Behind the scenes with Khanyi Mbau: Life as Grace on Meet The Khumalos

Netflix’s Meet The Khumalos takes audiences on a journey filled with humour, heartache, and heartfelt reconciliation. At the centre of the drama is Grace Khumalo, a glamorous matriarch navigating family chaos with style and steel.

Actress, Khanyi Mbau brings the role of Grace to life with signature flair, capturing viewers' attention with her layered performance. Here, she opens up about stepping into Grace’s high heels, working alongside icons like the late Connie Chiume, and why this project has been a career-defining moment.

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Meet the Khumalos hits all the right notes and viewers want more

Glamour: Grace Khumalo is such a layered character. What was it like stepping into her shoes?
Khanyi: It was absolutely fun. She is such a girlie girl who literally lives in her own bubble.

Glamour: There’s a mix of rivalry, comedy, and emotion in Meet The Khumalos. How did you balance all that in your performance
Khanyi: I was present and in every moment.

Glamour: You and Ayanda Borotho have brilliant chemistry as frenemies — what was it like working together?
Khanyi: It was our first project together ever so I'm surprised at how well we gel.

Khanyi Mbau and Ayanda Borotho as cast members on Meet the Khumalos, Image: Supplied

Glamour: The late Connie Chiume’s final performance is in this series. What was it like sharing the screen with her?
Khanyi: Mam' Connie was such an angel, fun, lively and super warm. It was so cool.

Glamour: How did it feel portraying this picture-perfect life that slowly unravels?
Khanyi: was a fantasy because life isn’t perfect.

Glamour: What did you enjoy most about filming this comedy?
Khanyi: The entire process! The set was such a safe and professional space the crew was the highlight.

Glamour: Netflix is a global platform. How does it feel to be part of a production that could reach audiences around the world?
Khanyi: Being part of such a global platform is my career greatest achievement and I am so humbled and filled with so much gratitude.

Glamour: What message do you think the show sends about family and appearances?Khanyi: That no family or friendship is perfect but keep working on it because that’s actually the magic of it all.

Glamour: Any on-set memories that made you laugh out loud?
Khanyi: The bush night shoot was incredible along with shooting the dinner with Charlotte and the Khumalo residents.

Glamour: What’s one thing you hope audiences take away from Meet The Khumalos?Khanyi: The beauty of how far we have come as black folk and how we have upgraded our lifestyles. Black and posh.