Star’s short journey well-lived
Jezile knew early in life he wanted to be on TV
Born: January 15 1989 Died: April 28 Funeral: Tomorrow, Rhema Bible Church from 9am Burial: Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg
Actor, presenter and producer Akhumzi Jezile’s tragic death has left the local entertainment industry reeling.
Jezile, actor Thobani Mseleni and singer/actress Siyasanga Kobese were part of five people who died in the horrific car accident on the N6 near Queenstown in Eastern Cape on Saturday.
Jezile was born and raised in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, in 1989. His family later relocated to Johannesburg where he attended Winile Secondary School in Katlehong on the East Rand. His Gauteng family home is in Randburg, northern Johannesburg.
In an interview with Sowetan in June 2014, Jezile revealed that he dropped out of university, where he had enrolled for a BCom degree, because he got bored. The then little-known entertainer decided to follow his dream of making it in television.
He did not only make it in the entertainment industry but left an indelible mark.
Jezile also revealed how his journey in show business began by chance. “In 2007 a friend of mine, Sydney, who was also my classmate in matric, was a guest presenter in YoTV. They allowed random kids to be guest presenters and I was determined to try it as well,” he explained.
He met DJ Sbu during his guest slot. Sbu hooked him up with Gaynor Artist Management – and the star was born.
His first acting role was at the SABC1 comedy/drama series Khululeka Siyavota ,a democracy education drama produced by Penguin Films for SABC Education in conjunction with the Electoral Commission of South Africa.
In 2013, Jezile landed the role of Ngulube in the SABC1 drama series Tempy Pushas, set against the backdrop of the lavish fashion world and juxtaposed with the vibrant township culture.
He won the 2014 South African Film and Television Awards gong for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama for his role.
Jezile was also a radio presenter for Umhlobo Wenene.
He was also the face of the Maggie 2-Minute Noodles presenter search and a brand ambassador for the ProtexGive Me 5 Campaign.
The likeable entertainer also produced the biggest YoTV show – The Big Breakfast.
He spoke different South African languages which included Xhosa, English, Zulu and Sotho.
In 2016, he replaced Zuluboy (Mxolisi Majozi) as the host of SABC1 music variety show Fan Base from season five.
His most recent noted job was his role as a series producer for popular SABC1 music show Live AMP and was the featured guest in an episode of SABC1 talkshow Zaziwa.
Jezile leaves behind his mother and sisters. He will be laid to rest in Johannesburg tomorrow.