Dr Malinga (born 7 July 1980) is a South African musician, songwriter, and television show host. He rose to prominence for his trademark high kick and energetic performances.
The Petronella singer made his acting debut in the e.tv anthology drama series eKasi: Our Stories. He rose to prominence in the mainstream music industry for his hit I’m A Father To Be.
Dr Malinga
Musician and businessman – Dr Malinga.
Quick Facts
Real name:
Goodwill Malinga
Born:
7 July 1980 (age 44 years old)
Place of birth:
Temba, Hammanskraal, northern Gauteng, South Africa
Nationality:
South Africa
Education:
Bokamoso High School
Occupation:
Musician, record producer, songwriter, actor, television show host,
Label:
Linga Entertainment
Spouse:
Boitumelo Malinga
Children:
6
Siblings:
3
Early Life
Dr Malinga was bornGoodwill Malinga on 7 July 1980 in Temba, Hammanskraal, northern Gauteng, South Africa. He is the firstborn child and has three younger siblings.
He grew up with his grandmother and began singing at a younger age. He started with gospel songs before switching to Afro songs.
Education
Dr Malinga attended Bokamoso High School in Stinkwater, north of Pretoria. After sitting for the matric, he gave up his academic pursuit after failing to pass.
Career
Malinga settled for menial jobs to earn a living and started working part-time as a street marketer. He handed pamphlets for furniture stores, including Cash and Carry, Ellerines, and Russell’s.
As Malinga danced while dishing out pamphlets, he realised the attention he drew to himself. He entered talent shows, which led to his music career. He is known for his highly energetic performances and trademark high kick.
Dr Malinga left the record company Kalawa Jazmee after his contract ended to start his own. In 2015, he launched his record company, Linga Entertainment, where he signed up. He released his single Akulaleni featuring Trademark.
His song I’m A Father To Be became a hit and introduced him to the mainstream music industry. He released his album First Injection in January 2014.
Dr Malinga has become one of the most booked artists in the entertainment industry, with one of the busiest performing schedules. He even secured bookings without releasing an album for two years.
In September 2013, the Asilali hitmaker made his screen acting debut playing a man eager to join the spinning community in the drama series eKasi: Our Stories.
In 2014, he landed his first starring role on television in season two of the SABC2 sitcom Gauteng Maboneng. He replaced actor Mahlubi Kraai in the lead role of Lebo.
Philanthropy
Indlela hitmaker Dr Malinga has a history of helping others through his foundation, the Dr Malinga Foundation. He surprised barcadi dancer Mixon Tholo, fondly known as Tsekeleke, with a bedroom makeover.
Dr Malinga found him struggling, bought him a bed, a wardrobe, ceiling boards, and helped him paint his room.
Personal Life
Dr Malinga is married to Boitumelo Malinga. The duo has six children, including twins Lingos and Legends. They welcomed their sixth child, Talent Malinga, in July 2024.
The singer has a R3.2 million house in Zambezi Country Estate. He almost lost his home after SARS claimed he owed over R500 000 in unfiled taxes. He lost his cars, furniture, and belongings, leaving his home unfurnished.
He declared himself broke, but South Africans came to his rescue. Celebrities including Makhadzi, Oskido, Black Coffee, friends, fans, and the EFF came helped him to part of his debt.
Dr Malinga gifted his wife a G-Wagon worth an estimated R4 million in February 2025.
