# Fumani Shilubana

Fumani N Shilubana (born 22 March 1980), is a South African actor, director and producer. He is best known for his roles in the popular films Zama Zama, My Father's War and Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu. His the founder of FatherFigureZA, a Foundation that seeks to integrate man back into the family unit and former Chairman of Midrand Heat Basketball Club. In 2022 May 6 with Yerhu Film Commission they launched Yerhu News a Xitsonga News bulletin. every Friday at 19:00.

## Early life

Born on 22 March 1980 in Shiluvana, Tzaneen, Limpopo, South Africa, Shilubana was delivered at Douglas Smith Hospital, a missionary facility in his village. His birth was complicated by the umbilical cord being wrapped around his neck, resulting in early speech difficulties that he later overcame through training in Speech and Drama. His father, Clifford Shilubana, was a school headmaster at Mlungisi Primary School, while his mother, Nsatimuni Mundhlovu, a Mozambican-South African, worked as a nurse at Shiluvana Hospital. He is the great-grandson of Pontia Mundlovu and the grandson of Abilio Pontia Mundlovu and Anah Musirindzi Nkovana from Magudu, Mozambique, and is connected to the Nkuna royal family as the great-grandson of Dududu Shilubana and the grandson of John Magutsu Shilubana and Asnat Ntsanwisi. Shilubana has two younger sisters, Labani Mgimeti and Kumani Shilubana, and an older brother, Tebogo Maake, whom he met at around age 12 or 13.

## Personal life

Fumani is the proud and a blessed father of three children, one boy and two girls Vulani Pontia, Nganakati-Nsuku and Fumani Nkateko Shilubana. Shilubana matriculated in 1998 at Mathews Phosa College in Mpumalanga, he enrolled at the University of Venda in 1999 to study Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Agriculture which he didn't complete and in 2000 he enrolled for Industrial Engineering at Tshwane University of Technology which he also dropped out when he wanted to pursue modelling in Italy, he also didn't go after enrolling for Speech and Drama Program at the South African State Theatre under the mentorship of the Play writer and Director Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom.
He started playing Basketball at age 15, he learnt about the game after his mother bought him a Basketball rule book, at 19 years he attended Basketball Trials at the University of Limpopo and was selected to represent Limpopo Province for the men senior team for the SASSU games at the annual tournament in Cape Town.

