Nhlanhla Kunene Biography
Nhlanhla Kunene is an emerging South African actor, best known for his role as Eric, also known as Tsiki Tsiki, in the Showmax original series “Adulting”. Born around 1994/1995 in Emnambithi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, he has become a household name due to his critically acclaimed performance in the series.
Kunene started his career in theatre and then transitioned to television, landing minor roles in popular shows like “Muvhango” and “The River” before his significant breakthrough in “Lavish” on Mzansi Magic¹. In “Adulting,” he plays a gangster who deeply loves his daughter, showcasing his range and depth as an actor.
Despite often portraying gangster characters, Kunene is nothing like them in real life. He’s known for embodying his characters spiritually and has expressed a desire not to be typecast. His performance in “Adulting” has been particularly well-received, with many viewers finding his character appealing despite his rough background.
Kunene’s talent was nurtured from a young age, participating in school plays and community theatre projects. Although he dropped out of Wits University where he was studying Drama, he continued to pursue acting at the Duma Ndlovu Academy. He stands at 1.76 meters tall and is fluent in English and isiZulu.
Nhlanhla Kunene Early Life and Education
Nhlanhla Kunene, a notable South African actor, hails from a modest background in Emnambithi, KwaZulu-Natal. Born to a single mother who worked as a domestic worker, Kunene was the youngest of four siblings. Despite the challenges of his upbringing, his mother’s dedication ensured that he and his siblings received a good education and were well-cared for.
From a young age, Kunene displayed a talent for performance, often participating in school plays and local community theatre projects. His interest in acting was evident, and he was known to be a ‘whizz’ at mathematics and physics during his high school years. L
Kunene’s formal education in drama began at Wits University, where he enrolled to study Drama. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, he was unable to complete his degree and had to drop out after two years.
After leaving Wits University, Kunene continued his education at the Duma Ndlovu Academy, where he honed his acting skills. The academy played a crucial role in his development as an actor, providing him with the tools and experiences necessary to excel in the competitive world of theatre and television.
Nhlanhla Kunene Career
Nhlanhla Kunene’s journey into the world of acting began in the vibrant cultural landscape of South Africa. His early career was rooted in theatre, where he honed his craft and developed a strong foundation in the performing arts.
Transitioning from the stage to the screen, Kunene landed minor roles in prominent South African television shows such as “Muvhango” and “The River.” These appearances allowed him to gain valuable experience in front of the camera and introduced him to a wider audience.
Kunene’s big break came when he joined the cast of “Lavish” on Mzansi Magic. In this series, he portrayed Jabu, a character that resonated with audiences due to his complex nature and relatable struggles.
The role that catapulted Kunene to stardom was his portrayal of Eric, also known as Tsiki Tsiki, in the Showmax original series “Adulting.” His character, a gangster who deeply loves his daughter, showcased Kunene’s range as an actor and his ability to evoke empathy for even the most flawed characters.
Despite often being cast in roles that depict gangster personas, Kunene is committed to breaking away from typecasting. He embodies his characters spiritually, investing himself fully to understand their motivations and backgrounds.
Nhlanhla Kunene Personal Life
Nhlanhla Kunene is currently single and not in any relationship as of now.
Nhlanhla Kunene Net Worth
Nhlanhla Kunene has an estimated net worth of $60,000 as of 2024.
Nhlanhla Kunene Social Media Handles
- Facebook: Nhlanhla Kunene
- Instagram: @nhlanhla_kunene_
