Career
He is well known for his role as the producer and actor in the telenovela Giyani: Land of Blood . In the series, he played the role 'Vukosi Moyo'. After the conclusion of the series, he made the appearance in the series Mafanato which he Produced and Directed. [5] [6]
He has also acted in the popular television series: Soul City, Generations and Isidingo. He generally speaks in Xitsonga on television, which is his mother tongue. [7] He played the popular role 'Detective Dabula' on the SABC3 soapie Isidingo.
Shilubana made his directorial debut with Khomelela, a film he created and co-wrote also produced. This project was part of his mission to get Xitsonga films on the main stream. He raised R40 000 for the film and shot 95% of the film at Hlovani River Lodge and the rest at Nkowankowa Township. The film was screened at Nkowankowa Community Hall. [8]
Shitshembiso Mabasa, Fumani N. Shilubana, together with Teleti Khosa own Xiculu Multimedia a 100% black owned media company that was established in December 2019. The primary function of Xiculu is the production and distribution of Xitsonga content and has produced Mafanato series on Showmax, BeingTsongaInSA [9] doccie series podcast about the shared experience of Vatsonga in the Republic of South Africa, Minkoka Mimbirhi series, A day with a Tsonga Legend talk show, Nyambondzwani short film, Sivara series and COVID-19 Xitsonga dashboard in collaboration with Xitsonga.org [10] all in 2020. He is currently working on a few projects, some are in post like Timbita Ta Levuxeni:JUSTICIA and notable work that is still in development which he created and wrote is Brickfiledz: 12 Extensions based on a fictional world where politics, racism and classism rules. He is developing it with Tuks Tad Lungu and Mawingu.
2000-2001: The Genesis of Fumani’s Journey – "The Star Search"
In late 2000, during a school holiday, Fumani N. Shilubana returned home and noticed a modeling competition at Tzaneen Mall. Impulsively, he entered and was selected to compete in the finals at Centurion Mall. The competition, organized by an international modeling agency, had scouted talent across South Africa, selecting 20 hopefuls—10 men and 10 women—from each province. The finalists were to be trained in Italy for six weeks. In January 2001, during the final selection, Fumani was among the chosen 20. Despite a moment of uncertainty, where he nearly missed hearing his number being called, this event marked the beginning of his journey into the arts.
Following his selection, the models were tasked with securing sponsorships for their trip and stay in Italy. Fumani moved to Nelspruit to train and maintain his physique, while also enrolling in his second year of Industrial Engineering at Technikon SA, planning to continue his studies through distance learning while pursuing his modeling career in Europe. After two months in Nelspruit, he returned to Gauteng to continue seeking sponsors and training.
During this time, while seeking sponsorships in Tshwane, Fumani had a serendipitous encounter at the State Theatre. Acting on a gut feeling, he entered the building and inquired about drama opportunities. A receptionist introduced him to Irene Mathe, a drama facilitator at TMAC, who believed Fumani suited a role in a play she had written. Encouraged by this opportunity, Fumani returned home, informed his family of his decision to drop out of engineering, and began training for the end-of-year stage play.
His training progressed successfully, leading to his casting in an industrial project teaching people about HIV, run by a community theatre group from Mamelodi. This marked his first paid acting job, earning him R100 a week. When his father discovered he had dropped out of school, he was unhappy and urged Fumani to return home. However, Fumani was resolute in his career path, finding work as a waiter at Spur in Sterland, Arcadia, to support himself.
By the end of that year, while performing in "Vukani Ma Africa," the play Irene had first mentioned, at the Rendezvous Theatre, Fumani had a defining moment. The experience of performing solidified his commitment to a career in the arts, despite the skepticism of his friends who mockingly referred to him as "Star Search." Nonetheless, he persevered and completed his speech and drama certificate.
2002-2004: Transition to Professional Acting
Convinced of his abilities, Fumani auditioned for a musical titled "The Agency and The Champion," produced by E-Productions and directed by Enrico Maart. Initially cast as "God," he was later reassigned to play "Satan," a role he embraced with creative and unconventional choices. His performance caught the attention of Paul Grootboom, who was in the process of recruiting young talent for a training program at the South African State Theatre. Despite initial misgivings, Fumani joined the program, where he quickly realized how much he had yet to learn.
Under Grootboom's guidance, alongside peers such as Presley Chweneyagae and Zenzo Ngqobe, Fumani underwent intense training, often performing scenes from Shakespeare's works, including "Hamlet" and "Julius Caesar." The group also workshopped original plays based on South African life, one of which was "In This Life," later renamed "Relativity: Township Stories." It was during this period that Fumani received his first positive review in the Pretoria News, solidifying his growing reputation.
Balancing his rigorous training with a night job as a waiter, Fumani demonstrated determination and resilience. His work ethic paid off, as he transitioned into professional acting roles.
2005-2010: Professional Success and Breakthroughs
By the fourth year of his training, the program began integrating professional actors into their productions, allowing young actors like Fumani to learn from seasoned industry professionals. This exposure led to Fumani securing representation with Stark Raving Management, recommended by the late Mahlubi Kraai.
In 2005, "Relativity: Township Stories" opened at the National Arts Festival to critical acclaim, followed by the controversial production of "Cards," which featured full nudity and provocative themes. Despite the controversy, "Cards" was a success, leading to international tours and further establishing Fumani’s career.
Throughout this period, Fumani balanced stage performances with television roles, including appearances in "Hillside," "Soul City," and "Death of a Queen." His dedication to his craft often required him to work around the clock, rehearsing for plays at night while filming TV shows during the day. His relentless pursuit of excellence culminated in 2009 with his casting in "Generations," one of South Africa’s most popular television series.
A pivotal moment occurred on set when a script error left his lines untranslated. Encouraged by the director, Fumani performed in his native Xitsonga, marking a significant turning point in his career. This moment underscored his growing confidence and solidified his place in the South African entertainment industry.
