Southern African Celebs

Fanele Zulu is a South African actor, television presenter and musician well known for playing Dr Mncobi Mchunu on Durban Gen, an etv television drama series and also for playing NJ Cele on Lingashoni season 1.

Biography Profile

Full name: Fanele Zulu
Date of birth: not yet available
Age: 20 – 28 years old (by Trinity Management)
Occupation: Actor and Musician
Known as: Dr Mchunu on Durban Gen and NJ Cele on Lingashoni.
Height: 1.68m
Languages: IsiZulu and English
Nationality: South African

Background and education

Fanele Zulu was born probably in the 1990s in South Africa. According to Trinity Management acting agency, Fanele is between the ages of 20 and 28 years old. The star has girlfriend and the couple have been together for about two years. In 2018 he graduated at AFDA Durban with a degree in Live Performance before making his debut on television dramas. He also enrolled for John Sudal Online screen acting course.

Fanele’s acting career

He started acting at AFDA university where he appeared on quite a number of AFDA films including Ekhaya, Bekezela, Umaqondana, Forever and Matlakala. He was casted as part of the main chorus in theatre play HOW LONG by DUMA NDLOVU. And he appeared multiple times on Uzalo SABC 1 but his character is not specified. ¹

Fanele became famous after getting the role of Dr Mchunu on Durban Gen (playing alongside Fanele Ntuli) by the year 2020. The character of Dr Mchunu he portrayed was a final year Doctor who was doing community service but was lazy, slacker, and enjoyed comfort. Dr Mchunu was referred to as the most naturally gifted, untapped and talented doctor or simply Dr Bae on Durban Gen. In 2021 he landed a role of NJ Cele on Lingashoni season 1, a 1Magic television drama series.

How did Fanele Zulu leave Durban Gen?

Fanele Zulu left Durban Gen because he had landed a role on Lingashoni. He permanently left Durban Gen because he was killed on the show; Dr Mchunu was shot by Ringo whilst trying to protect Dr Zulu’s Daughter Lwandle. The viewers saw him succumbing to his injuries in front of his shooter and the little girl. ²

Music career

The Durban Gen star has appeared on musical stage rubbing shoulders with Mampintsha and Babes Wodumo, “SA’s August Alsina”, he is under the record label West Ink. With his stage name Zulu Black, the upcoming artist is heading for the stars. ³

Achievements

• Best Male Screen Actor at AFDA Durban – 2018

• Overall Best Stage Actor at AFDA. – 2017

• Top 7 Durban finalist for SABC 3 presenter search – 2018

• TOP 5 National finalist on SABC 1 MZANSI INSIDER PRESENTER SEARCH – 2017

• TOP 25 National finalist on MTVBASE VJ SEARCH – 2017
• Best CHOIR MASTER at the Maritzburg Annual Gospel Choirs. – 2013, 2014 & 2015