Christopher Jaftha joins the Top Billing family

He’s starred in numerous music theatre productions – West Side Story, Aladdin the Pantomime, High School Musical, Footloose and more – and was recently added to the Top Billing presenter line-up.

Jaftha was a contestant on the Presenter Search on 3 competition held earlier this year, and although he did not win, the show decided to add him anyway. Used to portraying fictional characters, the show gave him the opportunity to be himself on camera, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer.

His charismatic nature on screen complimented his charming good looks and aptly fit the Top Billing bill. Interestingly, he had no intention of entering the presenter search, but did so by the hand of his parents.

“They thought it would be a good idea and I’d be good at it,” he says. He proved them right. Jaftha has a natural flair for the camera and his hard work and determination make him a force to be reckoned with.

“I love a challenge, venturing into new territory, learning new things, pushing myself beyond my limits and adding new skills to my skill set,” he says. Alluding to experience thus far, he says: “It’s been great. From racing Olympic athletes to rapping on stage with hip hop stars, there’s never a dull moment. I’m constantly learning new things and growing as a person. It’s hard work, but if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

He has come a long way since he left school, ticking off one thing after the next and making his parents proud. Jaftha previously travelled with Youth for Christ, raised money for HIV/Aids orphanages in SA while travelling throughout Africa, Europe and America.

“If there’s a need I’ll do what I can to help,” he says. “I’m fortunate to have a few dream jobs I’ve already lived out and I’m continuing to do so.”

All is not lost, even with this new commitment, Jaftha is still very much involved in theatre. After a very successful run of Aladdin the Pantomime, in which he played the lead role, the 31-year-old joins the Sleeping Beauty cast in this year’s pantomime, on stage at the Joburg Theatre starting early next month. In life, Jaftha aims to constantly meet new people, visit beautiful places, to inspire and be inspired and to invest more in people.

Asked for a word of advice, Jaftha says: “Don’t rely on motivation, it’s fleeting, it comes and goes as it pleases. Rather cultivate discipline, that’s something anyone can have if they choose to.”