We watch them on our screens, hear them on the radio and follow their every move on social media, but it’s easy to assume they have no connection beyond working in the same industry. In reality, several of South Africa’s biggest stars share family ties that many fans never knew about. From cousins to nephews, here are five celebrity relatives that might surprise you.

1. Lasizwe Dambuza and Tol A$$ Mo

Lasizwe Dambuza is the YouTuber, television presenter and creator behind some of South Africa’s biggest viral skits. From Drama King to hosting Date My Family and Awkward Encounters, he’s become one of the country’s most recognisable entertainment personalities.

Tol A$$ Mo is the comedian and content creator known for his unapologetic Soweto humour and relatable storytelling. He built a loyal following through skits that celebrate township life.

What many people don’t know is that they’re cousins. The pair grew up together in Soweto, with Lasizwe revealing their family connection during YouTube videos and Instagram Live sessions. Tol A$$ Mo has also confirmed the relationship in interviews, with Lasizwe once joking: “That’s my cousin. We’ve been clowning each other since we were kids.”

2. Minnie Dlamini and Khanyi Dlamini

Minnie Dlamini has established herself as one of South Africa’s most successful television personalities, with presenting roles on Mzansi Insider, Soccerzone and Big Brother Mzansi. She’s also an actress, entrepreneur and mother.

Khanyi Dlamini is a presenter, media personality and podcaster known for hosting shows such as The Road to Savanna and Club 808. She’s built a reputation for her bold personality and unmistakable style.

The two are first cousins and grew up in the same extended family in KwaZulu-Natal. Khanyi has openly confirmed their relationship on podcasts, while Minnie has referred to Khanyi as family on social media over the years.

3. AKA and Bhovam

The late AKA was one of South Africa’s most influential hip-hop artists. Known as Supa Mega, he helped shape the local rap scene with hit albums including Victory Lap before his tragic passing in 2023.

Bhovam is a Cape Town rapper and producer who has steadily built his career through independent releases, including The Bhovam Tape.

They were cousins, with their mothers being sisters. Bhovam confirmed their family relationship in interviews and heartfelt tributes following AKA’s passing, sharing that they grew up together in Cape Town. AKA also publicly supported his cousin’s music throughout his career.

4. Lerato Mvelase and ProVerb

Lerato Mvelase is a celebrated actress best known for her roles in Home Affairs, Isibaya, Imbewu: The Seed and numerous other South African television productions. With a career spanning more than two decades, she’s regarded as one of the country’s most respected actresses.

ProVerb is the award-winning rapper, television presenter and producer who became a household name through his music before going on to host Idols South Africa for many years.

The pair are cousins, a family connection that has surprised many fans over the years. Although they have largely kept their relationship out of the spotlight, both have acknowledged being part of the same extended family, proving that talent clearly runs in the family.

5. Lerato Kganyago and Ntombi Kganyago

Lerato Kganyago is an award-winning radio presenter, DJ, television personality and entrepreneur. She is well known for her work on Metro FM and her influence in fashion and entertainment.

Ntombi Kganyago is an actress, singer and theatre performer who has appeared in productions including Gomora and The River.

The two are cousins from Limpopo and have acknowledged their family relationship in interviews and through social media posts, where they frequently celebrate family milestones together and affectionately refer to one another as “cousin.”