From Empangeni to Global Screens
Born on 6 May 1991 in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, Lemogang Peter Phetolo Tsipa—affectionately known as Lemo—has carved out a remarkable career as one of South Africa’s most exciting actors. At 34 years old, he already boasts a filmography that many veterans would envy.
While in his final year at Grantleigh, Tsipa wrestled with the question many young creatives face: music, property development, or acting? Instead of rushing to university, he took a gap year to travel and find clarity. By 2010, he enrolled at AFDA: The South African School of Motion Picture and Live Performance, where he studied acting and graduated with a B.A. in Live Performance in 2012.
Like most graduates, he initially found himself unemployed and uncertain. But his breakthrough came quickly. In 2013, Tsipa was cast in the international action film Alien Outpost, where he played an American soldier. From then on, the young actor committed to his craft full-time, never looking back.
Early Career Highlights
Lemogang Tsipa’s career officially began with his film debut in Felix (2013) and his television debut in Forced Love (2012–2016). His first international breakthrough came in the British thriller Eye in the Sky (2015), where he played Mission Intel Coordinator Matt Laver alongside Hollywood heavyweights Helen Mirren and Aaron Paul.
That same year, he landed a supporting role in Wallander (2015), acting alongside Sir Kenneth Branagh. His performance was described as memorable and emotionally engaging, marking him as an actor capable of depth and range.
Building a Powerful Portfolio
Since then, Tsipa has stacked up a diverse and impressive list of credits across film and television, including:
- Homeland (2014)
- Traffic (2014)
- Cape Town (2015)
- The Book of Negroes (2015)
- Black Sails (2016)
- Roots (2016)
- The Dark Tower (2017)
- Amandla (2017)
- The Number (2017)
- Oasis (2017)
His performances have consistently shown his ability to inhabit vastly different characters, from soldiers and revolutionaries to everyday South Africans with extraordinary struggles.
Breakthrough Lead Role in Beyond the River
2017 marked a milestone for Lemogang Tsipa with his first lead role in Craig Friemond’s critically acclaimed drama Beyond the River. He played Duma, a talented young man from challenging circumstances who discovers hope and redemption through canoeing. The role cemented Tsipa’s reputation as a leading man capable of carrying complex stories with heart and authenticity.
Expanding Horizons
In addition to his film career, Tsipa took on major television projects. He starred in the BBC/Netflix series Troy: Fall of a City and became a household name in South Africa with the popular TV series Isithembiso. Most recently, he captivated audiences in Shaka iLembe, a high-profile South African production about the legendary Zulu king.
Beyond Acting: Skills and Versatility
Tsipa is more than just an actor. With a background in music and performance, he is a singer, songwriter, and musician with additional skills in sports including soccer, rugby, cricket, boxing, and swimming. His ability to adapt to roles requiring physicality, different accents, and emotional range has made him a sought-after performer both locally and abroad.
A Rising Star with Global Potential
From his humble beginnings in KwaZulu-Natal to working alongside international stars, Lemogang Tsipa represents the new wave of South African talent making global impact. His dedication, resilience, and sheer talent ensure that his story is far from over—if anything, it’s only just beginning.
As he continues to expand his craft, audiences can expect to see Tsipa shine in more challenging roles that test his versatility and solidify his status as one of South Africa’s leading actors.
