Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
FOR many aspiring content creators, the biggest challenge is getting noticed online. For Bulawayo-based content creator Luhjht, the journey has been far more difficult, involving rejection, public criticism, multiple arrests and even spending three months behind bars.
Despite the setbacks, the 23-year-old has refused to let his past define him and is now rebuilding his brand through entertaining public interviews, pranks and lifestyle content.
Known on TikTok as @luhjht, he has amassed 11 800 followers and more than 264 000 likes, while his YouTube channel has grown to 2 100 subscribers.
Speaking to B-Metro, Luhjht said his passion for content creation inspired the name that has now become his online identity.
“Luh stands for the love I have for content creation, while JHT is an abbreviation for ‘Just Had To’. Together it represents my love for YouTube. I just had to do it,” he said.
He began creating content in January 2023, initially as a way of expressing himself.
“I just wanted a space to express myself and share things I found interesting. It began casually, but when I saw people relating to what I was posting, that’s when I decided to take it more seriously,” he said.
His content revolves around public interviews, pranks and lifestyle vlogs, a combination he says captures genuine human interactions.
“Public interviews let me hear people’s stories, pranks bring the fun and energy, and lifestyle vlogs let people come along with me in my day-to-day life. It keeps things exciting and relatable.”
Among his most successful productions are his “Kiss, Slap or Hug” videos on YouTube, while on TikTok, his township, school and suburb trolling videos have attracted the most attention.
“People love the reactions and awkward funny moments. The TikTok videos connected because they were relatable and spontaneous. People saw themselves or their friends in them.”
Personally, he ranks his “Sex or WiFi” and “Gay Son or Thot Daughter” videos among his favourites because of the unpredictable and humorous responses they generated.
In his most popular productions which is, the “Sex or WiFi” public interview, he asks women to choose between sex and WiFi.
To his surprise, most of the women chose WiFi, while only a few opted for sex.
Another crowd favourite is his “Gay Son or Thot Daughter” public interview, where he asks members of the public which they would prefer. The question sparks lively debate and humorous reactions, with participants forced to choose between two difficult options, making for entertaining and thought-provoking content
However, behind the laughs has been a turbulent personal journey.
Luhjht revealed that he was once arrested and spent three months in prison, although he admitted he has never publicly explained why.
“I never really told people why I was arrested. I haven’t been honest about it because I was scared it was going to ruin my image,” he told B-Metro.
He also disclosed that he has been arrested five times on different allegations, including two assault cases, wrongful co-perpetrator arrest, and another matter he declined to discuss.
The experiences, coupled with a period of online backlash that saw him stop posting for almost two years, taught him valuable lessons.
“There was a time when everyone was hating on me, and I even stopped posting for about two years. But I came back because I realised this is what I love. Every setback taught me resilience.”
The difficult period also reshaped his outlook on life.
“I learnt not to trust anyone, not even a family member. Solo rides are what’s next for me, and I’m focusing on myself and my growth.”
Today, he credits his supporters for motivating him to continue creating content.
“The comments, the messages and people asking me to post another video keep me going. I also want to improve my storytelling and make every video better than the last.”
Although his family and friends were initially unsure about his career choice, he said they have since become some of his biggest supporters.
“Now they understand what I do. Some even come with me when I’m shooting videos and encourage me.”
Looking ahead, Luhjht hopes to transform his online presence into a recognised brand.
“I see Luhjht becoming a full brand with a bigger YouTube channel, more public interviews, bigger pranks and lifestyle content.
I also want to work with brands while staying authentic.”
He encouraged aspiring content creators not to be discouraged by criticism or slow progress.
“Life is better when you don’t take everything too seriously. Laugh, connect with people and be yourself. To other creators, just start. You’ll figure it out as you go.”
