Mthokozisi Ncube
AT just 19, Bulawayo TikToker Tafara Junior Ndarukwa, popularly known as Sathaboo, is already making waves on the platform, clocking more than 10 000 followers only months after starting his content-creation journey.
Ndarukwa, who uses the TikTok username Sathaboo2.7, started making funny videos in March and has since amassed 10 392 followers.
He said he was inspired to venture into content creation by fellow Bulawayo TikToker Eish Bunandi.
“I do funny videos and I started in March 2026. I was inspired by Mr Eish Bunandi, a TikToker from Bulawayo,” he said.
One of the videos closest to his heart is one in which he supported fellow TikToker Itz Ashley, who he said is often criticised for representing Bulawayo.
Ndarukwa said watching his own videos repeatedly gives him confidence and pushes him to keep creating.
“I have many videos that I like and I even keep watching them over and over. It makes me feel like I am the best. I just feel like I created something big,” he said.
The teenager said pressure from his growing following also keeps him on his toes.
“I keep creating more videos because people who support me in my area are always asking for new content,” he said.
But breaking into the TikTok scene has not been without its challenges.
Ndarukwa said emerging creators often struggle to collaborate with more established names.
“Big content creators treat us badly when we ask for collaborations. They always want us to be the ones coming up with ideas and also pay for collaborations,” he said.
Despite the challenges, he said his family and the Bulawayo community have been firmly behind him.
“My friends support me, but not more than my family, and the community really likes me. Everywhere I go, they just shout my name,” he said.
His growing popularity has also come with its perks, including birthday gifts, free entry to some events and opportunities to attend courses without paying.
But for Ndarukwa, the biggest reward is something money cannot buy.
“Just peace, that’s all I always care about,” he said.
Despite his growing following, the teenager is still unsure whether he will turn content creation into a full-time career, as he grapples with the challenges of being unemployed.
“I don’t know if I might take this content creation way too far because I have too many challenges. I don’t work, so sometimes I am also trying to focus more on my life than on content,” he said.
For now, Sathaboo is keeping the videos coming, hoping to grow his name while navigating life beyond the TikTok screen.
