We can never talk about the most ostentatious on-screen divas in Mzansi without bringing up the iconic actress and drama queen Khanyi Mbau. She is the queen of small screens with a cabinet of awards in her name. With her rich experience in the entertainment industry, Khanyi Mbau has pocketed heft amounts from her distinctive flair. To prove that she is a master of her craft Khanyi Mbau was the first African woman to be subjected to a Comedy Central Roast.
Besides acting, the seasoned actress has mastered the concept of making money through fame, and her growing business empire is evidence. Although many labelled her a gold digger who dates rich men to secure a soft life, Khanyi Mbau is the epitome of hard work with many arms like the tentacles of an octopus. Dating rich men for her is just icing on the cake as she already runs a prominent business empire.
Khanyi Mbau’s rise to fame
Mbau discovered her calling in arts at a young age, she was inspired by her grandmother to join the entertainment industry. Since she hit her jackpot in the entertainment industry, the outspoken Khanyi has impressed many with her prowess. She rose to fame in 2004 after being cast as Lindiwe Chibi’s replacement for the character Doobsie in Muvhango. Mbau fried Mzansi with her acting skills, winning tonnes of hearts. She has been featured in several television roles throughout her career, and she also runs her reality show Mbau Reloaded, where she flaunts her lavish lifestyle.
A sneak peeks at Khanyi Mbau’s business empire
Apart from being an award-winning actress, she doubles as a business mogul. Khanyi is also making a fortune from her money-making spinning endeavours that have enormously contributed to her overall net worth. Her fame in the entertainment industry sees her scoring brand ambassadorial deals with big brands in Mzansi, and she has ventured into the world of business to flex her financial muscle.
I am Khanyi-Millennial Shimmer Gin
She made headlines in November 2018 after she launched her gin called Am Khanyi-Millennial Shimmer Gin. Her gin is a distilled alcoholic drink that derives its predominant flavour from juniper berries. Am Khanyi is a millennial pink shade filled with lush silver shimmer. Confirming her boss’s moves, Khanyi Mbau said:
I kept it on the low because creating a Gin is serious business, it’s not a party trick and it needs focus and concentration as this is something people will be putting in their bodies, so I had to be sure and confident about the quality of the brand before I said anything. Nicole from Copper & Malt helped me with my vision in bringing it to life. She kept me fully involved in the whole process; from the concept, design, through to which flavour profiles would work. The gin was designed specifically to suit my persona, style and personality
2k Business Centres
She is a go-getter actress who stops at nothing to be successful. In 2021 Khanyi took to social media to reveal a massive structure in Sandon, a business centre. Khanyi’s 2k business centre is where entrepreneurs and business executives converge to work, network and conduct business, giving entrepreneurs an affordable yet luxurious workspace to work from.
A vibrant workspace in the heart of SANDTON. She is finally here!!! Please Follow @2kbusinesscentres and help me celebrate my new journey!! A promise made is a promise kept! A premium space for entrepreneurs in the heart of Sandton
ZA Youth Movement
The actress joined forces with businessman Tum Hogins to assist youth with funding for their education, creating employment and mentorship programs. Khanyi Mbau’s move saw her top trending on Twitter, with Mzansi praising her for her excellent work.
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