Masali Baduza Biography: Age, Movies, Boyfriend, Net Worth, Parents, Height, TV Shows

Masali Baduza, is a South African actress, has garnered international acclaim for her powerful performances in film, television, and theatre. She rose to prominence with her lead role as Sephy Hadley in the BBC drama Noughts + Crosses (2020), earning praise from the Royal Television Society as a rising star and one to watch.

Her portrayal of Fumbe in the historical epic The Woman King (2022) alongside Viola Davis further showcased her versatility. Recently, her role as Michaela Stirling in Bridgerton Season 3 (2024) has solidified her status as a global talent, celebrated for embracing her African heritage and advocating for authentic representation.

Profile

• Full Name: Masali Baduza
• Stage Name: Masali Baduza
• Born: 12 March, 1996
• Age: 29 years old
• Birthplace: East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
• Nationality: South African
• Occupation: Actress, Model
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Baduza
• Siblings: 5
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $5 million–8 million

Early Life and Education

Masali Baduza was born on March 12, 1996, in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa, the youngest of six children to Mr. and Mrs. Baduza. Growing up in Cape Town, she developed an early interest in acting through school plays, despite facing restrictive post-Apartheid school policies that limited self-expression for Black girls.

She pursued her passion by studying at the New York Film Academy’s Los Angeles campus, graduating with an Associate of Fine Arts in Acting in 2016. Her bilingual fluency in English and isiXhosa, rooted in her Xhosa ethnicity, enriches her performances. Her religion is not publicly known.

Career

Masali Baduza began her acting career in 2019, making her film debut as Thandi in the Bollywood-style comedy-drama Bhai’s Cafe, directed by Maynard Kraak. Her television debut followed the same year with a supporting role as Thandi Makebe in M-Net’s top-rated crime thriller Trackers (2019).

Her theatre background, including roles in plays like Trifles and The Crucible at the New York Film Academy, honed her craft. Her early work in South African theatre and short films like Proof and The Door laid a strong foundation for her breakout success.

Her international breakthrough came with the lead role of Sephy Hadley in the BBC’s Noughts + Crosses (2020–2022), where she portrayed a privileged Black woman in a racially divided society. The role, which featured her natural afro, earned her critical acclaim for its cultural significance and authenticity.

She further showcased her range in films like Slumber Party Massacre (2021) and The Woman King (2022), where she played Fumbe, a young warrior. Her performances in these projects highlighted her ability to tackle diverse genres, from horror to historical drama.

Currently, Masali Baduza is making waves with her role as Michaela Stirling in the Season 3 finale of Netflix’s Bridgerton (2024), a gender-flipped character that has sparked excitement for its queer representation. She continues to work on international projects, including The Morning After (upcoming).

As a model, she has featured in commercials for brands like Nescafe and Lindt. Her advocacy for natural African beauty and her growing social media presence, with over 30,000 Instagram followers, amplify her influence as a cultural icon.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @masalibaduza

Personal Life

Masali Baduza is single, with no publicly known spouse or romantic partner, and has no children. Her private life remains low-key, with a focus on her career and personal growth.

Filmography

• Bhai’s Cafe (2019) – Thandi
• Trackers (2019) – Thandi Makebe
• Noughts + Crosses (2020–2022) – Sephy Hadley
• Slumber Party Massacre (2021)
• The Woman King (2022) – Fumbe
• Around the World in 80 Days (2021) – Cameo role
• Bridgerton (2024) – Michaela Stirling
• The Morning After (upcoming)

Net Worth

Masali Baduza has an estimated net worth ranging between $5–8 million USD. Her income primarily stems from her acting roles in high-profile projects like The Woman King and Noughts + Crosses, as well as her work in commercials for brands such as Nescafe and Lindt. Also earnings come from modeling and brand endorsements, bolstered by her growing social media presence.