Actor. Singer. Presenter. Entrepreneur. Dineo Langa has many talents – and she wears every hat with unmatched finesse. We chat to her about self-discovery, self-confidence and, above all, staying true to yourself
When Dineo Langa (née Moeketsi) announced her exit from The Estate – the award-winning drama series in which she played no-nonsense advocate Mmakoena Molefe for three seasons – her fans were disappointed. But they didn’t have to wait long to see the star on screen again.
This time, it was in the six-part Netflix thriller Unseen, which launched eight months later (March 2023) and told the story of Zenzi, a nondescript domestic worker who goes in search of her missing husband and comes up against powerful and violent criminals. Dineo played the role of Zenzi’s ambitious sister.
“It was a beautiful experience from start to finish,” she says. A highlight was having an on-screen sister for the first time. She has high praise for Gail Mabalane’s outstanding performance in the lead role. “It’s an experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything,” she adds. “We all put our best foot forward to create one great performance.”
At 35, Dineo’s acting career includes a long list of local TV shows and movies that have earned her widespread recognition. In every role she’s played – from Naledi Thebe on eTV’s Scandal and Kea in Mzansi Magic’s The Queen to Mmakoena – she’s been able to effortlessly weave a tapestry of emotions that always captures the audience’s attention. Most recently, she starred in the action thriller Losing Lerato 2, nearly 10 years after the first film came out.
Dineo’s range knows no bounds. It extends beyond the screen, too, where she is also making waves as a singer, presenter and producer. As a musician, she has released music as a solo artist and in collaboration with her husband, Zothile Langa, also known as rapper Solo. Her music showcases her powerful vocals and ability to convey deep emotion through her lyrics.
The road to fame
Born to an icon in the local entertainment industry, Kgomotso ‘KG’ Moeketsi, Dineo has earned her place as one of SA’s most prominent and successful entertainers. But it all began in the East Rand, where Dineo had plenty of role models around her.
“The biggest blessing of my life was being raised by a village of women,” she shares. “I had the privilege of being brought up by my great-grandmother, grandmother, mother and aunt – and being the first great-grandchild, grandchild, daughter and niece for them all gave me serious perks! They built everything you see today.
“My mother showed me what it was to dream big, because she went after her own big dreams and achieved them.” Her grandmother was the protector. “There wasn’t a soul who could intimidate her – she was bold and confident.” And her great-grandmother? “She was a superwoman! She was my hero.”
Dineo says she gets her business acumen from her great-grandmother, who was a pillar in many lives. “Amidst all this, she would find time to make you feel loved and seen,” she recalls. “You will find all of these women within me.”
Dineo became aware of her singing and acting talent at the age of 12. A year later, she had made up her mind to pursue a career in the arts and study overseas. “A friend introduced me to the National School of the Arts and I knew it was where I had to be. To my delight, I got in after my first audition there.” The Johannesburg-based high school caters to talented creative learners and Dineo cherishes the space it gave her to bloom.
After finishing school, Dineo honed her skills at the prestigious New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music in New York. “I made every effort to absorb it all like a sponge,” she recalls, “and it gave me the impetus to strive for more as a woman. Seeing tangible results instils another type of drive in you.”
It hasn’t always been an easy journey; the star had to clear many hurdles to reach this level of success. “Gatekeeping, othering, being undermined… the list goes on,” she states. But as the saying goes, smooth seas don’t make skilful sailors. “You develop a thick skin. The challenges point your compass for who you don’t want to be going forward – not just for yourself, but also for your art.
“I also release myself from the pressure of audiences, because that is something you can’t live up to, no matter how much you try,” she says. “Everything you do has to flow from aligning with your higher self.”
A woman of excellence
Through it all, Dineo has drawn constant inspiration from her mother, KG. “She is a woman of excellence who has conquered many facets of the broadcasting industry, and still remains head and shoulders above the rest. She still aims to be brilliant whenever she gets on a mic, which is a quality deeply embedded in me.”
With such a strong maternal figure and deep belief in self-love and womanhood, Dineo is committed to prioritising herself and practising self-care. “We must do better for ourselves, reviewing our needs, our desires, the guise that we are seen through and loads more,” she says. “We have 12 months to actively take care of ourselves.” Another valuable member of Dineo’s family is her husband. “I think being with
Zothile has reinforced my commitment, partnership values and love, because we’ve spoken the same language since we met,” she says.
The couple dated for seven years before tying the knot in 2019. Impressively, they have done a remarkable job of keeping their lives private. “We love our privacy,” she smiles. “We enjoy being each other’s best friend and always lean into the cocoon of being lovers. We take care of our home.”
It’s important for couples to do it their way and without any pressure, she believes. “Take things one day at a time and always work as a team. Marriage is beautiful with the right person, and I found mine!”
With so much in common – and so much style and grace – it’s no surprise that the pair won Most Stylish Couple at the 2017 SA Style Awards. They also launched their own fashion line, Port of LNG, in November 2020. Through this venture, they create traditional wedding outfits, drawing from a wide range of African fabrics.
“We came up with the idea after we battled to find his-and-hers wedding guest ensembles,” she recalls. “We decided to jump into the design and textile business right there.” They mapped out a plan that includes bespoke items for all types of events and ready-to-wear items.
Despite having so much on the go already, Dineo still has other projects in the works. “I don’t kiss and tell about upcoming work,” she grins. But there’s one thing you can count on: if this wonder woman’s record is anything to go by, it can only be outstanding.
Quick Q&A
Favourite book?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
Favourite thing to do?
Unwind with my husband…
That includes date nights, spa dates and getaways.
Favourite travel destination?
Bali, Indonesia.
What’s always in your bag?
Lipstick or lip gloss.
What surprises people about you?
That I have a great sense of humour… I can make them laugh!
Words by Koketso Mashika
Photography by Zhann Solomons
Styling by Mia-Tess Smith
Text: Courtesy of Balanced Life.
Additional text: Chandré Emma Kippie.
Red dress: Stephen van Eeden
Photographer’s assistant: James Heron.
Stylist’s assistant: Thuliyani Gasheka.
Hair: Hlayisani Clearance.
Make-up: Luhleli Mabece
