TV presenter, radio host and actor Nkanyiso Makhanya is one multi-talented and hardworking creative. From his days as a presenter on eTV’s CrazE to his role as ‘Njeza’ on SABC 1’s soapie Uzalo, the star has indeed shared his versatile talents with his audience in the most beautiful ways over the years. 

Currently, he hosts The Weekend Crossover – a show which airs on Vuma FM every Friday and Saturday from 00:00 to 03:00. When asked how he always manages to re-invent himself through different mediums of art, Nkanyiso revealed that his secret is actually no secret at all. For him, it has always been about embracing each chapter of his life to the fullest. 

“I’m doing things that I’ve always wanted to do. For me, it’s always about patience and what I really want to do in life. You need to know what you want,” he said.

Although radio was not his point of departure in the industry, the talented star always knew his voice was destined for the airwaves. His love for the theatre of the mind stems from his younger years when his mother bought him a small portable radio which he kept in his bedroom as a form of entertainment. 

“I fell in love with radio because I was listening to Gagasi FM (formerly P4 Radio) a lot. When I got to varsity, my friends and I would record ourselves and listen to the recordings.

I always told my friends that I would do radio. And yes, radio came only 10 years later but radio was always my first love”. 

His love for all things fitness is also something which Nkanyiso has displayed out loud. Although he admits to not doing too well in sports during his school days, his fitness journey has been inspired by his father, cousin and uncle who have always taken their health and fitness seriously. 

“I liked what they looked like. Their bodies just looked very nice and that made me want to also have a nice body. To them, it was more than just fitness but rather a lifestyle.”

The radio host is also inspired and continuously motivated by his personal trainer, Philani Mkhize, who continues to walk his fitness journey with him.

Sharing regular images and videos of his workouts on his social media platforms, Nkanyiso hopes to inspire the next person while making a healthy lifestyle real, relatable and attainable.

“I post to show people that all you have to do is maintain and be healthy. You don’t necessarily need buff arms or a six pack. I’m just trying to maintain my weight and be healthy at the same time,” he said.

As a stylish guy who enjoys putting together a good outfit, Nkanyiso added that fitness and fashion go hand-in-hand. “When you work out, even the most simple and plain pieces of clothing look good on you. You just look better.”

His love for style originates from his upbringing as his parents taught him about the importance of cleanliness from a very young age. The price of a clothing item didn’t matter. One just had to dress in a neat and clean fashion, and that is what his parents always encouraged.

As the multi-talented star continues to hone his craft through different mediums within the arts, his audience and supporters are in for multiple treats.

“Currently I’m shooting for a show on eTV called uMbali. My role is a very different character from that of ‘Njeza’. Viewers will be surprised.”

In future, the creative would also like to venture into more behind-the-scenes work, and particularly the production of documentaries.