Christopher Jaftha has it all going for him. His career is on the rise as the new presenter on Top Billing. He is as good looking in real life as he is on TV and 4 movies under his belt – Leo better watch his back! He is also on a first name basis with Denzel Washington, so basically he is really living it up! When he agreed to sit down with JoziGist at Tashas in Rosebank for an interview it was a mix of excitement and panic.
When you meet Chris, he is disarmingly charming and makes a conversation so easy; he is kind, charismatic and humble. He is the kind of person you ask for 1 answer and he gives you a minimum of 3. He really can’t help himself; his boundless energy and dazzling smile make him hard to stop so you let him get away with it! Enjoy the front row view into Chris Jaftha’s world delivered to you by JoziGist!
Career:
“In order to survive in this industry you need to be Jack of all trades and a master of some”, says Chris who fortunately has a wide variety of talents from acting, theatre, dance, modeling, presenting, MC’ing and impersonations. His first love is film and he has done 4 local films ranging from drama, dance and a romantic comedy. He is an atypical celebrity in that for him purpose trumps fame. He has turned away several movie offers because they do not align with his moral stand point. He aims to use his platform to inspire and make a difference. If he was to take on a role outside his comfort zone, it would have to make a big impact on movie goers.
Travel:
Chris is an avid traveler and this started after he finished high school where he spent two years performing across Europe, Africa and America. We were glad to find out that his favourite destination is Zanzibar in Tanzania; viva Africa! He recently spent some time on the beach front city while on the Top Billing presenter search and describes it as ‘a piece of paradise’. The most interesting experience he had was third lung diving – which is a mix of snorkeling and diving where he got to see the coral reef while up to 20 meters under water. He had a slight malfunction with his gear which caused him to go into a panic attack and nearly drowning- but now it makes for a funny story.
Community Involvement:
He was raised in the church and his father, a pastor, has modeled generosity for him from a young age. You can call him an off screen hero because he is a goodwill ambassador for the South African National Blood Services. He encourages everyone to donate blood 4 times a year! He is also a goodwill ambassador for JAM, which feeds children and for a donation of R30 a month one child can be fed for a day. The Field Band Foundation is very special to Chris because it is intertwined with his love for the arts. Children in crime and poverty stricken communities are encouraged to channel their energy and talents by joining bands, so any donations are welcomed. If you don’t have a lot to give, next time you go to KFC decide to ‘Add Hope’ to your order for just R 2.00 extra. The money makes its way to reputable organizations like JAM.
Christianity:
Christianity plays a pivotal role in Chris’ life, he doesn’t get shaken by titles like Sexiest Man in Mzansi because he is not living for accolades. He sees these titles as an opportunity to share his fitness journey with people so they can be encouraged. Media and entertainment are currently used negatively. He wants to make a positive impact. He adds: “I am not perfect, but I understand and accept the responsibility of the limelight.”
Role Models:
When asked for 1 person he would love to interview dead or alive, he gave 4! They are Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee, Michael Jackson and Nelson Mandela. These men overcame many barriers and did everything in their power to love people and inspire them to live together, whether it was through music, sport or politics.
We ended the discussion with a few and short questions with Chris to get to know him better personally:
- Beard or clean shaven: Stubble
- Gym rat or Outdoor buff: I would not refer to myself as a gym rat- rather I see the gym as a beast that needs to be slayed and I am going to slay it.
*Fun fact: Chris was supposed to be a pro-football player after high school. - Music that describes where I am in life right now is Justin Beiber’s Purpose album. I am a Beiber and I am proud!
- Game of Thrones or Vikings: Vikings
- On Friday nights I want to cuddle… with my pillow!
*Yes ladies, he is single but he has 2 bulldogs (Paris and Hercules) that you need to get through first! - My cheat meal is 500 grams of lamb ribs and chips at the Schwarma Company or the Russian special from Akalways which my family loves.
- When it’s all said and done I want to duplicate myself in others and watch them become better. I want to be remembered for being selfless like Mandela, Gandhi and Jesus Christ; it wasn’t about their happiness but they sacrificed their happiness for others.
Chris is Social
Twitter and Instagram: @chrisjaftha
Snapchat: chrisjaftha
Facebook: Christopher Jaftha
Email: [email protected]