Kestin Howard is the voice actor responsible for bringing the iconic character Zane Ro'Meave to life in the Aphmau series. Having been a cornerstone of the channel's storytelling for over a decade, Howard's portrayal of Zane has evolved from a primary antagonist to one of the most beloved and complex figures in the Minecraft roleplay universe. While many fans recognize him primarily as the brooding, cupcake-loving Zane, Howard is a versatile performer who also voices several other key characters, including Dante and Eric.

The Definitive Voice of Zane Ro'Meave

Zane Ro'Meave is perhaps the most recognizable character in Jess Bravura's (Aphmau) sprawling digital multiverse. From his origins in Minecraft Diaries as a power-hungry High Priest to his more modern, socially awkward, and emo-adjacent persona in MyStreet, Zane’s identity is inextricably linked to Kestin Howard’s vocal performance.

Howard captures Zane's essence through a distinctively raspy, often monotone delivery that can pivot instantly into high-pitched frustration or dry sarcasm. This vocal range is a key reason why the character transitioned so successfully from a serious villain to a comedic highlight of the series. Fans often point to the "Zane~Kun" phase or his secret obsession with "My Little Horsies" as moments where Howard’s voice acting added layers of vulnerability and humor that a less skilled actor might have missed.

In the early days of the channel, voice credits were sometimes less formalized, but Kestin Howard has been the consistent voice for Zane across hundreds of episodes. According to industry databases like IMDb, Howard has appeared in over 370 episodes of the Aphmau series between 2019 and 2025 alone, though his history with the channel stretches back much further to the mid-2010s.

Exploring Kestin Howard’s Dual Roles: From Zane to Dante

One of the most impressive aspects of Kestin Howard’s work with the CatFace production team is his ability to play polar opposites. While Zane is introverted, cynical, and dark, Dante—another major character voiced by Howard—is extroverted, flirtatious, and high-energy.

The Contrast of Dante

In MyStreet, Dante serves as a contrast to Zane’s gloominess. Howard utilizes a clearer, more rhythmic, and energetic tone for Dante. In our analysis of his performances, the transition between these two characters showcases a high level of vocal control. It is often surprising to new viewers that the same person voicing the "Emo Brother" is also the one voicing the blue-haired, smooth-talking Dante.

Supporting Characters and Antagonists

Beyond the main duo of Zane and Dante, Kestin Howard has provided voices for:

  • Eric: The father of Katelyn, where Howard adopts a more mature, parental, and sometimes goofy tone.
  • The Demon Warlock (Michael Valkrum): Demonstrating his ability to play high-stakes, supernatural villains with a more menacing and resonant vocal quality.
  • Raven: A character from the Minecraft Diaries lore.
  • Leo: Featured in the Meteora Valley series.

The Decade Milestone: Kestin Howard’s Journey with CatFace

In 2024, the Aphmau team and the fan community celebrated a major milestone: Kestin Howard’s 10-year anniversary of working with the channel. This decade-long collaboration is rare in the fast-paced world of YouTube content creation, where cast rotations are frequent.

Howard began his journey under the online alias LucariosKlaw. During the early 2010s, the Minecraft roleplay scene was just beginning to find its footing, moving from simple gameplay videos to scripted, cinematic narratives. Howard was part of the original cohort of voice actors who helped establish the high production standards that Jess and Jason Bravura’s company, CatFace, eventually became known for.

His longevity on the channel has allowed him to grow alongside the characters. In the Minecraft Diaries era, his performance was rooted in traditional fantasy tropes. As the channel pivoted toward the MyStreet and "inner demons" style of storytelling—which emphasizes character relationships and modern-day drama—Howard adapted his style to fit a more contemporary, conversational vibe.

Life Beyond Aphmau: Streaming, Music, and VTubing

Kestin Howard is far more than just a voice in a Minecraft series; he is a multifaceted digital creator with a significant personal brand.

TeraBull and the VTubing Frontier

In recent years, Howard has embraced the VTuber (Virtual YouTuber) movement. He streams under the persona TeraBull, a character that allows him to interact with his audience in real-time while maintaining a degree of theatricality. His streams often feature a mix of gaming, voice acting practice, and community engagement, providing fans with a glimpse into the person behind the characters.

External Voice Acting Credits

While his work with Aphmau is his most prominent, Howard has lent his voice to several other high-profile projects:

  • Death Battle: A popular web series where he has voiced various combatants, showcasing his ability to handle intense, action-oriented dialogue.
  • Marvel Avengers Academy: In this mobile title, he provided the voice for Curt Connors, also known as The Lizard.
  • Independent Animation: Howard frequently collaborates with other independent animators and creators within the Newgrounds and YouTube ecosystems.

Music Career

Kestin is also an accomplished singer and songwriter. Music often plays a role in the Aphmau series, and Howard’s vocal talents have been utilized for various song covers and original tracks related to the lore of the shows. His ability to carry a tune in character—particularly as Zane—has led to several viral musical moments within the fandom.

