Jafta Mamabolo (born December 21, 1987), is a South African actor and filmmaker.[1] He is best known for his roles in the popular films Freedom, Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema and Otelo Burning.

Jafta Mamabolo
Born
Jafta Mamabolo

(1987-12-21) December 21, 1987 (age 36)
NationalitySouth African
Alma materNational School of Arts
Occupation(s)Actor, director, writer, producer, fashion designer.
Years active1999–present
Height1.77m/5ft8in
AwardsSAFTA Best Actor in a Feature Film
Websitehttps://www.jaftamamabolo.com/

Personal life

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He was born in 1987 in Limpopo, South Africa. He attended the National School of Arts and studied drama under renowned artists. Meanwhile, he wanted to be a fashion designer and studied a course of designing.[1]

Career

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In 2008, he was selected for the film Jerusalema.[2] The feature became his first film, where he played the character 'Young Kunene'. He received critical acclaim for the role. In 2011, he made lead appearance in the film Otelo Burning, directed by Sara Blecher. The film became a blockbuster and later received a total of 13 nominations in the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in 2012 as well as in 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards and 8th Africa Movie Academy Awards.[1] In 2015, he acted in the film Ayanda with role of 'Lenaka'. In 2016, he became famous with the feature film Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu, which was based on a true story. In the film, he played a supportive role of 'Lucky'. The film was a critical success and awarded at several film festivals.

Apart from cinema, he worked as a presenter on various television shows, such as the 'Molo show', 'Craze E', and 'Knock knock'. Then he joined the cast of third and fourth season of youth drama program Soul Buddyz which aired on SABC1. His role later received a nomination for the Best Lead Actor in a TV drama series.[1] In 2011, he played the role 'Matthew' in the popular soapie Generations.[3]

After two-year long hiatus, he made a comeback in 2021 with the film Freedom. He wrote and directed the script for the film. The film later became a super hit in South African cinema. Jafta went on to win two SAFTAs (South African Film & Television Awards) at the 2022 ceremony, one for Best Actor In A Film, and another for Best Screenplay for his work on the critically acclaimed Freedom. [1]

Filmography

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Year Film Role Genre Ref.
2001 - 2006 Soul Buddyz Thapelo TV Series
2002 - 2005 Craz-E! Himself Variety Show
2008 Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema Young Kunene Film
2010 Soul City Kagiso Vomo TV Series
2011 Generations Matthew TV series
2011 Otelo Burning Otelo Buthelezi Film
2012 Dream World Lindelani TV mini-series
2014 Rhythm City Tsetse-Fly TV Series
2014 - 2016 Mutual Friends Jabu TV Series
2015 Mi Kasi Su Kasi Executive Producer TV Series
2015 Ayanda Lenaka Olandele Film
2016 Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu Lucky Film
2021 Freedom Co-director, writer, actor: Freedom Film
2022 Senzo: Murder Of A Soccer Star Producer Docuseries

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Jafta Mamabolo career". briefly. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  2. ^ "Jafta Mamabolo". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on 28 November 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  3. ^ "Chit Chat: Jafta Mamabolo". news24. Retrieved 20 November 2020.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18954258/

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/entertainment/2022-09-02-finding-freedom-with-jafta-mamabolo/

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