Masali Baduza, born on March 12, 1997, is a South African actress recognized for her compelling roles in television series and films. She has earned acclaim through performances in projects like Noughts + Crosses, The Woman King, and Bridgerton.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Masali Baduza |
| Date of Birth | 12 March 1997 |
| Place of Birth | East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | Eastern Cape |
| Partner | Unknown/Single |
| Children | None |
| Occupations | Actress |
| Net Worth | $600,000 – 2million (estimates vary) |
Early Life and Education
Baduza grew up in East London, Eastern Cape, as the youngest of five children to a journalist father and government employee mother. She attended the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, completing an Associate of Fine Arts in Acting for Film in 2016, before returning to South Africa for theatre work.
Career
Masali Baduza started her career in South African theatre, performing in an all-female The Taming of the Shrew at Maynardville Open-Air Theatre. She soon transitioned to screen with roles like Lerato in the short film The Fighter (2019), Thandi in Bhai’s Cafe (2019), and Thandi Makebe in three episodes of the crime thriller Trackers (2019). That same year, the Royal Television Society named her a rising star.
Her international breakthrough came as Persephone “Sephy” Hadley in the BBC/PEACOCK series Noughts + Crosses (2020-2022), where she led a cast addressing racial injustice in a dystopian world. She expanded into Hollywood with Young Trish Deveraux in Slumber Party Massacre (2021), Edith in Around the World in 80 Days (2021), and the warrior Fumbe in The Woman King (2022) alongside Viola Davis.
Her recent roles include Michaela Stirling in Bridgerton (2024-present), evolving from guest in season 3 to recurring in season 4, plus Winnie in The Morning After (2024) and Amahle in Love and Wine (2025). She also endorses brands like Nescafe and Lindt while championing African stories and social equality.
Personal Life
Baduza maintains privacy around her romantic relationships, with her current status undisclosed. Earlier social media hints suggested a partner around 2018, but she emphasizes her professional pursuits and advocacy for social issues like racial equality.
Net Worth
Her net worth is estimated between $600,000 and $2 million as of 2025-2026, stemming from high-profile acting gigs, brand partnerships with Nescafe and Lindt, and modeling opportunities.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Trackers | Thandi Makebe | 3 episodes |
| 2019 | Bhai’s Cafe | Thandi | |
| 2019 | The Fighter | Lerato | Short |
| 2020–2022 | Noughts + Crosses | Sephy Hadley | Main role |
| 2021 | Slumber Party Massacre | Young Trish Deveraux | |
| 2021 | Around the World in 80 Days | Edith | 1 episode |
| 2022 | The Woman King | Fumbe | |
| 2024–Present | Bridgerton | Michaela Stirling | Guest S3, Recurring S4 |
| 2024 | The Morning After | Winnie | |
| 2025 | Love and Wine | Amahle | Main role |
Awards and Recognition
In 2019, she was highlighted as a rising star by the Royal Television Society. Her role in Bridgerton has fueled conversations on queer representation, though major awards remain unreported as of 2026.
