Atandwa Kani, born on June 6, 1984, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, is a renowned South African actor and the son of the legendary actor John Kani. Known as the “Prince of Theatre,” Atandwa has built a successful career spanning film, television, and theater, both locally and internationally. He is celebrated for his roles in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Black Panther, and numerous stage productions.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Atandwa Kani |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 6, 1984 |
| Place of Birth | Port Elizabeth, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Partner | Previously married to Thembisa Mdoda and Fikile Mthwalo |
| Children | None |
| Occupations | Actor, Performer |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $1.5 million (as of 2025) |
Early Life and Education
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the arts, Atandwa was heavily influenced by his father’s career. He often attended theater performances and rehearsals, which sparked his passion for acting.
He pursued his education at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), earning an Honours degree in theatrical performance in 2008. In 2019, he began working toward a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Acting at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Career
Atandwa made his international stage debut in The Tempest, a collaboration between the Baxter Theatre Centre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he played Ariel alongside his father (Caliban). His performance received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising him as a standout talent.
In 2009, he made his U.S. television debut in Life Is Wild and later appeared in the British series Wild at Heart. He gained further recognition for his role as young Nelson Mandela in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013), acting alongside Idris Elba and Naomie Harris.
Atandwa has also appeared in several notable productions, including:
- The BET series The Book of Negroes (2015)
- The SABC1 drama Kowethu (2014)
- The short film The Suit (2016), which won a SAFTA for Best Short Film
- Marvel’s Black Panther (2018), where he portrayed young King T’Chaka.
In theater, Atandwa performed Sizwe Banzi Is Dead in New York City and toured South Africa with the production. He has also appeared in plays like Hayani and ID Pending, which explore themes of identity and belonging.
Most recently, Atandwa has been featured in Netflix’s animated series What If…?, reprising his role as young King T’Chaka.
Personal Life
Atandwa Kani was married to television presenter Thembisa Mdoda from 2012 to 2015. He later married actress Fikile Mthwalo in 2015, but they divorced amicably in 2023 due to irreconcilable differences.
As of now, Atandwa has kept details about his current relationship status private. He does not have any children.
Atandwa Kani Net Worth
As of 2025, Atandwa Kani’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $1.5 million. His wealth comes from his successful acting career across film, television, and theater.
Filmography
Film:
- Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) – Young Nelson Mandela
- The Suit (2016) – Philemon
- Love by Chance (2017) – Chance
- Black Panther (2018) – Young King T’Chaka
- Choices (2020) – Kenneth
Television:
- Life Is Wild (2007–2008) – Tumelo
- Wild at Heart (2010–2012) – Thabo
- Kowethu (2014) – Sibu
- The Book of Negroes (2015) – New York Jail Guard
- Ashes to Ashes (2016) – Buzwe
- What If…? (2023) – Young King T’Chaka
Awards and Nominations
Atandwa Kani has received several accolades throughout his career:
- Naledi Theatre Award for Outstanding Performance (Sizwe Banzi Is Dead)
- SAFTA Award for Best Short Film (The Suit, 2017)
- Numerous nominations for contributions to theater and film.
Atandwa Kani continues to make strides in the entertainment industry, following in his father’s footsteps while carving out his own legacy as a talented performer on both stage and screen.
