Discover Celeste Ntuli biography — her rise from Empangeni to “Queen of Zulu Comedy,” career highlights, awards, and estimated net worth.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Celeste Nonhlanhla Ntuli
- Stage Name: Celeste Ntuli
- Date of Birth / Age: 25 August 1978 (aged ~47 in 2025) (South Africa Portal)
- Nationality: South African
- Known For: Stand‑up comedy, acting, being one of the first female comedian DVD performers in South Africa, roles in Isibaya, Lockdown, 10 Days in Sun City
- Social Handles: (Not reliably verified from public sources)
Early Life & Background
Celeste Ntuli was born in Empangeni, KwaZulu‑Natal, South Africa. She is the sixth of eight children in her family, and her family later relocated to Durban where she studied Entertainment Technology at the Durban University of Technology (DUT).
From a young age, Celeste displayed a bold and expressive personality, often using humor to stand out among her siblings.
Career Beginnings
- Her first public stand-up performance was in 2005, in a church in Durban.
- She was a finalist in SABC 1’s “So You Think You’re Funny” (Season 2) in 2009
- By 2010, she was working more consistently as a comedian and became the first local female comic in South Africa to release a one‑woman show DVD titled Seriously, Celeste
- She also performed in major platforms of South African comedy, such as Blacks Only comedy showcase and in the first Stand Up Zulu show at the Durban Playhouse in 2011 (en.wikipedia.org).
Rise to Fame & Major Works
- Celeste has acted in popular South African television series including Isibaya, where she played the role of Siphokasi Zungu in Isibaya (a long-running soap/serial drama)
- Other credits include films and television shows such as 10 Days in Sun City, Lockdown, Looking for Love, Trippin with Skhumba.
- In 2022, she took her comedy international with a sold‑out show in London at Leicester Square Theatre, expanding her reach beyond South Africa.
- In 2025, she was honored as Comedian of the Year at the Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards, marking two decades in comedy.
Awards & Recognition
- Comedian of the Year, Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards, 2025 .
- Golden Horn Award for Best Supporting Actress (TV Soap), SATMA, 2014.
- Comics’ Choice / SA Comic’s Choice Awards recognitions: Flying Solo Award, Comedy G Award among others in 2018/2019 period.
Business Ventures / Other Projects
- Celeste often performs at live comedy events, festival shows, and corporate bookings, leveraging her brand in both performance and acting.
- She has made strategic use of her television and acting roles to reinforce her brand as a versatile artist.
- Her DVD release (Seriously, Celeste) is a notable milestone in African women’s comedy.
Impact on African Comedy
- Celeste is affectionately known as the “Queen of Zulu Comedy” — a title that speaks to her mastery of language, cultural nuance, and humorous storytelling in Zulu and broader South African contexts.
- As one of the first women in South Africa to break into stand-up at scale, and to release a solo comedy DVD, she has paved the way for more female African comedians to stake a claim in what was once a male-dominated space.
- Her longevity — celebrating 20 years in comedy as of 2025 — is itself a testament to relevance, adaptability, and audience connection.
Social Media & Online Presence
- Celeste has an active presence on Instagram, where she interacts with fans, shares behind-the-scenes content, and promotes her shows (follower count varies across sources).
- She appears on podcasts, interviews, and media panels discussing comedy, culture, and women in entertainment — contributing to her visibility beyond stage performances.
Celeste Ntuli Net Worth (Estimated)
Net worth estimates vary and should be taken as speculative:
- One commonly cited figure is ~US$400,000, based on biographical portals.
- Some entertainment sites and fan portals suggest figures between US$1 million to US$5 million, though these are less reliably sourced. (Info Famous People)
- Because her income comes from stand-up, acting, show bookings, endorsements, her actual worth could shift significantly depending on projects and tours.
Final Thoughts
Celeste Ntuli stands as one of South Africa’s most influential and enduring comedic voices. From humble beginnings in Empangeni to international shows and award-winning status, she has shaped the narrative of women in African comedy. Her ability to blend performance, acting, and cultural nuance positions her as a voice both entertaining and meaningful.
