Khabonina Qubeka, is a multi-talented South African actress, television presenter, dancer, choreographer, businesswoman, and singer. Her versatility has made her a prominent figure in the entertainment industry since the early 2000s.

In 2017, she gained international recognition for her role as Dora in Dora’s Peace, which earned her the Best Actress award at the Boston International Film Festival. She was also nominated for Best Actress at both the Florida Film Festival and the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

Beyond acting, Khabonina is well known in the dance and fitness industry. As a professional dancer, choreographer, and health trainer, she has dedicated herself to promoting fitness and well-being. Her passion for movement extends to television, where she has taken on various roles, including hosting her own health and fitness show.

On-screen, she became a household name for her role as the fierce gangster Nina Zamdela in the SABC 3 soap opera Isidingo, a character she has played since 2017. With numerous awards and achievements to her name, Khabonina continues to make a mark across multiple fields in the entertainment industry.

Early Life

Khabonina Qubeka was born on January 22, 1981, in Orlando West, Soweto, South Africa. However, she spent most of her childhood in Johannesburg, where she completed her secondary education at Queen’s High School in Kensington.

Her passion for dance led her to pursue formal training, earning a diploma in dance from Moving into Dance in Johannesburg. This foundation helped shape her career as a professional dancer, choreographer, and fitness enthusiast.

Career

Khabonina Qubeka first gained widespread recognition in 2006 when she took on the role of Doobsie in the SABC 2 soap opera Muvhango, becoming the third actress to portray the character after Lindiwe Chibi and Khanyi Mbau. Following this, she appeared in several television productions, including For Sale (2007), The Lab (2008), and Rhythm City (2009).

In 2010, she starred in the M-Net telenovela The Wild and made appearances in The Mating Game and Erfsondes. Expanding her career beyond acting, she hosted her own fitness and lifestyle show, Gym e’Kasi, in 2014 on OpenView HD’s eKasi+ channel, promoting healthy living through accessible food and exercise choices.

Her versatility extended to political thrillers like Ihawu Lesizwe and feature films, earning her critical acclaim. In 2017, she won the Indie Spirit Award for Best Actress at the Boston International Film Festival for her role as Dora in Dora’s Peace, a performance that reshaped her perspective on the lives of sex workers. The film was also showcased at the Orlando and Beijing International Film Festivals.

That same year, she took on the role of Nina Zamdela in the popular TV series Isidingo and was reported to be working on a new film, She is King. In October 2017, she was announced as the host of a new South African program focused on the lives of school teachers.

Khabonina Qubeka is not only an actress but also a dancer, fitness advocate, and musician. She actively promotes healthy living and body positivity through her social media platforms. Currently, she plays the role of Oby Abudu in the popular drama series Generations: The Legacy, where she stars as the wife of Kumkani Phakade, played by Vuyo Dabula.

She has hosted the BET reality show Fix My Love and is known for her role as Maxine in the award-winning series The Wild. As a professional dancer and choreographer, she has been a judge on several dance reality shows, including Dance Your Butt Off (SABC 1) and Step Up or Step Out (eTV). She also choreographed performances for The Channel O Music Video Awards.

Her passion for fitness led her to create and host the show Gym e’Kasi, which aired on eTV and Open View HD. In 2018, she launched her Afro Yoga concept in Hong Kong and received a prestigious award from City University, presented by its director Wilson Lam and YogaRaj.

Musical Career

In 2010, Qubeka released her debut album Gama Lahko under her independent label, Khabodacious Moves Music. The album featured 12 tracks, including the singles Gama Lakho and Bring Your Body, both of which had music videos she produced. In 2013, she dropped a rap song titled Wax It (Wax On Wax Off), which went viral in 2018.

Personal Life

Qubeka has been in a relationship with Vuyisile Colossa, known as “Master Vusi,” for several years. They met through his brother over four years ago while Vusi was working in Hong Kong. A mixed martial arts athlete and fitness trainer, he and Qubeka share a passion for health and fitness, often working out together and sharing their journey online.

In October 2018, Qubeka welcomed her first child, a daughter.