## Career

He is well known for his role as the producer and actor in the telenovela Giyani: Land of Blood. In the series, he played the role 'Vukosi Moyo'. After the conclusion of the series, he made the appearance in the series Mafanato which he Produced and Directed.
He has also acted in the popular television series: Soul City, Generations and Isidingo. He generally speaks in Xitsonga on television, which is his mother tongue. He played the popular role 'Detective Dabula' on the SABC3 soapie Isidingo.
Shilubana made his directorial debut with Khomelela, a film he created and co-wrote also produced. This project was part of his mission to get Xitsonga films on the main stream. He raised R40 000 for the film and shot 95% of the film at Hlovani River Lodge and the rest at Nkowankowa Township. The film was screened at Nkowankowa Community Hall.
Shitshembiso Mabasa, Fumani N. Shilubana, together with Teleti Khosa own Xiculu Multimedia a 100% black owned media company that was established in December 2019. The primary function of Xiculu is the production and distribution of Xitsonga content and has produced Mafanato series on Showmax, BeingTsongaInSA doccie series podcast about the shared experience of Vatsonga in the Republic of South Africa, Minkoka Mimbirhi series, A day with a Tsonga Legend talk show, Nyambondzwani short film, Sivara series and COVID-19 Xitsonga dashboard in collaboration with Xitsonga.org all in 2020. He is currently working on a few projects, some are in post like Timbita Ta Levuxeni:JUSTICIA and notable work that is still in development which he created and wrote is Brickfiledz: 12 Extensions based on a fictional world where politics, racism and classism rules. He is developing it with Tuks Tad Lungu and Mawingu.
2000-2001: The Genesis of Fumani’s Journey – "The Star Search"
In late 2000, during a school holiday, Fumani N. Shilubana returned home and noticed a modeling competition at Tzaneen Mall. Impulsively, he entered and was selected to compete in the finals at Centurion Mall. The competition, organized by an international modeling agency, had scouted talent across South Africa, selecting 20 hopefuls—10 men and 10 women—from each province. The finalists were to be trained in Italy for six weeks. In January 2001, during the final selection, Fumani was among the chosen 20. Despite a moment of uncertainty, where he nearly missed hearing his number being called, this event marked the beginning of his journey into the arts.
Following his selection, the models were tasked with securing sponsorships for their trip and stay in Italy. Fumani moved to Nelspruit to train and maintain his physique, while also enrolling in his second year of Industrial Engineering at Technikon SA, planning to continue his studies through distance learning while pursuing his modeling career in Europe. After two months in Nelspruit, he returned to Gauteng to continue seeking sponsors and training.
During this time, while seeking sponsorships in Tshwane, Fumani had a serendipitous encounter at the State Theatre. Acting on a gut feeling, he entered the building and inquired about drama opportunities. A receptionist introduced him to Irene Mathe, a drama facilitator at TMAC, who believed Fumani suited a role in a play she had written. Encouraged by this opportunity, Fumani returned home, informed his family of his decision to drop out of engineering, and began training for the end-of-year stage play.
His training progressed successfully, leading to his casting in an industrial project teaching people about HIV, run by a community theatre group from Mamelodi. This marked his first paid acting job, earning him R100 a week. When his father discovered he had dropped out of school, he was unhappy and urged Fumani to return home. However, Fumani was resolute in his career path, finding work as a waiter at Spur in Sterland, Arcadia, to support himself.
By the end of that year, while performing in "Vukani Ma Africa," the play Irene had first mentioned, at the Rendezvous Theatre, Fumani had a defining moment. The experience of performing solidified his commitment to a career in the arts, despite the skepticism of his friends who mockingly referred to him as "Star Search." Nonetheless, he persevered and completed his speech and drama certificate.
2002-2004: Transition to Professional Acting
Convinced of his abilities, Fumani auditioned for a musical titled "The Agency and The Champion," produced by E-Productions and directed by Enrico Maart. Initially cast as "God," he was later reassigned to play "Satan," a role he embraced with creative and unconventional choices. His performance caught the attention of Paul Grootboom, who was in the process of recruiting young talent for a training program at the South African State Theatre. Despite initial misgivings, Fumani joined the program, where he quickly realized how much he had yet to learn.
Under Grootboom's guidance, alongside peers such as Presley Chweneyagae and Zenzo Ngqobe, Fumani underwent intense training, often performing scenes from Shakespeare's works, including "Hamlet" and "Julius Caesar." The group also workshopped original plays based on South African life, one of which was "In This Life," later renamed "Relativity: Township Stories." It was during this period that Fumani received his first positive review in the Pretoria News, solidifying his growing reputation.
Balancing his rigorous training with a night job as a waiter, Fumani demonstrated determination and resilience. His work ethic paid off, as he transitioned into professional acting roles.
2005-2010: Professional Success and Breakthroughs
By the fourth year of his training, the program began integrating professional actors into their productions, allowing young actors like Fumani to learn from seasoned industry professionals. This exposure led to Fumani securing representation with Stark Raving Management, recommended by the late Mahlubi Kraai.
In 2005, "Relativity: Township Stories" opened at the National Arts Festival to critical acclaim, followed by the controversial production of "Cards," which featured full nudity and provocative themes. Despite the controversy, "Cards" was a success, leading to international tours and further establishing Fumani’s career.
Throughout this period, Fumani balanced stage performances with television roles, including appearances in "Hillside," "Soul City," and "Death of a Queen." His dedication to his craft often required him to work around the clock, rehearsing for plays at night while filming TV shows during the day. His relentless pursuit of excellence culminated in 2009 with his casting in "Generations," one of South Africa’s most popular television series.
A pivotal moment occurred on set when a script error left his lines untranslated. Encouraged by the director, Fumani performed in his native Xitsonga, marking a significant turning point in his career. This moment underscored his growing confidence and solidified his place in the South African entertainment industry.

## Awards and nominations

Shilubana was nominated in 2005 for the Naledi Theatre Awards for Best Supporting Role on Relativity "Township Stories". The glittering star-studded ceremony took place at the University of Johannesburg Arts Centre on Sunday 19 February 2006.
He was nominated for his first screen acting award for Best Actor for Love Specialist at the F.A.M.E Awards 2016.
In 2021, Shilubana was awarded the 365Man of the Year Award by the Gauteng Social Development Department.
In 2024, he received the Raising Legend Award, recognized by the Hope Giver Foundation, at a gala dinner in Polokwane.

