Bio
Lucia Mthiyane is a South African jazz singer, actress, model, chef and entrepreneur best known to television viewers for her role as Rachel Phakathi in the e.tv soapie Rhythm City, from 2007-2008.
She also plays the role of Selinah Mdluli, mother to Pearl (Jo-Anne Reyneke), in the SABC2 soapie Muvhango.
Lucia has performed in musicals, theatre productions and television series and has done TV presenting and corporate work. She appeared in the Richard Loring production of Girl Talk in 1998 and in Janice Honeyman's Little Shop of Horrors at the Civic Theatre.
In 1997 she appeared in Colin Law's production of Blues Brothers and was nominated for best performance in a musical.
Television series she has acted in include Soul Buddyz, Backstage, Mzansi, Generations and Flat 27. In 1998 she received an FNB Vita Nomination for Most Outstanding Performance in Musical Theatre in Kippie.
An ex-school teacher, Lucia has sung for ex-President Nelson Mandela, ex-President Thabo Mbheki as well as the President of Indonesia on his presidential visit to South Africa.
She has been as ambassador for Carducci Woman and Estee Lauder and gives motivational talks to women. She was also appointed as one of the judges for Taste of Durban, which had chefs from different countries showing off their culinary skills.
She was nominated as one of the chefs to conduct demonstrations for Spekko Rice throughout the country and has plans to put together a television cooking show. She also conducts cooking classes at Miele Kitchens around the country.
Born in Umlazi township outside Durban in Kwa-Zulu Natal, she attended Swelihle High School. She currently resides in Sandton, Gauteng.