June is a month where we get to celebrate and honour fathers who are doing amazingly well raising their kids and serving as father figures to others close and far from them.
It is a common thing for children to find themselves in similar career paths as their parents due to the talent that genetically got passed on to them or as a result of how much they look up to them.
South Africa has quite a few young celebrities who just like their parents have followed a career path in the limelight.
In celebration of father’s, we feature five male celebrities whose fathers are popular brands.
- Arthur and Mpho Malepo
This father and son acting duo does not only work together in front of the cameras but they also work together behind the cameras. The actors also work on Molepo Theatre Projects, a company that was registered over two decades ago, with a focus on documentaries, films, theatre, music, and workshops among many other things. Mpho gained massive popularity when he portrayed the character Fats on the popular ETV drama series that has since ended Rhythm City. Arthur on the other hand has had roles in many films and local series including Skeem Saam, portraying a police officer named Captain Malebana.
2. John and Athandwa Kani
Internationally acclaimed thespian Dr John Kani and his son Athandwa are well-known figures in the acting industry, both locally and abroad. Dr John has graced movies such as Black Panther, How To Steal 2 Million, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Captain America and Lion King to name a few. He has also received many awards including an Orbie Award for Special Citation for The Island and the Golden Horn Award Lifetime Achievement Award.
Cementing his brand internationally, Athandwa has also been featured in the Marvel Cinematic Black Panther along with his father. He might not have reached his father’s level of success, but he sure is doing a great job following in his footsteps.
3. Mzwakhe Mbuli and Robot Boii
Singer and poet Mzwakhe Mbuli’s son Mzwakhe Jnr famously known as Robot Boii is taking the industry by storm as he has not only followed his father’s footsteps as a musician but is also a comedian, dancer, podcaster and a social media influencer among other things. Robot Booi also won the Top Personalities and Influencer Brand and Overall Top Brand at this year’s Youth-Owned Brands Awards.
4. Lucas and Primo Baloyi
Lucas Radebe is a popular figure as he is undoubtedly one of the best Bafana Bafana captains the country has ever had. His son Primo might not have followed his football footsteps, but he is surely making a mark in the entertainment industry as an actor and a comedian.
The entertainer who started experimenting with comedy in 2020 during the lockdown on his TikTok has grown to be a favourite on popular social media platforms and television screens. He is among the cast members for a Netflix movie called Lobola Man that is to air soon. Primo seems to have rubbed his comic side onto his dad who from time to time showcases his humorous side.
5. Ringo and Phila Madlingozi
Multi-award-winning singer Ringo Madlingozi is a popular brand as his soothing voice has a way of melting many people’s hearts. His son Phila clearly has his father’s creative genes as he is not only a singer but a good actor too. The young Madlingozi is also a reality TV star as he features in Born Into Fame, a new Showmax reality TV series. The father and son duo has also had performances together.
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