Lerato Makhetha
editLerato Makhetha ( Born 20 August 1986) is a South African born Musician and Actor known for his role on SABC 3 soapie Isidingo, as Ntando Sibeko.
Early Life
editBorn in Soweto, bred in New York and raised in Johannesburg, Lerato’s journey in the arts began at the tender age of 10 when he auditioned for a spot in the world renowned Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School. It was there where he was classically trained as a pianist and vocalist respectively. After graduating he then extended and completed his studies in popular music at the National School of the Arts (NSA) where he played lead roles in 2 musicals in 2001 and 2002. Lerato was driven by a burning desire and passion to explore and contribute to the world of music and acting.
Lerato Makhetha is the son of actor and director Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha and Claudine Makhetha. He has 4 siblings named Tsakane Thapelo, Palesa, Mpho and Mosa Makhetha.
Career
editThe 31 year old is a seasoned pianist and vocalist who has had his fair share of experience in the music industry from when he was 17 years old. Working as a session musician for artists such as Tuks Sengaga, JR, Unathi Msengana and Kabomo to mention a few, led him to pour his knowledge and experience he gained into a duo group, called Throwback, in 2015. The group was signed by international music recording label Universal Music.
Over the last 15 years Lerato has successfully juggled both music and acting, and has featured in numerous Mzansi Magic and Ekasi Stories films, such as “Vacancy” “Holes In Our Souls” and “Surprise” as a lead actor and cameo roles in “Generations” ,“Umlilo” and a feature film, “Baby Mamas”.
2017 was a year that saw Lerato become one of the 12 finalists of an acting reality show “ The Final Cut” on SABC3 and made it to the top 4 male contestants. His time on The Final Cut afforded him the opportunity to work with directors from all the biggest soaps and dramas on the SABC platform including Isidingo.
Personal Life
editLerato married Phetola Makhetha in 2010. The couple have a daughter named Lehakoe (born in 2013)
Television, Film and Theatre
edit| Year | Title | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | The Final Cut | SABC 3 |
| 2017 | Baby Mamas Film | Cinema |
| 2017 | Supporting Lead- Ndabzabantu | Mzansi Magic |
| 2017 | Lead Actor- Wena Wedwa | Mzansi Magic |
| 2017 | Lead Actor-Nedbank Home Loans | Advert |
| 2016 | Supporting Role0 Surprise | Mzansi Magic |
| 2016 | Lead Actor- Holes in our souls | eTV |
| 2015 | Supporting Lead Actor- Umhlaba Uyahlaba | eTV |
| 2015 | Jet Baby Fair | Advert |
| 2014 | Cameo- Generation | SABC 1 |
| 2014 | Cameo- Umlilo | eTV |
| 2012 | Supporting Lead Actor- Vacancy | Mzansi Magic |
| 2010 | Standard Bank In House Videos | Corporate |
| 2010 | Lead Actor-In The Scheme of Things | Cinema |
| 2010 | Supporting Lead Actor- Chicken Murder | Example |
| 2010 | Actor and Musical Director- Mabrrr | Theatre |