By Kgomotso Moganedi
Veteran actor and producer Dumisani Dlamini has paid lobola for his new wife Ophelia Mulela.
On Saturday, the Dlaminis visited the family of the bride to hand over gifts for umembeso, a traditional ceremony of welcoming the groom to the bride’s family.
Dlamini, the father of popular American musician Doja Cat, has been featured widely on several hit TV shows including Shaka iLembe.
He met Doja Cat’s mother, Deborah Sawyer, a Jewish and American actress and painter while he was on tour with the historical Sarafina.
He was previously engaged to Girlie Nhlengethwa and Nandi Ndlovu.
The 59-year-old father of seven has also made appearances on eHostela, Isibaya, Yizo Yizo, and many other TV shows.
He held a private and intimate traditional ceremony in Chiawelo, Soweto at the weekend.
Insiders privy to the affair told Sunday World that Dlamini is excited about being married to Mulela.
“Guests in their traditional outfits were dancing and ululating.” said a member of the family.
“Everything went well as the affair was an intimate ceremony where guests were dished traditional food and drank umqombothi [traditional beer].”
A family friend who attended the ceremony said both the bride and groom were smitten, proof enough that love was in the air.
“Both Dumisani and Ophelia were in cloud nine and they couldn’t get their hands off each other,” said a family friend.
The seasoned actor confirmed that the Dlaminis visited the bride’s family for the welcoming of the groom.
“It wasn’t a wedding but Umembeso, where the bride’s family received gifts from the groom’s family as a sign of respect and welcoming umkhwenyana [the groom],” he said.
“Another ceremony will take place in Durban at my homestead, where we will continue to celebrate this union.
“My wife’s family and other guests who were there were very welcoming and that really made me feel great.”
The highlight of the ceremony were the Venda dancers who entertained guests with their dance moves in celebration of the couple’s union.
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