Primo Baloyi

Ofentse “Primo” Baloyi is a South African content creator, comedian, actor and former footballer who has built a successful entertainment career after initially trying to follow in the footsteps of his famous father, former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe.

Born on 11 July 1993 in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, Baloyi grew up surrounded by football. His father was one of South Africa's most celebrated players, while other members of his family were also involved in the sport.

Following in his father's footsteps

Football was initially Baloyi's biggest ambition. After matriculating in 2011, he pursued his studies while trying to establish himself as a professional footballer.

He trained with and played for Mpumalanga Black Aces and Bidvest Wits, but a series of injuries eventually disrupted his playing career. By 2018, at the age of 25, he had stepped away from professional football.

He subsequently moved into coaching, working with young players, while also exploring other career options.

The lockdown changed everything

Baloyi's career took an unexpected turn during the COVID-19 lockdown.

With much of the country stuck at home, he began posting comedy skits online. What started on YouTube and Instagram soon found a much larger audience on TikTok.

His speciality was taking popular sounds and turning them into relatable South African comedy, often playing several different characters himself. His ability to capture everyday situations helped him develop a large following.

The name “Primo” dates back to his high-school days when he was involved in krump dancing.

Stepping out of Lucas Radebe's shadow

For a long time, Baloyi deliberately avoided publicly leaning on his father's fame.

He wanted people to discover him because of his own talent rather than simply knowing him as Lucas Radebe's son.

Eventually, his relationship with his father became part of his online content, with the two appearing together in videos and publicly supporting each other's careers.

Baloyi has said that although football did not become his path, he still wanted to remain connected to the sport. He has described himself as a football agent, scout and talent developer, while continuing to create football-related content.

From TikTok to television

Baloyi eventually began making the transition from social media into mainstream entertainment.

He landed a role as Veli in Mzansi Magic's drama series Code 13, marking an important breakthrough after facing rejection from television producers who were hesitant to cast social-media personalities.

He had also appeared in Lingashoni, further establishing himself as an actor rather than simply an influencer.

His success has also attracted major commercial partnerships, including work with Vodacom and Dove Men+Care. In 2024, he received the People's Choice Award at the GQ Men of the Year Awards.

Football remains part of his brand

Baloyi's football background has increasingly become an advantage rather than something he left behind.

He has worked closely with Orlando Pirates and was involved in the club's Giants documentary campaign. In 2025, he travelled with the Pirates squad to Spain during their pre-season and described the experience as a combination of his passion for football and his career as a content creator.

This combination of football knowledge, comedy and digital storytelling has helped him carve out a unique position in South African entertainment.

What's next?

Baloyi has spoken about wanting to expand beyond social media into acting, comedy, writing, directing and producing. His career is increasingly moving from short-form TikTok videos towards television and larger entertainment productions.

Primo Baloyi — quick facts

• Full name: Ofentse Baloyi
• Known as: Primo / Primo9teen
• Born: 11 July 1993
• Birthplace: Hammanskraal, Gauteng
• Profession: Content creator, comedian, actor and former footballer
• Father: Lucas Radebe
• Education: Vega School — Brand Marketing and Communication
• Former football teams: Mpumalanga Black Aces and Bidvest Wits
• Acting: Code 13, Lingashoni
• Nickname origin: Krump dancing during high school
• Major recognition: GQ Men of the Year People's Choice Award
• Known for: Relatable comedy skits, football content and character-based humour

Primo Baloyi's story is ultimately about finding his own identity. He entered the spotlight as Lucas Radebe's son and a failed football hopeful, but built his own name through comedy, social media and acting — proving that his father's legacy did not have to define his career.