Lasizwe Dambuza is rarely still. Whether he’s filming for his hit show or managing his business ventures, he is always building. In a recent visit to the Gagasi FM studios, he sat down to discuss the grind behind the glamour, why he chose to walk away from his studies, and how he turned his creative hobbies into a media empire.
The Nail Hustle and the Varsity Exit
Long before he was a household name, Lasizwe was looking for a way to stay busy during varsity breaks. He started a nail business—not as a formal career plan, but as a side hustle to fill his time in December. He quickly realized he had a talent for the work. For four years, he juggled his studies, jumping between degrees in science, finance, and supply chain management.
He admits he was searching for his footing, but his heart was never in the textbooks; it was in the art. After years of skipping classes to pursue his creativity, he made the decision to drop out. He is quick to clarify, though: he does not encourage dropping out of school. He emphasizes that if you aren’t sure what you’re studying, take the time to find yourself—but if you have a clear goal, get those qualifications to the next level. For Lasizwe, nails were his entry point into entrepreneurship, where he discovered he was an artist at heart, not just a technician.
The Evolution of Content
Lasizwe’s work has evolved alongside the digital landscape. He explains that there is a massive difference between a content creator and an influencer. An influencer is brought on by a brand because of their ability to sell products and sway consumer behavior. A content creator, however, documents their day-to-day existence, capturing moments as they happen.
Brands are currently blurring these lines, which can be frustrating for creators trying to define their worth. Lasizwe is clear that a pioneer is a fighter who creates their own lane. When he first broke out on YouTube, the terms “content creator” and “influencer” didn’t even exist. He had to battle to be taken seriously, often being mislabeled as a comedian when he was really a host, a creator, and a brand builder. His advice is simple: if the industry doesn’t have a label for you, keep working until they have to create one.
The Reality of Monetization
One of the most burning questions on every creator’s mind is the money. Lasizwe is brutally honest: social media is an economy run by advertisers. While TikTok has provided a massive stage, monetization in the sub-Saharan region remains a hurdle. He argues that government officials need to sit down with the platform’s leaders to sign the necessary legislation. If we can open up these revenue streams, we empower a generation of youth to hire their own videographers, audio engineers, and support staff, creating jobs where there were none.
10 Rand Goes a Long Way
Beyond the business and the brands, Lasizwe touched on the campaign that moved a nation. During the “Fees Must Fall” movement and the COVID-19 pandemic, he started a social media live stream to help struggling students. What started as a R10,000 personal contribution ballooned into R2 million in just seven days, thanks to contributions from everyday people.
It was a crash course in logistics. He realized that giving back to the masses is incredibly difficult, with red tape blocking doors at every turn. Yet, the experience was life-changing. It taught him that his platform is more than just a place to entertain—it is a tool for real, tangible impact.
Building for 2027
Lasizwe isn’t slowing down. He is currently focused on franchising his show, Awkward Dates, to open opportunities for other creators. He wants to help others cross the line from social media fame to professional hosting. He is no longer looking for permission or waiting for gatekeepers to open doors—he is breaking them down. As he looks toward 2027, the lesson is clear: your career is what you make of it. If you have a vision, keep building, keep learning, and keep creating.
