Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
ANorthlea High School learner, Michael Charumuka (18), is steadily building an online presence through comedy skits on TikTok, where he now has 16 000 followers under the username materialmekayla.
The young content creator says his journey began in 2023 but was interrupted by academic pressure as he prepared for his O-Level examinations, alongside challenges such as limited resources, lack of motivation, and periods of discouragement. He later resumed content creation in August 2025 after what he describes as a more stable phase in his life.
Michael says his content creation journey was initially encouraged by people around him who believed he could present a unique and engaging online personality.
“I started creating content because people around me suggested I do so; they believed I can bring a new, different persona that can be eye-catching to the world.”
His most popular video to date is a skit involving a girl rejecting a boy, which he played. The video sparked discussion online with the caption “Do these kids still exist?” drawing attention to generational differences in dating and social behaviour.
Despite his growing audience, he says he does not have a personal favourite video, explaining that his motivation comes from his supporters, school environment, and close circle of mentors rather than individual posts.
“I don’t have a personal favourite video. It’s the bigger picture and motivation from my inner circle, school teachers and fans which drives me to create content consistently.”
He also acknowledged early challenges, including limited parental support at the start, although he notes that this has been gradually improving.
“There was a lack of parental support in the beginning. It is getting better, but it is still unclear. My guardians were not supportive at first, and although they are now showing interest, they are still against it.”
Looking ahead, Michael believes content creation could significantly change his life, citing new connections with influential people and growing engagement as signs of future growth.
He hopes his videos continue to entertain and serve as “therapy” for viewers.
“It hasn’t changed my life that much, but I see it doing so in a few months. They say one can never be so sure, but with a few changes that have happened, like the connections I have built with big influential people, I see it changing my life drastically and I am 101 percent sure of that.”
However, he says he is still cautious about revealing his long-term personal goals.
“I just hope people get to laugh and see my videos as a form of therapy. I see myself in a place I cannot say right now due to personal reasons. I will surely grow my brand beyond TikTok.”
Bongani Ndlovu