Richard Kitenge Lukunku is a distinguished Congolese-born South African actor with a remarkable 15-year career spanning television, film, and streaming platforms. From his debut in 2010, he has earned acclaim for his powerful screen presence, multilingual skills, and ability to portray complex characters across genres. His international breakthrough came as Joshua in the Starz series Black Sails (2014–2015), while his role as Patrice Lumumba in the Netflix film The Siege of Jadotville (2016) showcased his dramatic depth and historical insight.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Richard Kitenge Lukunku |
| Date of Birth | 29 May 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Nationality | South African (Congolese-born) |
| State of Origin | Congo-Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) |
| Partner | Nozipho Nkelemba (actress and director; separated as of 2023) |
| Children | Two children (one son and one daughter) |
| Occupations | Actor, Casting Department Professional |
| Net Worth | Approximately $250,000 USD |
Early Life and Education
Born on 29 May 1986 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Richard Lukunku moved to South Africa during childhood and grew up primarily in Johannesburg. This multicultural environment sparked his passion for performance and shaped his understanding of diverse cultural perspectives.
He honed his craft at AFDA, The School for the Creative Economy in Johannesburg, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Live Performance. Fluent in six languages; English, Afrikaans, Setswana, Zulu, French, and Swahili. His linguistic versatility became a cornerstone of his professional success.
Career
Richard launched his career with a debut in the crime drama Inkaba, quickly progressing to lead roles like Detective Phaka in Mshika-shika (2012). His performance in the telenovela Ashes to Ashes drew widespread praise, highlighting his skill in sustaining intricate character arcs over extended series runs. Additional early credits include The Mirage of Life, The Quest, and Rhythm City, where he built a solid foundation as a reliable dramatic talent.
In 2014, Richard joined the cast of Black Sails as Joshua, gaining global exposure through the Starz pirate drama. He balanced this with films like Happiness Is a Four-Letter Word (2016), a romantic comedy that revealed his comedic range.
His standout portrayal of Patrice Lumumba in The Siege of Jadotville marked a career pinnacle, blending historical accuracy with emotional intensity in a high-profile Netflix production alongside stars like Jamie Foxx.
Returning to South Africa, Richard took a starring role in the enduring series Isidingo on SABC3. He expanded into fantasy with Senator Jabari in Showmax’s Blood Psalms (2022) and continued with projects like The Looming Tower, Professionals, Shaka iLembe, and the recent film Hunting Jessica Brok (2025).
Personal Life
Richard is married to fellow actress and director Nozipho Nkelemba, with whom he has two children, a son and a daughter. The couple, who went public with their relationship in 2017, faced reports of separation in 2023, though they prioritize privacy amid professional demands.
His multilingual background and reserved approach to personal matters underscore a grounded presence in South Africa’s vibrant creative community.
Net Worth
Richard Lukunku’s net worth stands at around $250,000 USD, derived from his extensive television, film, and streaming work. This estimate accounts for fees from major international productions and consistent South African series roles, though he maintains discretion about his finances.
Filmography
| Year | Medium | Title | Character/Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Film | Africa United | Supporting |
| 2011 | Film | A Million Colours | Supporting |
| 2012 | TV | Mshika-shika | Detective Phaka |
| 2012 | Film | Zama Zama | Casting Department |
| 2012 | TV | Ashes to Ashes | Supporting |
| 2014 | Film | Thina Sobabili | Skhalo |
| 2014–2015 | TV | Black Sails | Joshua |
| 2016 | Film | The Siege of Jadotville | Patrice Lumumba |
| 2016 | Film | Happiness Is a Four-letter Word | Leo |
| 2017 | Film | The Lucky Specials | Jose |
| 2018 | TV | The Looming Tower | Officer Ndereba |
| 2018 | TV | Thys & Trix | Lt. Col. Nyanda |
| 2018 | TV | JJC: Johnny Just Come | Akpan |
| 2018 | TV | Knapsekêrels | Chilly Mapoe |
| 2019 | TV | The Girl from St. Agnes | Kgalala Molopo |
| 2019 | TV | The Hot Zone | Mr. Tinda |
| 2019 | Film | Back of the Moon | Max (Badman) |
| 2019 | TV | The Widow | Fabrice |
| 2022 | TV | Blood Psalms | Senator Jabari |
| 2022 | TV | Professionals | Dr. Feza |
| 2023 | TV | Shaka iLembe | Domingo |
| 2023–Present | TV | Isidingo | Lead Role |
| 2024 | Film | Happiness Is | Leo |
| 2025 | Film | Hunting Jessica Brok | Lazar Ipacs |
Awards and Nominations
Richard has earned three notable nominations that affirm his industry standing:
Golden Horn Award (2013)
- Best Actor in a TV Drama for Mshika-shika (Nominated)
SAFTA Awards (2016)
- Best Achievement by a Supporting Actor in a TV Soap for Ashes to Ashes (Nominated)
Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA, 2018)
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role for The Lucky Specials (Nominated)
The film Thina Sobabili, featuring Richard, represented South Africa at the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Film in 2016.
