Zodwa Wabantu Biography: Early Life, Career, Controversies, Personal Life

Early Life

Zodwa Wabantu is a South African socialite, MC, and dancer, born on October 30, 1985, in Soweto, Zodwa Wabantu’s upbringing was in a rural area in KwaZulu-Natal. Tragedy struck her life at a young age when she lost her mother at just 11 years old, forcing her to mature quickly to face life’s challenges. Raised by her aunt and grandmother, she recounts, “My mom passed away when I was 11… I had to fight for food, and I could see then that that isn’t the way life should be. I was asked why I was eating when my cousins weren’t. So I had no choice but to move. I knew I needed to hustle.”

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Career Path

Zodwa initially worked for a South African debt collection company before opting for a career shift to become a dancer. Her journey to fame commenced with her electrifying dance performances at Durban’s Eyadini Lounge.

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Known for her bold and unconventional style, Zodwa Wabantu gained attention for her unique choice to dance without underwear. Despite this, she formed close associations with various celebrities and even developed a strong bond with the legendary DJ Tira himself. Her dancing skills became her livelihood, propelling her to fame and financial success.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

In a surprising move, Zodwa ventured into entrepreneurship in January 2021, announcing the launch of her own Chicken and Egg business. This decision was motivated by the uncertain prospects for artists during the pandemic. With her entrepreneurial spirit in full gear, Zodwa aspires to expand her business to supply major supermarkets.

Controversies

Zodwa Wabantu has found herself at the centre of various controversies. In 2017, she faced a ban from performing at the Harare International Carnival in Zimbabwe after the country’s acting President, Phelekezela Mphoko, labelled her act as “immoral.” In 2019, she encountered deportation from Zambia due to authorities deeming her performance “immoral” and “unacceptable.”

Personal Life and Relationships

Zodwa Wabantu has been remarkably open about her personal life. During her youth, she underwent several terminated pregnancies due to not using protection. In 2006, she welcomed her son, Vuyo, into the world.

Her romantic life has also captured public interest. Zodwa has been involved in multiple relationships, often preferring to date younger men. Notably, she was in a relationship with Ntobeko Linda, a traditional healer like herself. After a six-year courtship, Zodwa proposed to Ntobeko in 2019, but they later parted ways. Additionally, she was linked to Vusi Ngubane, who has since moved on to a new chapter in his life.