Bio
Khabonina Qubeka is a South African actress, dancer, choreographer, singer and businesswoman best known for her role as the third Doobsie (after Lindiwe Chibi and Khanyisile Mbau) on the SABC2 soapie Muvhango, from 2006-2007.
She is also known for her starring roles as Khanyi Qubu on the SABC3 drama series For Sale (2007), as ruthless businesswoman Faith on the SABC3 drama series The Lab (2008) and for her starring role as city-slick babe Khanyi on the e.tv soapie Rhytm City, in 2009.
She also starred as Roxanne's (Renate Stuurman) controlling boss, Kefilwe Ndlovu, in the SABC2 drama series The Mating Game.
She was also a judge on the SABC1 reality competition Dance Your Ass Off, from 2010-2011; and replaced Penny Thloloe as a judge on the e.tv reality dance competition Step Up or Step Out for its second season, in 2012.
Born in Orlando West Extension, Soweto in 1981, Qubeka was raised in Johannesburg. She attended Queen's High School Kensington, after which she earned a dance diploma with Moving Into Dance.
In 2007 she trained the cubs for The Lion King theatre production at Monte Casino in dance and acting workshops.
Other career highlights include extensive travel in Europe with Richard Loring's African Footprint; performing in the “55 Congress de la FIFA” in Marrakech, Morroco; touring Canada with the Milk Childrens Festival as a story teller, dancer, singer and teacher; performing in Tribute to the Pops in Palma, Majorca, Spain; and being chosen to participate in Madam Taussauds 'Dungeon of Horrors' workshop.
Artists she has worked with include the late Lebo Mathosa, Somizi, Thembi Seete, TK, Debbie Rakusin.
She won an FNB Dance Umbrella Award and danced in Sun International's Sun City ODYSSEY Extravaganza.
She recently started Khabodacious Moves Dance School in Orange Grove and KCPR, a public relations company.
In 2010 she wrote and released her first album titled Gama Lahko, under her own music label Khabodacious Moves Music. A 12 track album, singles on it include Gama Lakho and Bring Your Body. Both tracks are also music videos, produced by Khabonina. The video for Gama Lakho is directed by Efpe Senekal and the video for Bring Your Body is directed by Jonathan Kovel.
In 2014 she hosted her own fitness and lifestyle show on OpenView HD's eKasi+ channel, called Gym eKasi, about making the right food and exercise choices in the comfort of your home and neighbourhood. She's also done the political thriller Ihawu Lesizwe, for SABC1 and starred in the movie Dora's Peace, in the title role of Dora.
Khabonina is multilingual, speaking Zulu, Xhosa, English, seSotho, Venda and Afrikaans.
In 2017 Khabonina won the Indie Spirit Best Actress Award at the Boston International Film Festival, for her portrayal of Dora in the movie Dora's Peace.
Career History
2014
Starred as Dora in the film Dora's Peace
Hosted her own fitness show Gym eKasi.
Starred in SABC1 political thriller Ihawu Lesizwe.
Appeared as a celebrity guest on ScreenTime with NIcky Greenwall.
2013
Judge Step Up or Step Out 3
Released her own fitness DVD J.U.L.U.K.M.E.N.T.
2012
Judge on Step Up or Step Out 2.
Played devious Maxine on The Wild.
Released three singles under her label Khabodacious music: We Getting Down and Wax It (Wax On Wax Off)
2011
Played Jira in the SABC2 drama series Erfsondes.
Starred in the SABC2 drama series The Mating Game.
Judge on Dance Your Ass Off.
Played devious Maxine on The Wild.
2010
Host/presenter of the SABC2 docu-reality show It's for Life.
Choreographed a dance scene for Rhythm City.
Taught the Diski Dance to corporates, schools and communities.
Performed songs from her album Gama Lakho at the Mr. South Africa event at Silverstar Casino.
Choreographed the opening of the Football Friday launch in Sandton.
Choreographed the half-time dance-off during the Celtics and Swallows game at the Siwelele in Arts project in Blomefontein.
Starred as Kefilwe Ndlovu in the SABC2 drama series The Mating Game, from March to June.
2009
Joins the cast of the SABC3 drama series The Lab for its third season, as a main cast member. Plays the role of Faith, a ruthless businesswoman who enters into an illegal business with The Lab's Jaws Bhengu.
Conducted a Health and Wellness seminar for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Invited as a guest speaker alongside American Actor Jesse L Martin (of Law and Order fame) for a ‘Be a Legend’ annual youth campaign at Cosmos City Schools.
Nominated for a SAFTA (South African Film & Television Award) for “Best Villainess” in a Soap.
Released a mini-album of music - currently working on a full debut album.
Started the Khabodacious Moves health lifestyle project offering dance tuition in a variety of styles including Afro-fusion; Contemporary; Hip Hop; and Sensual Dancing (Pole & Lap dancing sessions).
2008
Guest starred in an episode of the SABC1 drama series Mtunzini.com in the role of Lillian Baloyi - the alcoholic, glamorous wife of a tycoon suspected of murdering a nanny - in the episode entitled "The Nanny (Part 1)" - Season 2, Episode 12.
Head choreographer, judge and presenter for Channel O's Dance Africa.
Choreographed the TV special "100 years of Horizon Deep Celebrations" for Isidingo.
Was a guest presenter at the inaugural Stars of Mzansi awards ceremony and was a choreographer and performer at the SAMA awards.
She was also invited by President Kgalema Motlante to the Ceremony of National Orders as an announcer.
2007
Lead role in dramedy For Sale on SABC3
Lead role in soapie Muvhango on SABC2
Hosted Africa Day celebration show live on SABC Africa
Appointed as Celebrity Choreographer on Jika ma Jika on SABC1
Subject of a mini-documentary on magazine show Ses'khona on SABC1 – featured on Women’s Day 9 August 2007
Invited to 3Talk with Noeleen as a motivator and dancer for a Woman’s Day special
Currently running a dance studio Khabodacious Moves
Founder of KCPR (Khabonina Concierge & Public Relations)
Board member of Walking Gusto Multimedia Dance company
Selected to shoot a documentary in Victoria Falls (The Home Coming) alongside Rachel True (sitcom Half and Half) and Michael Boatman (Spin City) by Brainstorm Entertainment
Invited by First Lady Zanele Mbeki to a Young Women of SA in Dialogue event as a motivator and dancer
Founder and designer of Khabodacious Dance Gear
Conducted a health motivational workshop at The Castle, for ABSA management group
Performed at Carol Bouwer’s Motswako 200th anniversary
Conducted a dance workshop for the Department of Education
Adjudicator - National School of the Arts Grade 12 Drama Awards Evening
2006
Choreographed and performed in the SABC2 road show Dorp to Dorp
2005
Performed in the Chicago launch as an actress and dancer
Performed in the 55 Congress de la Fifa in Marrakech, Morocco
Co-produced, with Tshepo Mabona, Bonita Medical Fund Launch for Free State Soccer Stars – choreographer and performer
2004
Toured Europe with Richard Loring’s African Footprint
Performed in Richard Loring’s Buddy Holly Show
Worked with Lebo Mathosa, Somizi, Clearance, Swartland, Thembi Seete, TK, Debbie Rakusin and more
2003
FNB Dance Umbrella Award winner
Madame Tussaud’s Dungeon of Horrors interactive workshops – London
Tribute to the Pops show as a singer, dancer and hostess – Spain, Palma, Majorca
2002
Sun City International – Dancer in Extravaganza
Sun City International – Public Relations Assistant
2000–2001
Milk Children’s Festival – dancer, singer, teacher and storyteller – Canada