Living icon Dr Kani celebrates 80 years in style
Yours in hot gossip honoured an invitation to celebrate one of South Africa’s real stars, an icon and living legend, Bonisile John Kani.
This was part of the Van Toeka Af series that recognises the country’s living legends. It was held at the Market Theatre in Newtown on Wednesday – the same day the thespian celebrated his 80th birthday.
My Gosh – South African black men do age like fine wine, hey – just look at Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi who turned 95 recently.
But back to the man of the moment, Kani, who needs no introduction, especially to those who follow the field of arts. His work speaks for itself.
That grandpa’s resume is so rich you would think your grandparents were lazy in their youth.
Anyway, if you do not know Kani let me school you: he is a South African actor, writer, director and voice over artist. He has starred in international films alongside big international stars.
He is prominently known for his roles as Black Panther’s father, T’Chaka, in the Marvel Cinematic Black Panther films.
He has performed in theatre shows like Nothing but the Truth, Othello, Sizwe Banzi is Dead, Kunene and The King, to mention but only a few. A person of his calibre is an inspiration without even trying.
He was given his flowers while he could still smell them.
To show Kani’s greatness, this celebration was attended by former president Thabo Mbeki and his wife Zanele. American filmmaker Ryan Coogler joined the attendees virtually and wished the elderly well.
Shwa saw the gorgeous famous grannies who are exceptional actresses, Thembi Mtshali-Jones, Abigail Kubeka and Lillian Dube.
Those three queens need to share their secret on how they remain that beautiful and energetic in their old age. How they carry themselves, their love for people, poise and their fashion sense made Shwa wish she lived in their era, just minus the apartheid.
Moi couldn’t help but wonder how they managed to stay relevant and never allowed fame to get to their heads. They need to speak to these young actresses because really, fame is a drug.
Before we got to be treated into a stellar theatre show led by Kani’s son, Atandwa Kani, Tumisho Masha and Nat Ramabulana, we were serenaded by the legendary jazz singer, SiphoHotstix Mabuse. And hey, Shwa has got to give it to theatre actors, they are the real MVPs. To Kani, happy birthday legend. May you live to make an even greater impact with your wisdom.
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