In recent years, becoming a sangoma has become a significant trend among both ordinary people and celebrities in South Africa. This path is not chosen lightly, as it involves a deep commitment to spiritual practices and healing. Today, we will explore the journeys of 12 South African actors and actresses who have embraced their ancestral callings to become sangomas.

1. Kamela Kamuka

Kamela Kamuka is a South African actress known for her current role on “Smoking Mirrors” as Miki. Some may recognize her as Master from “Mango.” She has also appeared in other shows like “Scandal,” “Ezase Stories,” “Greed and Desire,” where she played M, among others.

Kamela found out about her calling when she was 18 years old but accepted it around the age of 30. She comes from a family of healers and was told by her elders that she had a spiritual gift and had to accept it.

They even gave her prophecies to prove it, one of which was fulfilled when she was 25 and another a few years afterward. After both prophecies were fulfilled, she was convinced that accepting her calling was all she needed to do, and she did. As of 2023, she is a proud traditional healer.

2. Al

Al is a 35-year-old actor, dancer, composer, writer, and director. Born in 1988, he grew up in Soweto and lost his father, a police officer, when he was 7 years old. His father was shot trying to circumvent a taxi war in 1995.

Al is not only a gay man but also a traditional healer. He has written, performed, and directed multiple cultural plays and composed multiple cultural songs, embracing African beauty with his authentic African traditional touch. He has traveled the world, showcasing the struggles and stories of African traditions and his struggles as a gay man.

3. MAA

MAA is a recent celebrity sensation, best known for playing the role of Unison Schim. However, she is more than just a beautiful actress; she is also a sangoma in real life.

She shared her experiences with her fans on Instagram, stating that her journey wasn’t easy but was necessary. MAA also claimed that her calling required patience, and she is proud of her gift. She hopes to heal people on screen and off screen.

4. Theal

Theal is an actress known for playing the rebellious child character on “ETV Scandal.” In real life, she is a traditional healer who speaks to ancestors. She respects her elders and is honored to be serving her great-grandfather, who helped her achieve everything in life.

5. D Maaso

D Maaso is a South African actor known for playing the role of Suffocate on “Rhythm City” and Smo on “Uzalo.” There was an article claiming he was initiated in 2019, but this information is suspicious and may not be accurate.

6. Tina Jackson

Tina Jackson, known for playing the role of May on “Generations the Legacy,” among others, is also a sangoma in real life. She revealed in 2016 that she had gotten the calling 20 years prior and accepted it while married to her late husband, Prosper Mwamwata, who encouraged her to consult with a healer.

7. Niss

Niss has not embraced her calling but has acknowledged it in cryptic posts. She has indirectly blamed her late mother for the calling falling on her, as her mother rejected her own calling and became a devout Christian instead.

8. Dinanga

Dinanga, known for her role on “ETV Scandal” as Lady Tab, is also spiritually gifted. She and her husband, Solo, revealed that they accepted their ancestral callings. Dinanga found out about her calling while visiting a sangoma for a separate issue and was supported by her husband, who also had the gift.

9. Don Tanda King

Don Tanda King, formerly known as Doni, is an actress known for playing the role of Mano for nearly 7 years. She was married to Jabulani Momi, with whom she had five children. They were married for 15 years until their divorce in 2017.

Don is also a sangoma and has slammed those who accused her of doing it because it was a trend. She has faced challenges but is open to the rewards that come with the gift.

10. Shim M

Shim M, known for her roles on “Scandal” and “Rhythm City,” came out as a sangoma in 2019. She is a certified traditional healer and takes her role seriously, even working at night when needed. She sacrifices sleep to help others and claims she is coping just fine, emphasizing that her calling is legitimate and not something she made up for attention.

11. Nin Williams

Nin Williams, a 58-year-old actress known for playing the role of Cuba on “Rhythm City,” is also a traditional healer. As a teenager, she would become violent when acting unaware that ancestors were calling her to be a traditional healer. She resisted them for years but gave in at the age of 52 when a strange illness, bad luck, and terrifying dreams befell her.

12. Zola Hashi

Zola Hashi, known for his role as Shakes on “Rhythm City” and his presence on the ETV kids show “Craze Out,” recently revealed that he also had a calling from the ancestors and heeded it. However, he stated that his gift was only to heal andnothing else.

In conclusion, the journey of these South African actors and actresses 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 interplay 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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