“So Excited to Be Nominated”: Khanyi Mbau Makes History with Netflix Superlatives Nod

South African star Khanyi Mbau has just made history — and she’s thrilled! The popular actress and media personality is the first African to ever be nominated in the annual Netflix Reality Universe Superlatives (NRU Superlatives).

The NRU Superlatives are global awards that celebrate the most bold, unforgettable, and talked-about personalities in reality TV. These fun awards are voted for by fans around the world, and this year, Khanyi is nominated in the exciting “Main Character Energy” category for her standout presence in the hit Netflix reality show, Young, Famous & African.

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Khanyi proudly shared the news with her fans on Instagram. “So excited to be nominated as the first African for the Netflix Superlative vote for: Main Character Energy…” she wrote. She also explained what the phrase means:

“What does giving the main character energy mean? Taking a lead role in your own life rather than living as a supporting cast member for others,” she added on her Instagram Stories.

Khanyi is up against big names from other international Netflix shows, including Harry Jowsey from Too Hot to Handle, Jess Vestal from Love is Blind Season 6, and Ryan Serhant from Owning Manhattan. Still, fans across Africa are rooting for her to win — and her nomination alone is already a powerful moment for the continent.

In Young, Famous & African, Khanyi is known for her confidence, bold fashion, and strong personality. The show follows a group of glamorous African celebrities as they deal with love, career moves, and drama in Johannesburg. The star-studded cast includes artists like Diamond Platnumz, Zari Hassan, Nadia Nakai, and Annie Macauley, and Khanyi’s presence on the show has clearly stood out.

Voting for the Netflix Reality Universe Superlatives is currently open and will close on 15 July. The winners will be revealed on 17 July during Netflix’s exciting Summer Break event.

Whether she wins or not, Khanyi’s nomination already shows that African stars are getting the international recognition they deserve.