Lumko got into campus radio at Wits University.
Biography
Lumko Johnson Leqela (born October 29, 1989) was a South African producer and actor. Many television viewers knew him for playing the gay fashion designer MJ in Inkaba.
Lumkeezy, as they fondly called him, died on Wednesday, September 14. His demise was a big blow to the local entertainment industry.
Lumko Johnson Leqela  | |
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| Quick Facts | |
| Full Name: | Lumko Leqela Johnson |
| Born: | October 29, 1989 |
| Place of Birth: | Mthatha, Eastern Cape |
| Died: | September 14, 2020 (age 32 years old) |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | Drama and Film |
| Alma mater: | Wits University |
| Sexuality: | Gay |
| Occupation: | Actor, Producer |
| Profiles: | |
Early Life
Lumko Johnson Leqela was born October 29, 1989, in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. He grew up in the large city of Johannesburg.
While in high school, he was active in sports. He attained a black belt in karate. He also professionally took part in children’s theatre and musicals.
Education
After his matric, he pursued a degree in Drama and Film at Wits University. While in school, he joined campus radio and landed his weekday morning show.
The actor was a trained William Shakespeare facilitator trained by ShakeXperience, a theatre-based company affiliated with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Career
Lumko was an actor and producer known for starring as gay fashion designer MJ in Inkaba. He appeared in the Mzansi Magic telenovela for a year, from 2012 to 2013.
Leqela is famous for hosting the SABC1 teen talk show YOTV Blue Couch. He started to produce for To-TV before presenting for Comedy Khona, Blue Couch. He also worked as a field reporter for EXT4.
Apart from appearing in South Africa’s first telenovela Inkaba, he has made other television appearances. He appeared in the e.tv anthology series Mzansi Love as Sandile.
The actor also made a guest appearance in season one of Vuzu’s sitcom Check-Coast as Vusi.
Death
Former YoTV presenter Lumko Leqela made headlines on September 15 after passing away a day before. He died on Wednesday, September 14, 2020.
Some sources reported that he died suddenly. His family is yet to reveal the cause. His death came as a blow to the South African entertainment industry and the LGBTQIA+ community.
In a press statement, the family confirmed the death of the famous actor.
“This is a gut-wrenching loss to the Leqela family, their loved ones, the LGBTQIA+ community, and ultimately, to the South African broadcast and television community,”
Filmography
| Shows | Roles |
|---|---|
| iNkaba | MJ |
| Mzansi Love | Guest Star / Sandile |
| Unmarried | Akhona |
| Kowethu | Thulani |
| Check-Coast | Vusi |
| YOTV Blue Couch | Host |