In the rich tapestry of South African culture, the role of sangomas, or traditional healers, holds a significant place. These individuals are believed to communicate with the ancestors and play a crucial role in spiritual and physical healing.

In recent years, several South African celebrities have embraced their ancestral callings to become sangomas, showcasing the deep-rooted spiritual beliefs that continue to influence modern society.

One of the most notable figures is Denial Anger, a South African actress known for her role in “The Queen.” Along with her partner, Solo, Denial accepted their ancestral callings to become sangomas. Their journey began with an unexpected revelation during a consultation with a sangoma for a different issue.

Accepting their spiritual calling was a difficult decision, but it was one that brought them closer together. They even paid lobola for each other to join their union in a way that would appease both their ancestors. The couple expressed their pride in their blessings and their acceptance of their roles as sangomas.

Low Bongi, a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, also accepted her calling to become a sangoma in 2016. Despite facing criticism and judgment from friends, Low Bongi stood firm in her beliefs.

She responded to her critics on social media, emphasizing her faith in her ancestors and the positive impact being a sangoma has had on her life. She credits both Christianity and traditional beliefs for her success and remains unashamed of her spiritual journey.

Gigi Lamayne, a 26-year-old award-winning rapper and songwriter, announced her training to become a sangoma in May 2020. She posted a photo on Instagram wearing red and white beads, a symbol of her spiritual journey.

Gigi received messages of support from fellow celebrities and expressed how her life had changed for the better since embarking on her spiritual path.

Kelly Khumalo, a well-known musician and actress, has been rumored to be a sangoma since 2018. She was spotted wearing attire reserved for sangomas, sparking speculation about her spiritual journey.

While she has been private about her experiences, reports suggest that she was indeed undergoing training to become a sangoma. A well-known sangoma once stated that Kelly needed to impress her ancestors or she would never find peace, indicating the seriousness of her commitment to her calling.

Detroit Makini, an actress, singer, and TV personality, took time off from acting in 2003 to undergo an eight-month training course to become a sangoma. She runs a traditional healing practice in Johannesburg and has expressed that she will always be a sangoma because the ancestors chose her.

Don’t Anika King, a popular figure in the news and entertainment industry, accepted her ancestral calling after a car accident in 2008. She remembers saying, “If this is an ancestral calling, then I accept,” and from that day, she could walk again.

Despite her busy schedule, she finds time to practice her gift and even receives songs from her ancestors, which she uses to communicate with them. Don’t Anika King has plans to open a traditional healing practice but has put that dream on hold due to her acting career. She identifies as a Christian before a sangoma and struggled with the decision to answer her calling, having grown up in a Christian home.

Baby Kelly, another actress known for her role in “Generations,” has also accepted her ancestral calling. She first recognized her gift at the age of 10 but only accepted it later in life. Her father was against it, and her family spent much time ignoring it.

However, after her parents died, it was revealed that her mother also had a gift, prompting her to accept her calling in 2004. She admits that it’s a big responsibility that can sometimes hold her back from forming relationships.

Show Kamala, famous for her role in “Rhythm City,” is also a practicing sangoma. She accepted her calling after finalizing her divorce from an allegedly abusive ex-husband and graduated as a registered traditional healer in 2019. Show expressed concerns about being a celebrity and the potential negative impact on her practice, given the trend of celebrities becoming sangomas.

Noon in the Williams, a playwright and actress known for her role in “Rhythm City,” is also a sangoma. She has been practicing for several years and emphasizes the difference between sangomas and witch doctors, stating that sangomas do not deal with black magic.

Wang Gani, an actor known for his portrayal in “Rhythm City,” accepted his calling to become a sangoma but asked his ancestors to put his practice on hold so he could continue with his acting career. He plans to return to practicing as a sangoma when time allows.

In conclusion, the journey of these South African celebrities to embrace their ancestral callings and become sangomas is a testament to the enduring influence of spiritual beliefs in modern society. Their stories highlight the complex in terplay between personal faith, cultural traditions, and public life.

As these individuals navigate their dual roles as entertainers and spiritual healers, they offer a unique perspective on the importance of honoring one’s ancestors and embracing one’s spiritual heritage.

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