Rising Mzansi star now an International Emmy nominee

Thuso Mbedu is only 23 years old, and she’s already scored a nomination for an international award. The International Emmy Awards recognise excellence in TV shows that are produced and aired outside the United States, and Thuso was nominated for her role in Mzansi Magic drama Is’thunzi. She found out about the nod earlier this week when SA TV veteran Thembi Mtshali-Jones (whom you might know from her role in beloved isiZulu soapie Stokvel, available on Showmax) congratulated her on Twitter.

So it’s been brought to my attention that I’ve been nominated for the INTERNATIONAL EMMY AWARDS which is kind of a BIG DEAL for me ?? I have to say my thank yous ??‍♀️ I am here by the Grace of God! So before I say anything else : Thank you Jesus. I don’t know how to put this into words. I’ve screamed, I’ve danced and jumped, I’ve prayed (and my vocabulary wouldn’t rise to the occasion) and I’ve cried. I am so humbled. To my sister, Masentle Nomalungelo Mbedu, @noma.mbedu I love you more than words can explain. I am here because of God through you. To my agent, Anna, @annzo_duck thank you for taking me in and believing in me when all the other “big” agencies turned me away. God willed it and so we live purpose. RAPID BLUE! God bless and increase you. Thank you for believing in all of us by casting us. I definitely wouldn’t have been able to rise to the occasion without my wonderful cast. My support system. AMANDA LANE! My words fall short but I’m gonna squeeze you so hard when I see you tomorrow! The crew! Thank you for being patient with us and making us look like the best versions of ourselves. Mzansi Magic: @mzansimagic the channel that gave me my very first acting break. Humbly, I thank you. To my family and ALL my friends: thank you humbly and I love you. Vuyelwa Mpakanyiswa, my friend and guide (and manager) this is just the beginning. Thank you for putting up with me for so long. @sdumo.mtshali Season 1 bhuti, you were my go-to person. You were never tired of helping me when I was frustrated or confused by my offers. You were always willing to talk it out and suggest different ways of playing it. We need more people like you! Thank you so much. Obviously, I could go on and on and on and on! But simply: Abahlali bezishebo (niyazazi). PMB. KZN. SATAFRIKA! Ngiyanithanda. Kubonga mina umntana kagogo. Glory be to God. Never lose heart. Keep pushing. Your dream is just a stepping stone to the greater things God has in store for you. From South Africa to the World. #IWill #daretobedifferent #internatonalemmys2017 #iemmysnominee #ThusoMbedu #ThisIsUs #TeachMeHowTo #iemmyNOM AMANINJA! @MakgotsoM1 @zikhona_bali @YolandaKgaka @tkaula

A post shared by Thuso Mbedu (@thuso.mbedu) on Sep 27, 2017 at 5:11am PDT

There are a total of 44 International Emmy Awards nominees including Kenneth Branagh and Anna Friel, and the winners will be announced on 20 November.

Thuso also stars as Boni Khumalo in Mzansi Magic’s Saints and Sinners (Seasons 1 to 3 are now on Showmax), and she’ll be appearing in MTV Shuga Season 5, which is due to launch on Showmax next month.

Congratulations, Thuso – we’re so proud of you!

Cover image: Thuso Mbedu. Image courtesy of Mzansi Magic.