If you are a fan of South African television, you have probably seen or heard of Kwenzo Ngcobo, the actor who stole the show in the hit series The Wife. Ngcobo played the role of Qhawe Zulu, a charming and ambitious businessman who gets entangled in a web of family drama, secrets, and betrayal. But who is Kwenzo Ngcobo in real life? How did he become one of the most sought-after actors in the country? What are his hobbies, interests, and personal life?
Kwenzo Ngcobo Wiki/Bio
| Name | Kwenzo Ngcobo |
|---|---|
| Birth date | 1990 |
| Birth place | Ezingloweni, Port Shepstone, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Ethnicity | Zulu |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts Degree in Drama from Durban University of Technology |
| Debut | Imbewu: The Seed (2020) |
| Notable roles | Qhawe Zulu in The Wife, Alex Shabane in Soon Comes Night |
| Hair color | Black |
| Eye color | Dark brown |
| Marital status | Unknown |
| Social media | Instagram: @kwenzo.ngcobo, IMDB- @nm10283860 Homepage- Newsunzip |
Biography
Kwenzokuhle Ngcobo, better known as Kwenzo, was born in 1990 (age: 33 years, as of 2023) in Port Shepstone, a coastal town in KwaZulu-Natal. He grew up in a loving and supportive family, with his parents and siblings encouraging him to pursue his dreams.
From a young age, Kwenzo Ngcobo showed a passion for acting and performing. He participated in school plays, drama clubs, and local theatre productions. He also developed an interest in martial arts, which he still practices today.
After completing his matric, Ngcobo moved to Durban to study drama at the Durban University of Technology. There, he honed his skills and gained more exposure to the industry. He graduated with a diploma in 2012 and decided to pursue a full-time career in acting.
Height, Weight
- Height: 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Weight: Unknown
- Eye color: Dark brown
- Hair color: Black
- Skin color: Black
Career and Achievements
Ngcobo’s first big break came in 2018, when he landed a role in the e.tv soapie Imbewu: The Seed. He played the role of Sipho, a young man who struggles with his sexuality and identity. Ngcobo’s performance was praised by critics and viewers alike, and he won the Best Newcomer award at the 2019 Royalty Soapie Awards.
However, it was his role in The Wife that catapulted him to fame and recognition. The Wife was a Showmax original series that premiered in 2021 and ran for three seasons. It was a telenovela-style drama that revolved around the life of Zandile, a woman who returns from prison after killing her mother and tries to reclaim her power and family.
Kwenzo Ngcobo played the role of Qhawe Zulu, Zandile’s nephew and business partner. Qhawe was a charismatic and cunning character, who had a complicated relationship with his aunt and his love interest, Ntombi. His portrayal of Qhawe was captivating and convincing, and he became one of the most popular and loved characters on the show.
His role in The Wife opened many doors for him, and he soon became one of the most in-demand actors in South Africa. He was cast in two major projects in 2024: Soon Comes Night and Champions.
Soon Comes Night is a Netflix action film that follows a group of criminals who plan a heist at a casino. Ngcobo plays the role of Alex Shabane, the leader of the gang and a mastermind of the operation. The film is set to premiere in February 2024.
Champions is a Mzansi Magic daily drama that revolves around the lives of four friends who run a talent agency. Ngcobo plays the role of Zipho, a talent manager who has a knack for spotting and nurturing talent. The show debuted in January 2024 and has been well-received by the audience.
He has also appeared in several commercials, short films, and web series. He has also ventured into directing and producing, and has expressed his desire to create his own content in the future.
How Kwenzo Ngcobo Became a Netflix Sensation with His Role A Alex Shabane in ‘Soon Comes Night’
Kwenzo Ngcobo is no stranger to the South African television scene. The actor has been in the industry for over a decade, appearing in several popular shows such as Imbewu: The Seed and The Wife. However, his latest role in the Netflix series Soon Comes Night has catapulted him to international fame and recognition.
He plays the lead character of Alex Shabane, a former liberation hero turned heist king, who finds himself in a cat-and-mouse game with a broken Apartheid cop. In this article, we will explore how Ngcobo landed this role, what challenges he faced, and why his performance has made him one of the most talked-about actors of the year.
The Audition Process
His first heard about the audition for Soon Comes Night from his agent, who told him that the producers were looking for a charismatic and versatile actor to play the role of Alex Shabane. Ngcobo was intrigued by the character, who he described as “a complex and layered person, who has a lot of history and secrets, and who is driven by his ideals and ambitions.”
Ngcobo prepared for the audition by reading the script and doing some research on the historical and political context of the story, which is set in the 1990s South Africa. He also watched some documentaries and interviews with former freedom fighters and heist legends, to get a sense of their motivations and personalities.
Kwenzo Ngcobo impressed the casting directors with his audition, which he said was “very intense and emotional.” He showed his range and depth as an actor, and demonstrated his understanding of the character and the story. He also had a good chemistry with the other actors, especially Gaosi Raditholo, who plays Lesedi, Alex’s love interest.
