Didintle Khunou is an award-winning screen actress, theatre performer, voice actor and session vocalist who obtained a BA Honours Degree in Dramatic Arts at the University of the Witswatersrand.
​For her performance as Celie in the award-winning musical, Khunou has been honoured with the Naledi and Broadway World South Africa Awards for ‘Best Lead Actress In a Musical – Female’.

Citizen reporter
In another global first for BET Africa, a star-studded local cast has been unveiled ahead of the launch of a gripping and sensational BET Africa Original daily drama titled Isono (The Sin).
According to the channel, their introduction of a telenovela format to their repertoire is a significant investment into the local production industry. Isono will broadcast to audiences across the continent and is set to take African storytelling to the world.
Isono is based on the story of a dysfunctional family and a heroic son who searches within himself for the strength to stand up against a powerful and evil matriarch who will stop at nothing to serve her own needs.

The edgy and fast-paced telenovela features legendary and award-winning actors, Nthati Moshesh and Rami Chuene who bring gravitas to the new show.
Senzo Radebe and Bohang Moeko are cast to play smoking young guns who will bring passion, excitement and betrayal into the storyline. Also joining the cast are celebrated actor and entertainer – Anga ‘Naakmusiq’ Makubalo, rising star Tokollo ‘TK’ Sebothoma and 2019 winner of the Naledi Theatre Award For Best Lead Actress In A Musical – Didintle Khunou. By bringing young complex black characters to the screen, BET Africa continues to do what it’s celebrated for as a black entertainment platform; amplifying and educating global audiences about the richness and nuances of black culture.

Christine Skinner
02/12/2020 13:07:37
The nominees for the prestigious 55th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards have been unveiled.
Now, the countdown begins to the gala awards function on 22 March when the winners in this performing arts calendar highlight will be announced.The showcase is to be hosted at The Baxter Theatre in Cape Town.

Established in 1965, the annual awards known as South Africa’s leading performing arts competition, focuses on professional theatre productions staged in Cape Town and environs. It is sponsored by Distell and has served as launching pad for many of the country’s most prominent names in theatre, while honouring many of its most established talents.

Congratulating the latest nominees, newly appointed judging panel chairperson Africa Melane says the standard of entries remains world-class. “Each year we’re faced with a very difficult task of having to select from an exceptional, high-quality line-up. Once again, the nominees have set the bar high.
“Well done to everyone and thank you to my fellow judges for their time, dedication and passion.”
A total of 59 productions are in the running for top honours this year.

What is your favourite city in SA and why?
Cape Town. It’s cosmopolitan, has beautiful scenery and it has the best and most beautiful nude beach – I’m a fan of nude beaches.
​
Oddest thing you’ve experienced while travelling?
I was at a bar in Cape Town and these two guys noticed me from the Rocky Horror Show so they came up to me and started singing (and dancing) 'The Time Warp' from the show (“it’s just a jump to the left … and a step to the right”). Obviously, because I’m a loony, I joined them.
And there we were, three complete strangers, doing the Time Time Warp in public. It was odd but really fun.

By Chulumanco Mahamba  Feb 20, 2020

To award winning actress Didintle Khunou, being the first black woman cast as Janet Weiss in the rock 'n' roll musical The Rocky Horror Show is not about her skin colour. Best known for her portrayal of Celie in the multi-award-winning musical The Color Purple at the Joburg Theatre, Khunou told The Star that she felt honoured and that to her it was not about race.
“Of course, it is an honour. However, I don’t really like to make it about race because I think the creators of the show in London liked what they saw when they auditioned me for the role and they thought I was the best person to do the job.” she said.
The famous musical, being performed at The Teatro at Montecasino until March 1, tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college students who meet Dr Frank-N-Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house.

BY THANGO NTWASA -  26 November 2019 - 10:35

The Rocky Horror Show will see the first black female lead in its cast in the iconic science fiction-themed musical.
Award-winning stage actress Didintle Khunou will be the first black South African woman to play Janet Weiss, one of two students who find themselves stranded near the house of the zany scientist building a zombie.
"I never imagined it ever happening. I'm excited for people to see the show," said Khunou, who shared that she didn't think it wise to audition for the part of Weiss.

​Award-winning actress and singer Didintle Khunou is raring to get Cape Town audiences to come and enjoy the return of The Rocky Horror Show, opening at the Artscape Theatre on 6 December.
Khunou's making history as the first South African black woman to play Janet Weiss. The character and her straightlaced fiancée Brad set off the show's chain of events when they get stuck on the road near Dr Frank-N-Furter's castle on a dark and stormy night.

"All I can bring is my own flavour, my own interpretation. Luckily, with the exceptional guidance of our director and our choreographer I've been able to mould a new and completely fresh take on the character Janet."
​- Didintle Khunou, Actress and singer

The Rocky Horror Show has been performed in over 30 countries and translated into more than 20 languages. Richard O' Brien's critically-acclaimed show has had
multiple reinterpretations off the stage including a TV special on Fox starring
Laverne Cox and a tribute on popular musical series Glee, apart from a cinematic debut in 1975.

Khunou said the role of Janet has challenged her as an actress. "It's confirmed that, given the opportunity, skill set and adequate preparation, I can play any role under the sun. That awareness and confidence has significantly shifted gears in my approach to the craft," she said.
Khunou said she is keen to see audiences flock in their numbers.