Khanyi Mbau Becomes First African to Be Nominated in Netflix’s Global Superlative Awards

South African screen siren and media personality Khanyi Mbau has made history, becoming the first African nominee in Netflix’s Global Superlative Awards, nominated under the fan-favourite category: “Main Character Energy.”

This unprecedented nomination is more than an accolade, it signals a global shift. It is a celebration of African excellence, narrative power, and the impact of women who choose to define themselves on their own terms.

Khanyi’s nomination reflects a larger cultural moment: African women no longer waiting for permission to lead, to be visible, or to take up space on screen, online, or in global discourse. From tabloid headlines to timelines, Khanyi Mbau has mastered the art of public reinvention, holding the gaze of a continent while carving out an authentic, audacious identity in an industry where few women dare.

With a career spanning over 20 years, Khanyi has become a household name in South Africa evolving from actress and TV presenter into a pop culture phenomenon. Her most recent appearance as a central figure on Netflix’s hit reality series Young, Famous & African introduced her to an even broader international audience.

In the show, now in its third season, Khanyi stands out as a woman who leads with agency, glamour, and emotional honesty capturing both admiration and critique, which only cements her status as a true “main character” in every sense of the phrase.

The Netflix nomination places her alongside global entertainment icons, but uniquely, she carries with her the weight and beauty of an African legacy that’s often overlooked by global platforms. This is not just a nomination, it’s representation redefined.