Neftalem Tewelde Tekeste, usually called ‘Nef’, grew up with a great love for hip-hop. He knew early on that he wanted to be an actor. He gained his first theatre experience during his primary school years, when he appeared on stage in the play DIE BREMER STADTMUSIKANTEN (The Bremen Town Musicians).
His personal motto is ‘Creepin on Ah Come Up’. In addition to acting, Nef raps, combining his passion for old-school hip-hop with his artistic work.
He has been part of the theatre year at the Schauspielhaus Zürich since August 2024. There, he took on the role of assistant director for LEON C., EIN GEILES LEBEN!? (Jugendclub 1) and appeared on stage himself in TRUE COLOURS (VIERTEL AB BLAU) (Youth Club 3). Together with the Theaterjahr, he also realised the final project 4REAL, in which he not only performed but was also actively involved in the artistic process.
In the 2025/26 season, Nef can be seen in UNFILTERED! at the Schauspielhaus' Matchbox.
