Christopher Jaftha likes a bit of everything — on stage or in front of the camera
Did you have an influence in your youth that shaped your career path?
Christopher Jaftha: Not directly. I was lucky to grow up with supportive parents who encouraged whatever we were passionate about. My current path found me a few years after high school. I spent three years with Youth for Christ, touring internationally and using industrial theatre to raise funds for HIV/AIDS orphanages in South Africa. We tackled themes like racism and South African history, raising awareness through performance, bringing hope and education to many. It was during my third year, while in California, that I felt something shift. A seed was planted and before I knew it, the arts weren’t just a tool, they were my calling. But my folks knew, I knew and God confirmed it through an amazing woman who God used to speak to many, including myself. A story for another day…
You’re an actor, singer, MC, presenter and dancer. Can you share some career highlights across these roles?
There are too many to count but here are a few standouts. As an actor, filming a pilot with the legendary John Kani was an unforgettable moment. The project never aired, but the experience was electric. It was a political drama ahead of its time – bold, layered and probably too provocative for that moment in SA.
As a singer, one corporate performance sticks with me, unfortunately for the wrong reason! I started a bar early and while my fellow performers covered me brilliantly, I knew. To the audience, it sounded like a creative echo, but I wanted to disappear into thin air. I left the venue without saying goodbye. Today, we laugh about it. The joys of live performance!
As an MC, I’ve shared stages with global icons, but the real test came when a client handed me a flawed script with wrong names and dates and last-minute changes an hour before showtime. Of course, the biggest name was butchered and I took the fall. Character-building, to say the least!
As a presenter, I’ve had my fair share of ‘bucket list’ moments. One that stands out: being told I was the first-ever host of Dancing With The Stars to also dance in the professional opening sequence. Whether that’s official or not, I’m claiming it! And The Longest Date being nominated for two South African Television Awards was quite cool, for best reality series and best presenter. What an honour.
As a dancer, I’ll never forget performing in Monaco with African Footprint. Towards the end of the show, roses were thrown at our feet, literally. It became a safety hazard, so we had to choreograph a ‘sweeper’ into the routine. Afterwards, everyone was inviting us onto their yachts for cruises to Cannes and Nice. Could’ve been nice, but we couldn’t do it since we were headlining at the sporting club. The arts are truly treasured in Europe.
You’re in incredible shape. How much effort goes into that?
I choose to be in shape for vitality. I’ve had seasons where I’ve not been as serious and that’s okay too. But staying fit gives me longevity in life and this industry. It fuels my mental health, sharpens my focus and boosts my overall wellbeing – except when I get injured, of course! A wise man once said: “It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.”
In Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, you played three characters. What was your approach to this challenge?
This was a lovely out-of-the-box moment for me, as it had been 10 years since I was last on stage before that. For the first time in the show’s history, one actor played Pharaoh, Jacob and Potiphar. And we had only three weeks to rehearse. The entire show is sung-through, so there’s no dialogue break to catch your breath or reset your mind. I had to learn the lyrics, music, choreography and blocking while also crafting three distinct characters. Never mind those darn minor and major keys that were the bane of my existence for some time!
I relied on rigorous notes and vocal drills and trusted my experience. My acting coach helped fine-tune the character work I’d started on my own and with our creative team, who gave me freedom to experiment. It allowed me to layer in personality and physicality over time. The process was intense but, once the dust settled, the characters came alive and kept evolving.
One of the joys of theatre for me is that you really only truly feel like you’ve found the characters towards the end of the run. For me at least. And it’s something fun to look forward to.
You star in Khaki Fever, a movie filmed on safari. Tell us about your role and shooting on location.
I play Daniel, a smooth-talking, rule-bending ranger and the group’s resident flirt. He secretly initiates a competition among the rangers to see who can bed the most guests over the season. The prize? Everyone’s collective tips and the title ‘King of Khaki’. If they get caught, they’re all fired! But it’s not all mischief, his motives are heartbreakingly human. His mom’s cancer returns and the medical costs are overwhelming. Desperate, he leans into the only skill he thinks he has. It’s hilarious, touching and chaotic all at once.
And yes, filming with real wild animals in the bush was as cool – and unpredictable – as it sounds! Wild animals and wilder rangers. The film is a hilarious comedy, but viewer discretion is advised…
Do you prefer comedic, serious or action roles – and why?
I love them all. When I started out, I thought comedy would be my thing. But I’ve always admired the greats who can do it all. Versatility excites me. I want to be the guy who can make you laugh in one project, then leave you shaken in the next. It’s also refreshing creatively – you breathe differently between genres. It keeps me hungry and keeps the audience guessing.
You’ve travelled extensively for work. Any favourite destination?
I’ve been blessed to work across the world, but Hong Kong stands out as my favourite city. It’s a mesmerising balance between futuristic cityscape and lush green jungle. The people are considerate and the systems efficient. I once witnessed someone being sent to the back of a food queue for not knowing what they wanted when they reached the counter. Hilarious but also practical! That kind of social accountability resonated with me. We’re not islands; we’re part of a shared experience. It’s a good thing to be considerate of others.
Text | Heléne Ramackers
Photography | Xavier Saer
For more information, go to christopherjaftha.com.