## Stage

| Year(s) | Production | Theater | Role(s) |
| 2001 | Talk Of the Town | South African State Theatre | Thug |
| 2001 | Vukani Ma Africa | South African State Theatre | Detective |
| 2003 | Julius Caesar | South African State Theatre | Julius Caesar Citizen RomanSoldier |
| 2003 | Hamlet | South African State Theatre | Ghost Gravedigger Player King |
| 2003 | In This Life | South African State Theatre | Detective Rocks Tarven Drunk Lovemore |
| 2005 | Heartbeat | South African State Theatre | Wizard |
| 2005/6 | Relativity “township stories” | National Arts Festival, South African State Theatre, The Market Theatre, Vienna Tour | Rocks |
| 2005/6 | Cards | South African State Theatre, The Market Theatre | Leo Chauke |
| 2007 | Cards | Sand du Plessis Theatre, Windybrow Centre | Mubara |
| 2007 | Telling Stories | South African State Theatre, Belgium Tour | Madi's Father |
| 2008 | Julius Caesar | Sibikwa Arts Centre | Cassius |
| 2008 | Of Cats And Dogs | Windybrow Centre | Thabang |
| 2009 | Interacial | National Arts Festival, Poland Tour | Gert |
| 2010 | Cards | South African State Theatre | Assistant director |
| 2009/10 | Welcome To Rocksburg | South African State Theatre, Netherlands and UK Tour, Germany Tour | Detective |
| 2013 | The Good Candidate | Artscape Theatre Centre | Candidate |

## Filmography

| Year | Film | Role | Genre |
| 2006 | Hillside Season 1 | Detective Nataniel | TV series |
| 2006 | Soul City Season 7 | Dumisani | TV series |
| 2006 | Flashes From A Township Life | Madala | Short film |
| 2007 | Death of a Queen Season 1 | Tsaroga | TV series |
| 2008 | Hillside Season 2 | Detective Nataniel | TV series |
| 2009 | Generations - Season 1 | Dr Mokhethi | Soap Opera |
| 2010 | Muvhango | Advocate Molale | Soap Opera |
| 2010 | eKasi: Our Stories - Season 2 | Emmanuel | TV movie |
| 2011 | Ga Re Dumele - Season 2 | Mayor | Sitcom |
| 2011-13 | Isidingo | Detective Dabula | Soap Opera |
| 2012 | Over My Dead Body | Svara Makoti | TV movie |
| 2012 | Zama Zama | Babylon | Film |
| 2013 | Mj Records | Producer | Sitcom |
| 2013 | Naledi | Lebohang | TV Series |
| 2013 | Regrets | Simon | TV movie |
| 2013 | Skeem Saam 2 | Ntsako | Soap Opera |
| 2013 | High Rollers | Joe | TV series |
| 2013 | Let Heaven Wait | Mountain | Sitcom |
| 2013 | Mzansi Love | Chief | TV movie |
| 2014 | Thola 1 | Rudzani Makwarela | TV series |
| 2015 | The Message | Nkosi | TV movie |
| 2015 | Zabalaza (2013) - Season 3 | Official | Telenovela |
| 2015 | The Mayor | Lead Investor | TV series |
| 2016 | The Last Face | Uncredited | Film |
| 2016 | Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu | Lucas Mahlangu | Film |
| 2016 | My Father's War | Floyd | Film |
| 2016 | Sokhulu & Partners | Ndumiso Mthunzi | TV series |
| 2016 | Isibaya Season 3 | Doctor | Telenovela |
| 2016 | Sounds of Silence | Joe Mazo | Short film |
| 2016 | The Last Tango | Kalala | Short film |
| 2016 | One Hundred Lives | Constable Mamabolo | Short film |
| 2017 | Thola 2 | Rudzani Makwarela | TV series |
| 2017 | Saints and Sinners | Zwelethu | TV series |
| 2017 | Z'bondiwe - Season 3 (The Chase) | Vinnie | TV series |
| 2017 | Bone of My Bones | Detective Maswanganyi | TV series |
| 2017 | End of The Line | Samuel | Short film |
| 2018 | Guilt | Ezekiel Mokgopa | TV series |
| 2018 | Isithembiso Season 1 | Mr Mboweni | Telenovela |
| 2019 | Giyani: Land of Blood | Vukosi Moyo | Telenovela |
| 2019 | Good Omens | Uncredited | TV series |
| 2020 | Mafanato 1 | Percy Hlungwane | TV series |
| 2023 | Shaka ILembe | Nduku | TV series |
| 2024 | The Drop | Detective Ndlovu | Film |
| 2024 | uSlim Nesonto | Bra Clive | Film |
| TBA | Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight | Jacob | Film |

## Film work

| Year | Film | | | | | | Note |
| Year | Film | Director | Writer | Producer | Actor | Creator | Note |
| 2016 | Khomelela | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | |
| 2016 | Straight To The Point | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | |
| 2020 | Mafanato | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 2020 | Minkoka Mimbiri | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | |
| 2022 | Timbita Ta Levuxeni:JUSTICIA | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | |
| TBA | Aus' Wa Magwinya | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| TBA | Ziph' Nkomo | Yes | No | No | No | No | |
| TBA | The Weight of Rirhandzu | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | |
| TBA | Raising From The Ashes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | |