South African actress and TV presenter Jessica Ayanda Nkosi best recognized for her leading roles in telenovelas Isibaya, Ayeye and her latest, The Queen, turns 31 today.

Born on 20 January 1990 as Jessica Ayanda Nkosi, she debuted on screen with the role of Qondisile on the South African telenovela Isibaya in 2013. Her acting prowess in this role went on to make Jessica a household name in South Africa.

She then went on to star as Eve on Mzansi Magic’s Ayeye in the year 2015. In 2020, Jessica rose to stardom with her new role as Thando Sebata on the very popular South African telenovela, The Queen.Besides acting she easily slides into the role of MC and Presenter as well. It was in 2017, Jessica Nkosi made her TV presenter debut when she co-hosted BET’s A-List alongside her Isibaya cast Nomzamo Mabtha.

As she celebrates her 31st birthday, let’s look at the moments over the past year when she created some noise.

When Jessica Nkosi on Instagram slammed body shamers

Nkosi was candid about recording her weight loss journey, particularly after giving birth to her gorgeous baby girl, Nami Dlamini.Jessica Nkosi took to Instagram to post a photo of her getting ready for the gym but she jokingly mentioned that she was actually happier in her bed. Though a lot of the folks appreciated her fitness and beauty, some trolls started body shaming her viciously.

“The vile, mean, horrible things people say though. I’m very happy about the block button. Kodwa nje (But) it really does hurt. Like why would you attack me about my body?” she said.

On another Instagram post Jessica Nkosi said:

“I know my body, trust me I look at it every day, and I live in it. Manje wena (Now you) you feel a need to point stuff out as if I do not know. SMH (shaking my head). Just live your life. I actually really do not want to hear your negativity here.”