Here is the biography and career of Obed Baloyi, the talented South African actor and playwright.
Early Life, Education and Passion for Drama
Obed Baloyi was born in 1970 in Diepkloof, Gauteng, South Africa. He grew up in Diepkloof and had a multicultural upbringing, speaking Xitsonga natively, as well as English, Zulu, and SeSotho. His early years were marked by helping his mother with food vending.
Baloyi attended Shingwezi High School in Malamulele, where he first discovered his passion for drama. Upon returning to Johannesburg, he honed his acting skills by taking classes at the Donaldson Orlando Cultural Club (DOCC), mentored by actors like Darlington Michaels.
Career Journey
- Theater and Playwriting:
- In 1996, Baloyi founded the Mangava Drama Group.
- His play “Ga-Mchangani” premiered at the Market Theatre and later at the Zwakala Festival.
- “Via Soweto,” another of his plays, made its debut at the 1999 Barney Simon Young Directors and Playwrights Festival.
- Transition to Screen:
- In 2000, Baloyi shifted his focus to television.
- He made his debut in the second season of the educational youth show “Soul Buddyz,” playing the character Prins.
- His feature film debut came in “Triomf” (2008), an adaptation of Marlene van Niekerk’s novel.
- Iconic Role in “Ga Re Dumele”:
- In 2010, Baloyi landed the role of TsuTsuma in the popular sitcom “Ga Re Dumele.”
- He portrayed TsuTsuma throughout all six seasons, earning acclaim and two nominations for Best Actor in a TV Comedy at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA), winning in 2014.
- Recent Projects:
- Baloyi starred in the first season of “Giyani: Land of Blood” and returned for the second season in a recurring role.
- From 2021 to 2023, he played Ringo in the Mzansi Magic crime drama series “DiepCity,” receiving a SAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela.
Personal Life
- Baloyi is a devoted family man with four children.
- He is also a member of the Zion Christian Church.
Filmography
Film
- 2008: “Triomf” (as Sonny)
- 2010: “Jozi” (as Jao)
- 2013: “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” (as Client)
- 2016: “The Last Face” (as Atif)
Television
- 2002–2003; 2007: “Soul Buddyz” (as Joe / Prins, Seasons 2 and 4)
- 2004: “Yizo Yizo” (as Zwepe, Season 3)
- 2005: “Scandal!” (as Ezra)
- 2006: “Izoso Connexion” (as Chip Robber, Guest role)
- 2007–2010: “Nomzamo” (as Mzizi, Seasons 2–3)
- 2008: “A Place Called Home” (as Blues, Season 2)
- 2010–2019: “Ga Re Dumele” (as Tsutsuma, Main role)
- 2011: “Laugh Out Loud” (as Mashangane)
- 2015: “Majakathata” (as Dzunisani, Season 2)
- 2018: “Liberty” (as Morgan, Miniseries)
- 2019–2021: “Giyani: Land of Blood” (as Hlengani Joseph Chavalala, Main role in season 1; recurring role in season 2)
- 2021–2023: “DiepCity” (as Ringo, Main role in seasons 1 and 2)
Stage
Writing Credits
- “Ga Mchangani” (1996)
- “Via Soweto” (1999)
Awards and Nominations
- 2012: SAFTA – Best Actor in a TV Comedy (Nominated for “Ga Re Dumele”)
- 2014: SAFTA – Best Actor in a TV Comedy (Won for “Ga Re Dumele”)
- 2022: SAFTA– Best Supporting Actor in a Telenovela (Nominated)