“Baba, I Love You” – The Phone Call That Pulled Mbuso Khoza Back From the Edge

Acclaimed actor and musician Mbuso Khoza has opened up about one of the darkest moments in his life—a time when he was ready to give up, but a phone call from his daughter changed everything.

The multi-talented 47-year-old star from Eshowe, in northern KwaZulu-Natal, recently shared how in 2018, while facing severe depression and overwhelming emotional turmoil, he made the painful decision to end his life. Mbuso, who is deeply respected for his roles in Imbewu: The Seed, Umphokha: The Curse, and Shaka iLembe, said that during those difficult days, he felt completely hopeless.

“I was on my way to commit suicide. I had made the decision and was convinced there was no more reason to live,” he recalled. But just as he was about to take that irreversible step, his phone rang. It was his then 11-year-old daughter, Alinde.

“She only said, ‘Baba, I love you,’” Mbuso revealed. That simple, powerful sentence broke through the darkness he was in. In that moment, her love reminded him of his purpose, his role as a father, and the value of his own life.

“I stopped everything. I knew I couldn’t go through with it. That call saved me.”

The artist has since credited his daughter not only for saving his life but also for being his source of strength and motivation. When he later received his first-ever acting award — the Best Supporting Actor in Film at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards for his role in Masinga the Calling — he took Alinde with him.

“This award was special because it was my first one, and I received it in my home province. I knew I had to take her with me because without her, I wouldn’t be alive to experience that moment,” he said.

Mbuso’s career has flourished since that time. He has become widely known for playing Mphalala in Umphokha: The Curse, and his voice has become iconic through his performances of traditional isiZulu hymns (amahubo) in the theme songs of Shaka iLembe. His musical contribution to Umphokha: The Curse also led to the creation of a full album based on the series’ music.

Beyond his artistic success, Mbuso is now using his story to raise awareness about mental health and the importance of support from loved ones. His message is simple but profound: sometimes a single word, a small gesture, or a reminder that someone cares can save a life.

He also extended his heartfelt gratitude to legendary producer and playwright Duma kaNdlovu, who gave him acting opportunities in both Imbewu: The Seed and Umphokha: The Curse, saying those roles gave him direction and purpose.

Today, Mbuso stands as a survivor, an advocate, a father, and a man who knows the value of being loved. His story is not just one of pain, but one of hope, resilience, and the healing power of a child’s love.