Bio
Joel Zuma is a South African actor, director, singer, musician and television presenter best known for hosting the fourth season of the e.tv reality television series Let's Fix It, in 2008.
Born in the hamlet of Pietermaritzburg, Zuma attended Alexandra High School. His best memories of his school years are of performing in a school supper theatre, where he sang a song from My Fair Lady - On the Street Where You Live.
After school, he acquired a National Diploma at the Technikon Natal (now called Durban University of Technology).
Zuma has been involved in entertainment since 1998, singing, acting, writing, directing, co-ordinating and enjoying every aspect of the industry.
His professional acting career started with Ukhozi FM radio dramas such as Soul City, Ingoma kamama, Hhayi bo, Sibhekephi and Ngavuka Kwabafileyo. Until 2007, he presented the career guidance slot on the Ukhozi FM drive-home show.
More recently, he was the voice behind the social commentary news, Izindandaba.
Joel has always enjoyed hosting shows, beauty contests, fashion contests and other ceremonies since his days as a student. His talent in show hosting landed him several lead roles in musical theatre shows and corporate events where he acted, sang and presented.
His theatre acting includes lead roles in Othello and Amadeus. In addition, he has worked with different musical theatre stables such as the famous Richard Loring Enterprises, and The Barnyard Theatre.
In addition, he was musical director for Animal Farm, Mama Africa, Zonk'iZizwe and he was nominated for the Naledi Awards in the categories of Best Comedy Performance (That Will Be the Day, 2005), Best Newcomer and Best Singer (The Young Ones, 2004).
He was also nominated for the FNB Vita awards for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Hamlet, 2003 and Peace in the Valley, 2000).
Joel made his television debut in an episode of the drama series Justice for All in 2003, and in the same year appeared in the second season of the SABC1 drama Gaz'lam.
He replaced Samm Marshall as the host of e.tv's reality "fix-it" show Let's Fix It in July 2008, after the show was given an overhaul for the fourth season with a new production company.
In 2011 he took over as host of the docu-reality series Kaelo - Stories of Hope, for the show's seventh season. He stayed on as host for Season 8 but was replaced by Lerato Mvelase in Season 9.
In 2013 he guest starred as a prince in the kykNET period drama series Donkerland.
In 2019 he auditioned for the third season of the M-Net singing reality competition The Voice South Africa with the Otis Redding song Try a Little Tenderness. Coaches Riky Rick and Lira turned their chairs, and despite initially wanting Lira, he changed his mind and joined Riky's team.