Chrispen Nyathi
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.
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.
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 [https://www.blackbrain.co.za/? Black Brain Pictures] for Mzansi Magic.
His portrayal of Pastor Charleston, a humorous and faith driven preacher navigating life in a Johannesburg township, received attention audiences and critics. The role earned him widespread recognition and a major award at the [https://www.kaya959.co.za/all-the-winners-from-the-2021-royalty-soapie-awards/? Royalty Soapie Awards] in 2021.
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. He continues to work on independent productions and film projects across the region.
Filmography
Year |
Title |
Role |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
2021–2023 |
DiepCity |
Pastor Charleston Ncube |
Television drama series |
2024 - 2025 |
Isiphetho - Destiny |
||
2025 (upcoming) |
Rise |
Lead role |
Feature film; selected for screening at the Tribeca Film Festival |
Awards and recognition
- Outstanding Supporting Actor – [https://www.kaya959.co.za/all-the-winners-from-the-2021-royalty-soapie-awards/? Royalty Soapie Awards] (2021)
- Nominee – Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (2022)
- Featured performer – Rise selected at Tribeca Film Festival (2025)
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.