Online Reporter
Sipepisiwe Moyo, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
AT just 25, Harmony Mlilo is carving out a name for himself in South Africa’s entertainment and creative scenes.
A Zimbabwean by birth, Mlilo is a true multi-hyphenate, a chef, photographer, singer and actor whose star is steadily rising in Johannesburg’s competitive arts space.
Born in Victoria Falls and raised between the tourist city and Bulawayo, he grew up surrounded by culture and creativity. Yet, despite his early love for music, acting was not on his radar.
“I never saw myself as an actor. I was always singing and later picked up culinary arts in school.”
After completing his studies, Mlilo started a small fast-food shop in Old Lobengula, Bulawayo, selling chips, Russian sausages and burgers. But the hustle was just the beginning. With dreams of greater opportunities, he crossed the border into South Africa, initially to pursue a culinary career, but eventually diving head-first into entertainment.
His big break came unexpectedly.
“I met a friend in South Africa, Mr Mpofu, who was already working in the industry. I shared my interest in acting and he connected me to some casting circles. From then on, I never looked back.”
Since then, Mlilo has worked as a background actor on major productions including Generations, Mpondoland, Cobrizi, and Isiphetho. But it was on Isiphetho, a soapie airing on e.tv, where he finally stepped out of the background and into a speaking role.
“I played Thina in a wedding scene with Jabu. It was the first time I had lines. That moment meant everything to me. The set was full of music and warmth, it felt like family,” he recalled.
Though grateful for every role, Mlilo shared that each production offered a unique experience.
“Isiphetho had the most vibrant energy. Cobrizi was exciting, we were shooting outside and people watched as we filmed. It felt surreal. But Generations was different. It’s a studio shoot, very structured, very professional.”
Beyond acting, Mlilo’s talents have opened even bigger doors. Most recently, he appeared in a music video for Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz, an encounter that left a lasting impression.
“Working with Diamond was an eye-opener. I actually got to talk to him, and I learnt so much about music. That opportunity came because of my work in acting and it showed me how all my talents are connected.”
Despite the glitz, Mlilo was quick to acknowledge the challenges of juggling multiple careers.
“Time management is tough. Sometimes I have to choose photography over acting, or music over my chef duties. It’s about what pays or pushes me further at the time.”
But he is not giving up any of his passions. In fact, he has expanded, recently opening Kainos Pizzas, his own pizza joint in Johannesburg. It’s a move that ties back to his culinary roots while building a legacy beyond the camera.
“I believe God didn’t bring me this far just to leave me. My background, my journey, all of it motivates me. And the support I’ve received, especially since being on TV, has been overwhelming.”
From flipping burgers in Bulawayo to rubbing shoulders with African music royalty, Mlilo is proving that Zimbabwean talent knows no borders. And as his story unfolds, it is clear he has only just begun.
Colletta Dube