Chrispen Nyathi

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Chrispen Nyathi
Born (1994-05-31) May 31, 1994 (age 31)
Nationality Zimbabwean
OccupationActor
Years active2019–present
Known forRole of Pastor Charleston in DiepCity

Chrispen Nyathi (born 31 May 1994) is a Zimbabwean actor known for portraying Pastor Charleston Ncube in the South African television drama DiepCity . His performance in the series earned him the Outstanding Supporting Actor Award in 2021, making him one of the rising figures in Southern African television. [1]

Contents

Early life and education

Nyathi was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where he attended Mzilikazi Primary School. He developed an interest in the performing arts during his school years. In his teens, Nyathi relocated to South Africa with his family, where he continued to pursue acting through local theatre productions and short films. [2]

Career

Nyathi began his acting career with minor theatre roles before securing his breakthrough in 2021, when he was cast in DiepCity , a television drama produced by Black Brain Pictures for Mzansi Magic. [3]

His portrayal of Pastor Charleston, a humorous and faith driven preacher navigating life in a Johannesburg township,received attention audiences and critics [4] . The role earned him widespread recognition and a major award at the Royalty Soapie Awards in 2021. [5]

In 2023, Nyathi expressed pride in returning to Zimbabwe for the first time in over a decade, describing it as “an emotional homecoming” after years of working in South Africa. [6] He continues to work on independent productions and film projects across the region.

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
2021–2023 DiepCity Pastor Charleston NcubeTelevision drama series
2024 - 2025 Isiphetho - Destiny
2025 (upcoming)RiseLead roleFeature film; selected for screening at the Tribeca Film Festival [7]

Awards and recognition

Personal life

Nyathi has stated that his upbringing in Bulawayo shaped his discipline and motivation. He continues to speaks publicly about the importance of Zimbabwean representation in regional media and has expressed interest in writing and producing in the future. [9]

References

  1. "Getting to know DiepCity's rising star Chrispen Nyathi". News24 TrueLove. Retrieved 13 October 2025.
  2. "Talent alone is not enough in film industry". The Herald (Zimbabwe). Retrieved 13 October 2025.
  3. Mbendeni, Alutho. "RISING STAR | Chrispen Nyathi on his big dreams and playing Charleston on DiepCity". News24. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
  4. Reporter, Online (2025-09-27). "Actor Chrispen Nyathi slammed for bragging about work". herald. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
  5. 1 2 "Zim actor Chrispen Nyathi wins Outstanding Supporting Actor award". 263Chat. Retrieved 13 October 2025.
  6. "Chrispen Nyathi returns home after 11 years". The South African. Retrieved 13 October 2025.
  7. 1 2 "Rise (2025)". Tribeca Film Festival. Retrieved 13 October 2025.
  8. "Chrispen Nyathi Biography". Goodinfo. Retrieved 13 October 2025.
  9. "Chrispen Nyathi from DiepCity pastor to award-winning actor". Daily Sun. Retrieved 13 October 2025.

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