Tumi Morake is a versatile and boundary-pushing South African comedian, actress, writer, and producer. Her comedic prowess is showcased in iconic films such as "Skin," "Kota Life Crisis," and "Soul Buddyz," establishing her as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Known for her unique approach to comedy, Tumi Morake has become widely accepted and uniquely famous, setting her apart from other comedians in her league. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences through humor has contributed to her widespread popularity.
Tumi's achievements extend beyond the comedy stage, as she has shared platforms with renowned artists like Marc Lottering, David Kau, Chris Forrest, and Barry Hilton. These collaborations have taken place at prestigious festivals, including Blacks Only, Heavyweights Comedy Jam, Just Because Comedy Festival, Have a Heart, The Lifestyle SA Festival, Old Mutual Comedy Encounters, and The Tshwane Comedy Festival. Tumi Morake's impact on the comedy scene in South Africa is evident in her ability to entertain and resonate with audiences from various walks of life.
Early Life
Tumi Morake, born on December 22, 1981, in the Free State, is a versatile South African personality known for her roles as a comedian, actress, TV personality, and writer. Her journey began in the Free State, where she faced early challenges, including a traumatic rape ordeal. Undeterred, she moved to Gauteng in 2000 to pursue her studies in Drama at Wits University, showcasing her resilience and determination to overcome adversity.
Morake hails from a family of activists deeply involved in addressing issues affecting black people in South Africa. Her childhood in Mahikeng was marked by hardships, with frequent police raids on their home. These challenges escalated, leading to her father's escape from legal troubles, leaving the family vulnerable. Her father faced treason charges and served a jail term, while her mother was also arrested and spent six months behind bars. Tumi vividly recalls the frustration of visiting her incarcerated father, a poignant experience that deeply impacted her life. Following these events, her father left the family, prompting Tumi to seek refuge at her grandparent's house in the Free State.
Career
Tumi Morake's journey into acting began at Arepp Theatre for Life, where she explored her theatrical talents. In 2005, she ventured into the world of comedy when she joined Parker Leisure Management. Her hilarious stand-up gigs became a regular feature in Pretoria and Johannesburg.
After completing her tertiary education at DUT, Morake delved into the world of comedy in July 2005, working with Parker Leisure Management. Her stand-up performances in Johannesburg and Pretoria became well-known, with appearances at various comedy festivals such as Heavyweights Comedy Jam, Blacks Only, Have a Heart, Just Because Comedy Festival, The Tshwane Comedy Festival, The Lifestyle SA Festival, and Old Mutual Comedy Encounters. Not limiting herself to comedy, Morake also established her presence as a television personality, hosting shows like Our Perfect Wedding, Red Cake, and WTFTumi, her talk show.
Beyond her comedic and television success, Tumi Morake earned acclaim for her acting prowess in the SABC3 shows Kenny Makenzo and For Sale, both airing in 2007. Her talent was recognized with the "VUKA! Awards" in 2006 for her short film "Getting It On." She received the title of Free State Icon in 2011 and was named the Entertainer of the Year at the 2012 Speakers of Note Awards. Morake's contributions to the industry earned her nominations in various categories at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) in 2013 and 2014, where she also served as a host. Additionally, she received nominations for Comic of The Year at the Comic’s Choice Awards from 2013 to 2016.
Morake’s Book
Tumi Morake's recent book, "And then Mama Said," has captivated readers across the country. Published by Penguin Random House, the book offers a glimpse into Morake's life, unraveling her childhood experiences, and providing insights into her personal and professional journey. The fascinating narrative has generated considerable excitement, making it a noteworthy addition to the literary landscape.
Personal Life
Tumi Morake exchanged vows with her fiancé Mpho Osei in a high-profile wedding on November 28, 2009. Reflecting on her marriage, Morake candidly shares the ups and downs, the joys, and the challenges that have shaped their journey. She fondly recalls the delight of having her favorite people present at the wedding, highlighting it as a cherished moment.
The couple is blessed with two beautiful children, Lesedi and Bonsu, adding to the richness of their family life. Mrs. Osei currently resides in Johannesburg, Gauteng, with her loving and extended family.
Filmography
Morake has been seen in numerous movies and TV shows including:
Skin
Kota Life Crisis
Soul Buddyz
Izoso Connexion
High Rollers
Laugh Out Loud
Rockville
Soul Buddyz
The Queen
The Bantu Hour
ekasi movies
Seriously Single
Tumi or Not Tumi (Netflix)
Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire (Disney+)
Awards and Accolades
Her name appeared as one of The Free State Province's Icons
2012- Entertainer of the Year at the 2012 Speakers of Note Award
2013 - Mboko Women in the Arts Award for Excellence in Comedy 2013
2016 - She won the Best Comedian Category of the YOU Spectacular Awards
She won awarded the Savanna Comic Choice Awards as the Comic of the Year
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumi_Morake
https://briefly.co.za/27529-tumi-morake-biography-husband-weight-loss-family-book-comedy-career.html