Who Is Buzza James? Anele Mdoda's Husband, the Prince on Netflix

Netflix's wedding docu-soap Stars and Vows: Anele & Buzza launched on 13 November 2026, inviting viewers into the royal Xhosa wedding of South African media personality Anele Mdoda. The groom is Prince Bonelela "Buzza James" Mgudlwa, a lawyer from the AbaThembu royal family. Here's everything we know about him.

Who is Buzza James?

Buzza James, full name Bonelela Mgudlwa, is a South African lawyer and Xhosa prince, according to Wikipedia's page on Anele. News24 described him as "a respected prince and attorney from the esteemed AbaThembu royal family", and IOL has called him a businessman. His nickname is spelled both "Buza" and "Buzza" in the South African press, while the Netflix series uses "Buzza".

What is Stars and Vows: Anele & Buzza about?

It is a four-part series following the couple's wedding, released on Netflix on 13 November 2026, News24 and Broadcast Media Africa reported. It was produced by Nomzamo Mbatha and Teddy Geldart's Dopezuluboi Productions as part of Netflix's ten-year celebration in South Africa. The trailer features a bridesmaids' trip to Kenya and appearances by Zozibini Tunzi and Sizwe Dhlomo, Broadcast Media Africa reported.

How did Anele Mdoda and Buzza James meet?

They first met when she was a teenager. "I met Buzza when I was 16; he really is royalty," Anele says in the Netflix trailer, as News24 reported.

The romance came much later. Buzza told IOL that their relationship only began in mid-2024, and News24 reported that it became public in late 2024.

When did Anele Mdoda and Buzza James get married?

In stages, and reports describe the dates differently. Their traditional isiXhosa ceremonies took place in the Eastern Cape in April 2025, News24 reported, and the couple marked a one-year anniversary in April 2026. Dailynews later reported that the traditional marriage ceremonies were completed on 29 December 2025, with Anele explaining that the April 2025 event was a ceremony of accepting the groom's men. News24 also reported a private white wedding in November 2025.

"After a very long year, finally you guys can call me married. Finally! Registered at Home Affairs. Mrs Mgudlwa, that's me," Anele said on 947, as News24 reported.

What has Buzza James said about Anele Mdoda?

That protecting her comes first. "Priority number one is making sure that her heart is good, safe, covered, and protected," he told IOL. He also spoke about how a new wife should be welcomed into her husband's family. "You've come into the family and the family says, 'Ungumntana walapha' (you are a child of this home). You shouldn't be treated like hired help," he said.

For their anniversary he wrote on Instagram that their story is "full of everything: patience, kindness, grace, growth, gentleness, peace, anger, tears, forgiveness, laughter, joy, and most importantly, a love that chooses itself every day," as News24 reported.

In January 2026, a month after they completed their traditional royal wedding, he shared photos of Anele in her makoti attire. "She wears the makoti attire (Amadaki) not out of obligation, but out of her deep love for our culture, my family, and this sacred journey we walk together," he wrote on Instagram.

What has Anele Mdoda said about her husband?

That she has found an equal. "I'm spoiled, I'm pampered, it's nice. It's so nice to find a partner, like I've literally found an equal, like he's my dude, he's my guy," she said on Trevor Noah's podcast, as News24 reported.

"When your husband is your husband and he's raised right, that man is your teammate forever," she told IOL. She also insisted they are down to earth. "We are actually very boring. I promise you, at the heart of it all, we're just day-to-day people," she said.

Another South African star, Oti Mabuse, is married to Romanian dancer Marius Iepure.

Do Anele Mdoda and Buzza James have kids?

Wikipedia's page on Anele lists one child, a son, born before she and Buzza got together. In their IOL interview the couple talked about "the kids" and travelling with their children.

Are Anele Mdoda and Buzza James still together?

Yes. There has been no report of a split, and they promoted the Netflix series together in November 2026, IOL reported.

How old is Buzza James?

His age has not been published. Anele was born on 19 May 1984, according to her Wikipedia page, which makes her 42.

What is Buzza James' net worth?

There's no reliable figure. No credible source has published his net worth, so any number you see online is a guess.