Culture Craze

Khanyi Mbau Makes Netflix History with ‘Main Character’ Nod

Published

2 months ago

July 8, 2025

Chiraag

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Johannesburg’s own Khanyi Mbau is lighting up screens globally as she becomes the first African ever nominated in Netflix’s Reality Universe Superlatives (NRU Superlatives), under the Main Character Energy category. This isn’t just a nomination; it’s a cultural milestone and a defining moment for African entertainment.

In her signature style, Khanyi took to Instagram and shared her excitement:
“Being nominated as the first African for the Netflix Superlative vote for Main Character Energy… This is BIG.”

She captured the spirit perfectly. Main Character Energy means owning your space, leading your life like the star of the show, and Khanyi’s been doing just that.

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Why It’s a Big Deal

Netflix’s NRU Superlatives lets fans vote for the most talked-about, boldly unapologetic stars from across the platform’s reality TV lineup. Khanyi’s nomination makes her the first African ever to land on that global shortlist, and she’s standing tall among the best of the best.

As she explained on her Instagram Stories, the nomination means “taking a lead role in your own life rather than living as a supporting cast member for others.”

It’s not just recognition; it’s representation.

Jozi Drama Meets Global Stage

Khanyi was nominated for her magnetic performance in Young, Famous & African, Netflix’s glitzy pan-African reality series filmed largely in Johannesburg.

The show features an all-star cast, including Diamond Platnumz, Zari Hassan, Nadia Nakai, and Annie Macauley, all navigating love, power, and business in the fast-paced world of African celebrity culture. But it’s Khanyi who commands the screen, unapologetically glamorous, fiercely independent, and impossible to ignore.

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Image 1: Facebook/Khanyi Mbau

Tough Competition, but SA Is Rallying

Khanyi is up against some big names:

Harry Jowsey (Too Hot to Handle)
Jess Vestal (Love is Blind)
Ryan Serhant (Owning Manhattan)

But if you scroll through X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram, it’s clear South Africans are rallying hard behind their queen.

One fan wrote, “Khanyi’s always had Main Character Energy. The world’s just catching up.”
Another said, “She’s not in that show… that show is in her story.”

How to Vote

Want to see her win it? Head to Netflix’s official voting page before 15 July 2025 and vote for Main Character Energy.

The winners will be announced at Netflix’s Summer Break event on 17 July 2025.

Let’s show the world how South Africans celebrate their own, especially when they’re setting the standard for what Main Character Energy really means.