Albert “Ibokwe” Khoza [Image Credit: Instagram]Albert “Ibokwe” Khoza Biography

Albert “Ibokwe” Khoza Biography

Early Life and Education

Albert Silindokuhle Khoza, widely known as Albert “Ibokwe” Khoza, was born on 23 August 1987 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Growing up in a vibrant city, he was exposed to diverse cultures and artistic expressions. His passion for performing arts ignited at a young age, leading him to pursue studies in drama and dance at the University of the Witwatersrand. In 2012, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Dramatic Arts.

Albert “Ibokwe” Khoza Career and Achievements

Albert “Ibokwe” Khoza [Image: Instagram]
Albert “Ibokwe” Khoza [Image: Instagram]
Albert “Ibokwe” Khoza is a multifaceted performer with talents spanning acting, singing, dancing, choreography, and creating original works. He gained widespread recognition for his groundbreaking role as MaDlamini in the drama series “Blood Psalms.” Remarkably, he became the first male actor to portray a cis-female character on a South African mainstream series. His character, MaDlamini, serves as the nanny to Princess Zazi but holds concealed secrets and immense power within the Akachi kingdom. “Blood Psalms” is often likened to South Africa’s own version of “Game of Thrones,” drawing inspiration from ancient African mythology.

Beyond television, Khoza is a trailblazing theatre performer known for creating provocative works that challenge societal norms and confront issues such as discrimination and violence faced by gay individuals and sangomas (traditional healers). Notable among his works is “The Red Femicycle,” a production inspired by his personal experiences. He artfully leverages his sexuality and traditional practice to express thought-provoking ideas, seamlessly transitioning between different artistic mediums to critique societal shortcomings, leadership, and existence itself.

Albert “Ibokwe” Khoza’s influence extends globally, having performed internationally and collaborated with artists from diverse disciplines, including Oupa Sibeko, Lerato Matolodi, Musa Zwane, and many more. His outstanding contributions to the arts earned him prestigious awards, such as the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Performance Art in 2018. In 2023, he embarked on a studio residency at the Embassy of Foreign Artists in Geneva, Switzerland, where he dedicated his creative process to his ancient guides, manifesting their artistic visions.

Smoke & Mirrors

Khoza also showcases his acting prowess on the e.tv series “Smoke & Mirrors,” portraying the character Ngcuka, an enigmatic inyanga with sinister motives in the town of Emnyameni. Ngcuka is closely tied to the unholy trinity, a group of powerful and malevolent characters responsible for a series of murders and rituals. With a distinctive and androgynous appearance characterized by eccentric attire, beaded accessories, and painted nails, Khoza’s role educates viewers on the distinction between a sangoma and a gedla, a witch or wizard.

Personal Life and Interests

Albert “Ibokwe” Khoza proudly embraces his identity as a flamboyant sangoma and a gay man. Fearlessly challenging stereotypes and societal norms that oppress individuals like him, he also harbours a deep interest in spirituality, philosophy, psychology, history, literature, music, fashion, and art. Khoza’s eclectic interests encompass reading books, watching movies, listening to music, travelling, meditating, and cherishing moments with friends and family. Although he is based in Johannesburg, his work often takes him on journeys around the world.

 

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