Bio
Mbali Maphumulo is a South African singer, dancer and actress best known for her starring role as Amira Mokoena, a whimsical songwriter living in a fantasy world, in the e.tv drama series 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls, from 2010-2012.
Apart from touring overseas with the stage production of The Lion King, she also starred in the international smash hit musical Umoja. She recorded solo songs for both shows.
She also played the role of Fikile - James' (Dingaan Mokebe) girlfriend - for a three-month story arc in the SABC2 soapie Muvhango, in 2008.
Maphumulo also appeared on the Shell Road to Fame talent contest to kickstart her singing career. She has shared the stage with Hugh Masekela and Suthukazi as a backing vocalist.
She was crowned Miss Kaizer Chiefs in 1997 and still features in the modeling scene.
Her role in 4Play was her first starring role on television. She later starred in the Mzansi Magic miniseries Abangani, in 2013. Other television series she has appeared in include eKasi: Our Stories, Isibaya, Muvhango and The Wild.
In 2016 Mbali had a recurring role as Nomonde on the Mzansi Magic drama series Is'thunzi, which reunited her with series creator and director Amanda Lane, with whom she worked on 4Play and the SABC1 drama series Tempy Pushas. She returned to the role in Season 2, this time with added credits as the series costume designer, script translator, hair and makeup artist.
Her hometown is Umlazi. She is not to be confused with fellow actress Enhle Mbali Maphumulo (formerly known as Mbali Mlotshwa).