He was thrilled when he found out that he got the part, and said that it was “a dream come true” to work with Netflix and Ochre Moving Pictures, the production company behind the series. He also said that he was honored to play such a “powerful and iconic” role, and that he felt a “great responsibility” to do justice to the character and the story.
The Challenges and Rewards of Playing Alex Shabane?
Playing Alex Shabane was not an easy task for Ngcobo, who had to face several challenges and difficulties along the way. One of the biggest challenges was the physical aspect of the role, which required him to undergo a rigorous training regime and perform various stunts and action scenes.
He said that he had to “work hard and push himself” to get in shape and learn the skills needed for the role, such as martial arts, shooting, and driving. He also said that he had to “be careful and cautious” to avoid injuries and accidents on set.
Another challenge was the emotional and psychological aspect of the role, which demanded Ngcobo to portray a wide range of emotions and moods, and to immerse himself in the character’s mindset and worldview.
He said that he had to “dig deep and explore” his own feelings and experiences, and to “connect and empathize” with the character and his struggles. He also said that he had to “balance and detach” himself from the role, and to “find ways to relax and unwind” after a long and stressful day of shooting.
Despite the challenges, Ngcobo also found playing Alex Shabane to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, which gave him the opportunity to grow and learn as an actor and as a person. He said that he enjoyed working with the talented and supportive cast and crew, who he said were “like a family” to him. He also said that he loved the creative and collaborative process of making the series, and that he appreciated the feedback and guidance from the directors, Thabang Moleya and Sanele Zulu.
Ngcobo also said that he was proud of the final product, and that he was happy with his performance and the reception from the audience. He said that he was “overwhelmed and humbled” by the positive reviews and comments from the critics and the viewers, and that he was “grateful and thankful” for the support and love from his fans. He also said that he was “excited and hopeful” for the future of his career, and that he was looking forward to exploring new and diverse roles and projects.
Why Kwenzo Ngcobo’s Role in ‘Soon Comes Night’ Made Him Popular?
Kwenzo Ngcobo’s role in Soon Comes Night has made him popular for several reasons, both locally and globally. One of the reasons is the quality and popularity of the series itself, which is a Netflix original and one of the first South African productions to be featured on the streaming platform. The series has been praised for its gripping and compelling storyline, its authentic and realistic portrayal of the South African history and culture, and its high production value and cinematography. The series has also been nominated for several awards, such as the South African Film and Television Awards and the International Emmy Awards.
Another reason is the uniqueness and complexity of the character of Alex Shabane, who is a multifaceted and dynamic person, who has both good and bad qualities, and who undergoes a significant transformation throughout the series. Alex Shabane is a character who challenges the stereotypes and expectations of the audience, and who provokes different reactions and emotions from them. Alex Shabane is also a character who reflects the diversity and richness of the South African society, and who represents the hopes and struggles of many people in the country.
A third reason is the talent and charisma of Kwenzo Ngcobo himself, who has delivered a stunning and captivating performance as Alex Shabane, and who has shown his skills and versatility as an actor. Ngcobo has brought the character to life with his expressive and nuanced acting, his convincing and natural dialogue, and his impressive and believable action scenes. He has also shown his chemistry and rapport with the other actors, especially Gaosi Raditholo, who plays his love interest, Lesedi. Kwenzo has also shown his humility and professionalism as an actor, and his passion and dedication to his craft.
Personal Life
Kwenzo Ngcobo is a very private person, who prefers to keep his personal life away from the public eye. He is not married and does not have any children. He has not confirmed or denied any rumors about his dating life, but he has stated that he is straight and single.
Ngcobo is very close to his family, especially his mother, who he considers his biggest inspiration and supporter. He also has a twin brother, who he is very fond of. Kwenzo likes to spend his free time with his friends, watching movies, reading books, and traveling.
He is also very passionate about martial arts, and holds a black belt in karate. He practices regularly and participates in tournaments. He also enjoys other sports, such as soccer, rugby, and cricket.
Ngcobo is a humble and down-to-earth person, who does not let fame get to his head. He is grateful for his success and opportunities and strives to improve himself and his craft. He is also involved in various charitable and social causes and uses his platform to raise awareness and help others.
Social Media
Kwenzo Ngcobo is active on social media, where he has a large and loyal fan base. He has over 344k followers on Instagram, where he posts pictures and videos of his work, his personal life, his hobbies, and his opinions. He also has over 50,000 followers on Twitter, where he tweets about his projects, his interests, and his thoughts. He also has a Facebook page, where he has over 10,000 likes and fans.
Net Worth
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $350,000 |
| 2023 | $400,000 |
| 2024 | $500,000 |
Kwenzo Ngcobo is one of the most talented and versatile actors in South Africa. He has proven his skills and charisma in various roles, and has won the hearts of many fans. He is also a hard-working and humble person, who values his family and friends. He is a rising star with a bright future ahead of him, and we can’t wait to see what he does next. 🌟
