Jessica Nkosi is a South African actress and television presenter, born on 20 January 1990 in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal. She is best known for playing Qondi on Isibaya and the villain Thando on The Queen, won a SAFTA for Best Actress in a TV Soap in 2020, and became a Bepanthen DERMA ambassador in 2024.
Quick facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 20 January 1990, Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal (Wikipedia) |
| Studied | University of KwaZulu-Natal graduate (Bayer) |
| Breakthrough role | Qondi on Isibaya, 2013 (Wikipedia) |
| Presenting | Host of Our Perfect Wedding; co-host of BET’s A-List, 2017 (Wikipedia) |
| Major awards | DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Favourite Actress, 2018; SAFTA Best Actress in a TV Soap, 2020 (Bayer) |
| Brand roles | G.H. Mumm, 2020 (TimesLIVE); Bepanthen DERMA, 2024 (Bayer) |
Where did Jessica Nkosi’s career begin?
Jessica grew up in Empangeni on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast and graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, according to Bayer. Her screen breakthrough came in 2013, when she was cast as Qondi on the drama Isibaya, Wikipedia notes.
Presenting ran alongside acting from early on. She co-hosted BET’s A-List in 2017 and became the host of Our Perfect Wedding, a role that put her in front of viewers as herself rather than a character.
Jessica Nkosi on The Queen
Many viewers met a very different Jessica as Thando, the villain she played on The Queen (Wikipedia). Playing an antagonist in a long-running drama is its own test: the character has to be believable enough that audiences love to dislike her, week after week. It is the kind of role that tends to stay attached to an actress’s name long after the storyline ends.
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What awards has Jessica Nkosi won?
- 2018: Favourite Actress at the DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards, voted for by the public.
- 2020: Best Actress in a TV Soap at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), the industry’s peer-judged honour.
Both wins are listed by Bayer in its 2024 ambassador announcement. Having one award from viewers and one from the industry is a useful signal: she connects with audiences and is respected by her peers.
Jessica Nkosi and Bepanthen DERMA
In February 2024, Bayer named Jessica a brand ambassador for Bepanthen DERMA, its skincare range (Bayer). It is a fitting match for a woman whose job puts her face under studio lights and close-up cameras. Earlier, in October 2020, she was announced as one of the South African ambassadors for champagne house G.H. Mumm, TimesLIVE reported.
A skincare partnership also points to something every glam team knows: great makeup and great hair start with what is underneath. Healthy skin makes a base sit better, and a healthy scalp makes any install more comfortable.
Camera-ready glam: what screen polish asks of your hair
Jessica has tagged The Penthouse Beauty Studio in at least one of her posts on Instagram. You will not find us describing her personal look here; that is hers to share. What we can share is how our stylists think about hair that needs to hold up in front of a camera, whether that is a television set, a wedding or a launch.
1. The hairline does the most work
Cameras find the edge of a lace before anyone else does. A finely customised hairline, with plucking, bleached knots and a precise lace cut, matters more on camera than length or colour. Our guide to HD lace explains why the lace you choose changes how close a lens can get.
2. Shine should look healthy, not greasy
Under bright lights, hair that is over-oiled reads as flat and wet. A light serum on the lengths, kept off the roots, gives polish without weight.
3. Movement beats stiffness
Hair that moves when you turn your head looks real on video. Sleek straight styles achieve this best when the hair is full from root to tip, which is why double drawn and single donor units are popular for events.
4. Timing is part of the look
Book your install a day or two before the event rather than the morning of. That gives the lace time to settle, lets you test how the unit feels over a full day, and leaves room for small adjustments to the parting or curl before the cameras come out. A styling refresh on the day then takes far less time.
Wigs for a polished, screen-ready finish
- April 26″ (13×4 HD lace), R9,500: long, straight, double drawn raw virgin hair for a sleek look that stays full to the ends. With PayFlex, 4 × R2,375.
- Zara 24″, R17,400: single donor Vietnamese raw hair with a glass-like shine on a fully glueless 13×6 transparent lace. With PayFlex, 4 × R4,350.
For more sleek options, browse our premium straight collection, then see how finished installs look on real clients in Our Work.
From Isibaya to the ambassador’s chair
Jessica Nkosi’s career shows what consistency looks like in South African television: a breakthrough role in 2013, a villain viewers remember, presenting work, a public-voted award and a SAFTA. If you have an event, shoot or big day coming up and want hair that holds its own under the lights, book a styling or installation appointment on Fresha, or send our stylists your plans on WhatsApp.
Want a look like this?
Send us a photo of the look you love. Our stylists will match the unit, install and glam to you.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Jessica Nkosi from?
Jessica Nkosi was born on 20 January 1990 in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, according to Wikipedia. She later graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal before building her career in television, starting with her breakthrough role as Qondi on Isibaya in 2013, followed by presenting work.
Who did Jessica Nkosi play on The Queen?
On The Queen, Jessica Nkosi played Thando, a villain in the long-running drama, according to Wikipedia. The role introduced her to many viewers in a very different light from her earlier character, Qondi, on Isibaya, and remains one of the parts she is best known for.
What award did Jessica Nkosi win at the SAFTAs?
Jessica Nkosi won Best Actress in a TV Soap at the 2020 South African Film and Television Awards, as listed by Bayer. She also won Favourite Actress at the DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards in 2018, an award decided by public vote.
Is Jessica Nkosi a Bepanthen ambassador?
Yes. In February 2024, Bayer announced Jessica Nkosi as a brand ambassador for Bepanthen DERMA, its skincare range. Earlier, in October 2020, she was also named one of the South African ambassadors for champagne house G.H. Mumm, according to TimesLIVE.
How do I get camera-ready hair for an event?
Start with a well-customised hairline, because cameras pick up lace edges first. Choose a full unit that moves naturally, keep oils off the roots, and have it installed a day or two before. Our stylists can customise, install and style your wig; book on Fresha or send your event details on WhatsApp.
Sources
- Wikipedia — Jessica Nkosi
- Bayer — Jessica Nkosi announced as Bepanthen DERMA brand ambassador
- TimesLIVE — Squad goals: Sarah Langa, Lerato Sengadi and Jessica Nkosi join Somizi as G.H. Mumm ambassadors
- Instagram — Jessica Nkosi (@jessicankosi)
Written by The Penthouse Beauty Studio team at The Marc, 129 Rivonia Rd, Sandown, Sandton. Prices are in rand, include VAT and were correct at the time of publishing.
