Kagiso Lediga

Kagiso Lediga, born on 6 May 1978, is a multifaceted South African talent whose career spans acting, stand‑up comedy, filmmaking and writing, making him a prominent figure in contemporary African entertainment. From his early days on the local comedy circuit, Lediga quickly distinguished himself with a sharp wit and a willingness to experiment, traits that would later define his work on television and film. He first gained national attention as a writer and performer on the groundbreaking sketch series The Pure Monate Show, a cult classic that blended absurdist humor with sociopolitical commentary, and later contributed to Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola, cementing his reputation as a keen observer of South African culture. In addition to his behind‑the‑scenes roles, Lediga proved his versatility as an on‑screen lead, delivering memorable performances in locally beloved movies such as Bunny Chow, Wonder Boy for President, and the romantic drama Catching Feelings, which he also co‑produced, directed and starred in in 2017. His most internationally recognized achievement came in 2018 when he was announced as the creator and executive producer of Netflix’s first African original series, Queen Sono, a crime‑drama that debuted on 28 February 2020 to critical acclaim and showcased a continent‑wide talent pool of actors, writers and directors. Although the series was renewed for a second season, production challenges caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic led Netflix to cancel it in November 2020, a decision that sparked industry debate about the sustainability of African‑led productions on global platforms. Throughout his career, Lediga has continually pushed creative boundaries, championing African narratives and fostering new voices, and his influence continues to grow as he undertakes new projects that blend humor, drama and cultural insight.