Masoja Josiah Msiza (born October 5, 1964)[1] is a South African actor, poet and musician.[2] He is best known for portraying "Nkunzi Mhlongo" in the award-winning telenovela Uzalo.[3][4]
Msiza was born in Kwa-Thema, a township in the South African province of Gauteng. His love for acting started when he was 9 years old and he enjoyed participating in art and drama classes. At the age of 14 he participated in a drama competition in his school which he won.[6] After finishing school he found work as a miner and he eventually ended up being fired along with other miners who were involved in a strike.[7] Following his dismissal, he decided to pursue his dream to become an actor and his debut gig was featured in a play called "Mfowethu" which was directed by Gibson Kente.[8]
Career
Msiza began his career as a poet and later a stage and television actor, musician and storyteller. He has appeared in a number of notable films such as Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu and A Million Colours.[9] However, his most prominent role is his portrayal of the ruthless crime lord Nkunzebomvu "Nkunzi" Mhlongo on the most viewed television show in South Africa Uzalo.[10][11][12] He has also appeared in several TV series such as Scandal!, Shreads and Dreams, Rhythm City, Intersexions, Sokhulu & Partners, and Making Cents with the Sitholes.[13]
In 2016, he got his first starring role in television in a telenovela called "Ring of Lies".[14]
On June 22, 2019, Masoja Msiza alongside Dudu Khoza presented the first annual Cothoza Music Awards hosted by the multi-award-winning A cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.[16]