Why the Voice of Zane Is So Important to Fans

To understand why the query "Zane Aphmau voice actor" is so frequent, one must understand the "Zane Cult" or the "Zane Protectors" within the fandom. Zane is a character who resonates with viewers who feel like outsiders. His character arc is one of the most significant in the series, moving from a person who felt unloved and overshadowed by his brother Garroth to finding a chosen family.

Kestin Howard’s performance is the anchor of this emotional journey. The specific way he voices Zane’s insecurities makes the character relatable. When Zane finally opens up to characters like Aphmau or Kawaii~Chan, the slight softening of Howard’s voice communicates more than the script ever could. This is a prime example of how voice acting elevates a 3D-block-based medium into a compelling drama.

Who Else Is in the Aphmau Voice Cast?

While Kestin Howard is a central figure, he is part of a larger ensemble of talented voice actors who have worked together for years. Understanding the cast helps place Howard’s role in context:

  • Jessica Bravura (Aphmau): The creator and lead voice, playing Aphmau and various iterations of Lady Irene.
  • Jason Bravura (Aaron): The lead male voice and co-creator of the series.
  • Andy Cowley (Garroth): Voicing Zane’s older brother, providing the perfect "heroic" foil to Zane's "emo" energy.
  • Moeka Hoshizora (Kawaii~Chan): Her high-pitched, energetic performance as KC provides the primary romantic and comedic counterpart to Zane in later seasons of MyStreet.
  • Christopher Escalante (Ein / Derek): Known for playing the series' most hated villains, Escalante’s intense performance often clashes with Howard’s characters.
  • Lizzy Hofe (Katelyn): A long-time collaborator who plays the tough-as-nails Katelyn, the daughter of Howard’s character Eric.

Technical Aspects of Minecraft Voice Acting

Recording for a series like Aphmau involves unique challenges that Kestin Howard has mastered over the last decade. Unlike traditional animation, where the animation is often created to match the voice (lip-syncing), Minecraft roleplay often relies on "machinima" techniques.

The actors often record their lines based on a script, and then the "body actors" (the people controlling the Minecraft characters in-game) perform the actions to fit the audio. This requires Howard to provide a high level of physical energy in his voice to compensate for the limited facial expressions of a Minecraft avatar. In our observation of his work, Howard’s use of sighs, huffs, and vocal "ticks" (like Zane’s nervous stutters) are essential for making the character feel alive in a blocky world.

Where to Interact with Kestin Howard

For fans looking to connect with the voice behind Zane, Howard is active on several platforms. He is known for being appreciative of fan art and frequently acknowledges the impact the Aphmau community has had on his career.

  • Cameo: Howard is active on Cameo, where he provides personalized video messages. Fans often request him to do the "Zane voice" for birthdays or to offer words of encouragement.
  • Social Media: He maintains a presence on Twitter (X) and Instagram, often sharing updates about his VTubing schedule and new voice acting roles.
  • YouTube: His personal channel features his music and highlights from his streams.

Summary of Kestin Howard’s Impact

Kestin Howard’s role as Zane Ro'Meave is a defining example of how a voice actor can shape the identity of a digital franchise. Over ten years, he has transformed a simple Minecraft skin into a character with depth, humor, and emotional resonance. Whether he is playing the villainous High Priest, the lovable Dante, or the reclusive Zane, Howard’s contribution to the Aphmau universe is immeasurable. His evolution from a community creator (LucariosKlaw) to a professional voice actor and VTuber (TeraBull) mirrors the growth of the YouTube animation and roleplay industry as a whole.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kestin Howard's real name?

His professional and birth name is Kestin Howard. In the early years of his career, he was widely known by his online handle, LucariosKlaw.

Does Kestin Howard voice both Zane and Dante?

Yes. Kestin Howard provides the voices for both Zane Ro'Meave and Dante in the Aphmau series. He is praised for his ability to switch between Zane's low, raspy voice and Dante's higher, more energetic tone.

How long has Kestin Howard worked with Aphmau?

As of 2024, Kestin Howard has been working with Aphmau (CatFace) for 10 years. He is one of the longest-serving members of the voice cast.

What is Kestin Howard’s VTuber name?

Kestin Howard’s VTuber persona is named TeraBull. He frequently streams on platforms like Twitch and YouTube using this avatar.

Has Kestin Howard voiced characters in other shows?

Yes, he has appeared in Death Battle and voiced Curt Connors (The Lizard) in the game Marvel Avengers Academy. He has also worked on various independent animation projects.

Who voices Zane’s mother in the series?

While Kestin voices Zane, the character's mother, Zianna (or Zena), is voiced by different actors depending on the series era, with Lindsay Jones being a notable voice for Zena in recent productions.

Is Zane a villain or a hero?

Zane's morality depends on the series. In Minecraft Diaries, he is a primary antagonist. In MyStreet, he begins as a nuisance/minor antagonist but eventually becomes one of the main protagonists and a loyal friend to Aphmau.