Biography
Raphael Griffiths (born January 3, 1992) is a South African presenter, actor, and singer. He is best known for playing Vusi Mukwevho on the SABC2 soap opera Muvhango.
The actor battled with depression and cyberbullying for his role on the show. He found a way to dust the ill comments off him.
The actor is a cast member of the drama series Imbewu and plays Zithulele. Raphael is also a talented singer who exhibited raw talent performing with prominent artists. He has performed with artists like Rebecca Malope and Da L.E.S.
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| Quick Facts | |
| Full Name: | Raphael Griffiths |
| Born: | January 3, 1992 (age 31 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Nationality: | South African Zimbabwean |
| Education: | Hoërskool Die Fakkel |
| Occupation: | Actor, singer, presenter |
| Known for: | Vusi Mukwevho on Muvhango |
| Partner: | Thuli Phongolo (ex.) |
| Net Worth: | $100 000 – $500 000 |
Early Life
Raphael Griffiths was born on January 3, 1992, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Growing up, he became passionate about rapping. His paternal great-grandmother was Portuguese and had a bit of Angolan descent.
His grandmother married a Zambian man and gave birth to his father. His father got married to a Zulu woman, and they had him.
Education
Raphael attended Hoërskool Die Fakkel and held leadership positions in the school. He was president of many student councils and was head boy. He plans on studying political science after matric.
Career
Raphael Griffiths appeared first on television as a presenter for the SABC2 teen program qbase28 in 2009. He remained on the show for three years and left after its cancellation in 2012.
The presenter has hosted other television programs like the SABC2 music show Music Moves Me (M3). The show premiered on March 12, 2010, and season two started on December 21.
Raphael appeared on The Comedy Central Roast of Kenny Kunene as a celebrity guest on April 28, 2014. He presented the 10th edition of the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) in 2016.
The young actor left the SABC2 soap opera Muvhango in 2018 after playing Vusi Mukwevho for five years. He joined the E.tv soap opera Imbewu: The Seed as Zithulele Bhengu, the second son of oil magnate Zimele “Ngcolosi” Bhengu.
After playing a recurring role in season one, he starred in season two, starting on April 16, 2018.
Personal Life
Girlfriend
Raphael Griffiths dated Thuli Phongolo, but their relationship lasted younger than he wanted. She dumped him and left him devastated.
Briefly reported that the duo ended their relationship in 2015 after Thulisile initiated the breakup. She wanted a wealthier and more supportive Zulu man in her life.
They mended the relationship and reunited but couldn’t live as before. They finally ended it.
Depression
Griffiths was a victim of cyberbullying when he played Vusi Mukwevho, which impacted his self-confidence and esteem. People dragged him and called him names like a garbage actor.
These bullies hit him at the beginning of his acting career. He visited a therapist, and with the support of his family, he came out of depression. He admitted that prayer helped him the most.
Car
The young actor’s ride makes an impression whenever it is around. He drives an Audi TFSI, estimated to cost around R500 000. The actor is living the life of his dreams.
Social Profiles
Raphael Griffiths has got many ladies crushing with pictures he posts on Instagram. He is active and shares his career highlights, new roles, and others.
The actor posts many pictures and scenes from the soap opera Imbewo.
- Instagram: @raphaelgriffithsiii
Net Worth
Griffiths has been in the entertainment space for a while as an actor and presenter. He has continued to establish a presence despite his cyberbullying experience. He earns from music streams on Apple Music and Spotify.
The actor also earns from his acting and presenting gigs. He has a net worth of around $100 000 – $500 000 as of October 2022.
Filmography
- Imbewu as Zithulele Bhengu
- Muvhango as Vusi Mukwevho
- SAFTAs as Presenter – Himself
- The Comedy Central Roast as Himself