007 - Mbali
- Muvhango (TV series), 2004-2005 - Doobsie
- After Nine, 2007-2008 - Zee
- Ekasi: Our Stories, 2013-2014 - Various
- Like Father Like Son, 2013-2014 - Sindisiwe Sibeko
- Mzansi Love: Kasi Style, 2013-2014 - Various
- The Jakes Are Missing, 2015 - Michelle
- Happiness Is a Four-letter Word, 2016 - Zaza
- Frank and Fearless, 2018 - Beauty
- Abomama Bomthandazo, 2018-2020 - Tshidi
- Red Room, 2019 - Zama Marawa
