Like father, like son: these local celebs are carrying on their father's legacy

One year after his dad's death, the then 7-year-old Tembeka Ngcukaitobi learned his father, a mine worker, had been studying law through the University of South Africa. 

Now an advocate awaiting senior counsel (SC) status, Tembeka believes that learning of his father's dream was the chief motivating influence in carving his own path in the legal profession. 

"I think a culmination of his own dream through his son must fill him with satisfaction. If not him, then I think I am personally happy to have achieved his dream," Tembeka said via the Daily Dispatch. 

Tembeka is one of many South African sons who have taken inspiration from their father's legacy, unafraid to follow in their footsteps. 

Here we've rounded up a few who have learned from the best and still managed to shine in their own right. 

Has your father inspired your career path? Tell us your story, and we could publish your mail. 

John and Atandwa Kani 

Atandwa Kani is probably best known for being cast in Marvel's Black Panther, playing the younger version of a character his own father, actor John Kani, played in the same movie. 

The casting director clearly saw the benefits of the father-son resemblance. 

John Kani made a name for himself in the 80s, co-writing and performing in the anti-apartheid play, Sizwe Banzi Is Dead.

Given that the younger Kani chose to study theatrical performance at university, we'd say there's no doubt that Atandwa caught the acting bug from his father. 

Johnny and Jesse Clegg

It seems that the singer-songwriter talent is too much for one generation of the Clegg family to contain. An iconic figure in the South African music industry and its political history as well, Johnny Clegg appeared on the music scene first with the band Juluka and later Savuka, each band consisting of both black and white musicians. 

The bands' racial integration broke both laws and barriers, and despite constant government harassment, achieved platinum success and acclaim internationally, touring throughout the 80s and early 90s. 

Living the first 6 years of his life on the road with his famous dad must have sparked something in Jesse. 

The younger Clegg may not be as famous as his dad but his career boasts impressive credentials. 

Jesse has released three albums since 2008, has toured both locally and internationally and has performed at notable international music festivals like the Isle of Wight Festival in the UK, and the CBGB Festival in the US. 

Ringo and Phila Madlingozi 

Another SA musical legend, Ringo Madlingozi's rise to fame began in 1986 as part of the band, Peto, winning the Shell Road to Fame talent contest but it would be his solo offering, Vukani, that would set him up as a staple of the South African music industry. 

Ringo is an award-winning artist many times over, a regular at both the South African Music Awards (SAMA) and the KORA All Africa Music Awards. 

He's performed internationally both as a solo act and in collaboration with other big names including UB40, and he's even produced the work of legend, Miriam Makeba. 

Phila Madlingozi has certainly learned from the best. Starting out as an actor, Phila could not deny the musical pull, eventually auditioning for SA Idols, making it all the way to the top 20. 

Banza and Moshe "Mo-T" Kgasoane

We may not have known him by name but Banza Kgasoane was hailed as an unsung hero and a legendary trumpeter. 

Better known as the lead trumpeter for the award-winning 11-piece Afropop outfit, Mango Groove, the late 'Bra Banza' first gained notoriety as part of the platinum-selling Alexandra Brass Band. 

Just like his dad, we may not be familiar with him on a first name basis, but we certainly know Musician Moshe Kgasoane AKA Mo-T from his musical chops. 

He is one-third of the ever popular Mi Casa alongside fellow members Sipho Philemon Mphahlaza (Dj Dr Duda) and Joao da Fonseca (J'Something). 

The trio has racked up several accolades, including nods for Artist of the Year, Best Group Album, and Best Live Act. 

Chat back:

Has your father inspired your career path? 

Tell us your story, and we could publish your mail. 

Read more: