Niza Jay

EARLY LIFE

Niza Jay was born Ndiziphiwe Izicelo Ziviwe Azamkela Ncoyini on 24 May 1995 in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa, and raised there. He showed an early love for performance, singing and acting in school productions. A defining moment came in Grade 4 when he played Mowgli in The Jungle Book, solidifying his passion for acting. He has cited watching Sarafina! and Leleti Khumalo’s performance as a major influence that made him fall in love with film and storytelling. After high school he applied only to the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, where he was accepted for both Dramatic Arts and Music. He chose Drama and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts in 2018. During his studies he experienced periods of frustration with the curriculum but remained committed to performance and storytelling.

CAREER

Niza Jay’s professional breakthrough came with his first feature film role as Kwanda in John Trengove’s Inxeba (The Wound) (2017). The film, about Xhosa initiation and a same-sex relationship, became one of the most awarded South African films ever (over 28 international awards), premiered at Sundance, opened the Panorama section at Berlin, was South Africa’s Oscar entry (shortlisted), and sparked major controversy, protests, threats, and temporary censorship battles in South Africa. For the role he received a SAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film (2018) and was noted as one of the youngest openly gay actors nominated in that category. The film led to him being signed by top South African talent agent Moonyeenn Lee. Subsequent credits include: The Tree (2020) as Aphiwe Hello Au Revoir (2021) You’re My Favourite Place (2022) as Zongi — won Best Supporting Actor – Feature Film at the National Film & TV Awards South Africa (2023) Blood Psalms (TV series, 2022) as Teborah Masinga: The Calling (2024) as Toto Ha Molefi (TV series, 2024) as Joy Other appearances include Green Matter, 52 Story Minutes, and earlier short or supporting work He has also worked as a writer and director. He wrote and directed his debut play While We Hate (supported by The Other Foundation), which premiered at PopART Theatre in Johannesburg in June 2019 and addresses hate crimes and societal complacency toward violence against LGBTQIA+ people. He has developed original content through collaborations in South Africa and the US, and has been selected for Berlinale Talents (listed as actor and producer). He continues to pursue producing and directing projects, including involvement in historical period features.

PERSONAL LIFE

Niza Jay is openly queer/gay and has spoken publicly about the challenges and opportunities of being an openly gay Black actor in South Africa. He has described growing up gay positively, while acknowledging teasing and direct homophobia. His family is supportive and educated; they stood by him during the intense controversy and threats surrounding Inxeba (The Wound). He has lived and worked between South Africa and Los Angeles (he moved to LA around 2018, partly accelerated by safety concerns related to the film’s backlash). He runs or has been associated with Street Army (Pty) Ltd for creating original content.

Niza Jay was listed among the inaugural #Awesome50 inspirational LGBTQIA+ Africans in 2018. He has advocated for more complex queer characters and better representation, while emphasising his ability to play a wide range of roles. He has spoken about the importance of continuous craft development, knowing one’s values, and creating one’s own work rather than relying solely on external validation. He splits time between South Africa and Los Angeles and remains active in advocacy and storytelling that encourages authenticity and pride.