Based: Johannesburg

Emmanuel Castis, born and raised in Johannesburg, has been a professional actor for 10 years.  Emmanuel started out in musical theatre (Rocky in The Rocky Horror Show, the Prince in Cinders and Her Fella). This was followed by a number of stage roles in plays (Macbeth etc). Musical shows over the years include Frankly Speaking, Bachelor Boy, Let the Good Times Roll, Doowah Boys, and Grease. Emmanuel played the much loved character Steve in the popular daily drama Isidingo, Brent in One Way and Uri in Snitch and Chris in the very popular SABC 2 drama Erfsondes.
In March 2008 he was voted winner of Strictly Come Dancing. He is presently filming the third season of Erfsondes. Emmanuel has recently been cast in Scandal (an Etv drama) as a jazz musician. The soapie will feature some of the music from Emmanuel’s debut album South of Nowhere which was released by Next Music in October 2008.
South of Nowhere was produced by Neill Solomon and Peter Pearlson. It features songs by Cindy Alter (Clout), Ed Jordan, Lionel Bastos, Jim Neversink, Nathan Waywell, Estelle Kokot and Emmanuel Castis. The music is mix of adult contemporary and jazz. We like to call it intelligent pop – John Mayer meets Amy Winehouse. The recording features music greats Currie, Sasha Sonnbichler, Rob Watson, Marcus Wyatt, Piet Botha, Bob Wade and Paul Hanmer among others as well as backing vocalists Cindy Alter, Ed Jordan, and Angie Peach.
Emmanuel’s live band comprises of some of the best jazz musicians in South Africa. Led by double bass sensation Graeme Currie, An’ then some, comprises double bass, keys and drums, and just to add a little flair a saxophone is sometimes thrown into the mix. Other musicians include Wessel van Rensburg (keys), Melody Kurney (keys), Rob Watson (drums), Godfrey Mgcina (drums), Sydney Mnisi (sax). Recent additions to the band include Christine Conradie (keys) Connie Bentlage (keys and sax) and Sasha Sonnbichler (guitar).
Emmanuel also freelances as an MC. Corporate clients over the years have included Rennies, Sun International, Emperor’s Casino, Nicholas Rey, Miss Helene, Winter Games for Paralympics, CHOC, Board of Healthcare Funders among others.