Do you know that feeling when a childhood song plays and takes you back? That’s how I feel every time I hear “It’s About Time” by Boom Shaka. Thembi Seete is at the heart of that musical magic. She didn’t just ride the kwaito wave; she helped create it.
I’ve been covering South African entertainment for over 6 years. In that time, I’ve seen few artists reinvent themselves like Thembi has. She went from kwaito princess to telenovela queen. Many entertainers struggle to stay relevant, but she has succeeded.
Quick Wiki/Bio About Thembi Seete
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Thembi Seete |
| Date of Birth | March 25, 1977 |
| Age (2025) | 48 |
| Place of Birth | Soweto, South Africa |
| Profession | Singer, Actress, TV Presenter, Businesswoman |
| Famous For | Boom Shaka, Gomora, Yizo Yizo |
| Child | 1 Son – Dakalo (born April 2018) |
| Business | Azuri Beauty Salon |
| Residence | Greenstone Hill, Johannesburg |
Who Is Thembi Seete Really?
Born on March 25, 1977, in Soweto’s bustling streets, Thembi Seete didn’t have the typical celebrity upbringing you’d expect. Her story starts in Sebokeng, in the Vaal, where her aunt and uncle raised her after life threw some serious curveballs her way.
Thembi lost her father in 2014, and then her mother Rebecca Seete died from a brain tumor in July 2021. These weren’t just footnotes in her biography – they were life-changing moments that shaped the woman we see today.
At 48 years old (yes, I know, she looks like she’s barely 30), Thembi stands 5’4″ tall and carries herself with the confidence of someone who’s been through fire and came out stronger.
The Boom Shaka Days: Where It All Began
Picture this: It’s 1994, South Africa is celebrating its first democratic elections, and four young people are about to change the music scene forever. I remember interviewing Junior Sokhela a few years back, and he told me something that stuck with me: “We weren’t trying to make history. We were just making music that felt like us.”
Boom Shaka – consisting of Thembi, the late Lebo Mathosa, Junior Sokhela, and Theo Nhlengethwa – wasn’t just a music group. They were cultural pioneers. On the day Nelson Mandela was inaugurated, they performed five different shows across five cities. Talk about being part of history!
What made Thembi special in Boom Shaka? She wasn’t just the pretty face (though she was stunning). She brought this raw energy, this authenticity that you can’t fake. When she danced, you believed every move. When she sang, you felt every word.
The group split in 2000, but here’s the thing about Thembi – she saw it coming and was already planning her next move.
Solo Career: Finding Her Own Voice
After Boom Shaka ended, most people expected Thembi to fade away. Boy, were they wrong. Her debut solo album “Lollipop” in 2001 showed a different side of her artistry. Then came “Smatsatsa” with hits like “Shayi Zandla” that had people dancing at every braai and wedding.
But music was just one piece of the puzzle. Thembi was smart enough to know that longevity in entertainment means diversification.
Acting: The Second Act That Became the Main Show
I’ve watched Thembi’s acting evolution from those early days in “Yizo Yizo” to her powerhouse performance as Gladys in “Gomora,” and let me tell you – this woman can act. Really act.
Her breakthrough role as Hazel in “Yizo Yizo” wasn’t just another TV appearance. It was a statement. She followed it up with “Gaz’lam” as Lerato, then landed the lead role of Nina Moloi in “Zone 14” for four whole seasons.
But it was “Gomora” that really showcased her range. Playing Gladys from 2020 to 2023, Thembi brought depth to a character that could’ve easily been one-dimensional. I remember watching her scenes and thinking, “This isn’t the same person who was dancing in Boom Shaka.” The growth was incredible.
The Personal Side: Love, Loss, and Motherhood
Thembi’s personal life has been tabloid fodder for years, and honestly, some of it makes me uncomfortable as a journalist. But here’s what I know from my years covering her story:
Thembi was with Bobo ‘Bo’ Seritsane for over a decade. They got engaged in 2012, planned a wedding, and then… life happened. In 2017, she confirmed their split on her radio show, and you could hear the pain in her voice.
Then came the Collen Mashawana situation. Look, I’m not here to judge anyone’s personal choices, but the drama surrounding Thembi, Collen, and his ex-wife Lerato Moloi has been messy. What I will say is this: Thembi and Collen have a son together, Dakalo, born in 2018, and that little boy is clearly the light of her life.
How Many Kids Does Thembi Seete Have?
This is one of the most searched questions about Thembi, and the answer is simple: she has one child, Dakalo, who turned 7 in April 2025. Watching her Instagram posts about her son’s birthday celebrations, you can see she’s a devoted mother who goes all out for her boy.
The Business Side: More Than Just Entertainment
What impresses me most about Thembi is her business acumen. She owns Azuri, a beauty salon, and has been smart about brand collaborations. In an industry where many artists struggle financially after their peak, Thembi has built multiple income streams.
Her house? Well, there have been rumors about repossession and financial troubles, but from what I can gather, she’s bounced back. The woman lives in what appears to be a stunning mansion in Greenstone Hill, east of Johannesburg.
Current Projects and What’s Next
As of 2025, Thembi continues to be selective about her projects. She’s moved on from “Gomora” but hasn’t disappeared. She’s been co-hosting “Idols SA” and appearing in shows like “Adulting” on Showmax.
What I’ve learned from following her career is that Thembi doesn’t chase trends – she creates them. At 48, she’s not trying to compete with 20-somethings. She’s carved out her own lane as the sophisticated, experienced entertainer who still brings the fire when needed.
Why Thembi Seete Still Matters
Here’s the thing about Thembi that I think people miss: she represents longevity in an industry that chews people up and spits them out. She’s been relevant for three decades – THREE DECADES – in entertainment. That doesn’t happen by accident.
She’s also a master of reinvention. From kwaito star to TV presenter to serious actress to businesswoman, she’s never let herself be boxed into one category.
Read more: MaMkhize: Age, House, Cars, Net worth, Son, Husband
FAQs About Thembi Seete
How old is Thembi Seete?
Thembi Seete is 48 years old, born on March 25, 1977.
Who is Thembi Seete’s baby daddy?
Thembi’s son Dakalo’s father is businessman Collen Mashawana.
Was Thembi Seete married?
No, Thembi has never been married, though she was engaged to Bobo Seritsane for several years.
What happened to Boom Shaka?
Boom Shaka disbanded in 2000, with members pursuing solo careers. Sadly, Lebo Mathosa passed away in 2006.
Where does Thembi Seete live?
She reportedly lives in Greenstone Hill, east of Johannesburg.
The Bottom Line
After covering entertainment for nearly a decade, I can tell you that Thembi Seete is one of those rare artists who’s managed to grow with her audience. She’s not the same person who danced on stage with Boom Shaka, and that’s exactly why she’s still here.
Whether you know her from the kwaito days, her TV presenting, or her acting work, one thing is clear: Thembi Seete isn’t going anywhere. She’s proven that with talent, business sense, and the ability to evolve, you can have a career that spans decades.
And honestly? At 48, looking like she’s barely hit 30, with a thriving career and a beautiful son, I’d say she’s winning at life.
References:
Sarah Mitchell – Founder & Editor-in-Chief. With 6 years covering entertainment for outlets like Entertainment Weekly and People, Sarah brings deep industry knowledge and an extensive network of sources. She’s interviewed over 500 celebrities, covered 12 Oscar ceremonies, and has an uncanny ability to spot fake stories from miles away.
