Sipho Mercent Nyathi, an unsung talented creative

WHEN the much-hyped Shaka iLembe promotional roadshow took place in Bulawayo last month, what caught the attention of many, other than the vibrant performance by Sekunjalo Ma-Africa traditional dance ensemble, was the lively MC at the event who engaged well with audiences.

Sipho Mercent Nyathi, a fast-rising MC in the city is now known by many for his role on the Dab Three Events Kwaito House Movement where he MCs at different townships in the city regularly.

His passion for the arts and the development of up-and-coming artistes’ careers has also earned him a special spot among many.

To have a glimpse of the creative’s career, Chronicle Showbiz caught up with the talented artist.

The 32-year-old Nyathi who grew up in Luveve-Gwabalanda, said his talent was discovered by journalist and filmmaker Zenzele Ndebele.

“I cannot specifically put a date to the start of my arts journey but I’d say Ndebele put me on board since primary school. I can say he discovered me when I was doing street theatre. This was when we were producing the ‘Byo Show’ on Radio Dialogue,” Nyathi said.

He said he is a versatile creative who focuses on a number of arts fields.

Other than being an MC, he is a music producer, filmmaker, digital content creator, curator and arts consultant.

“Musically, I’ve worked on music production with the likes of Fraz and Donara of the Iseqamabhilidi hit, Dingicash, Syndicates, the late Joe Maseko, K.O.D, Toisen Tadengoma, Khuxxman and Mr Lit.

“In the world of film, I’ve done two low-budget short films – Bulawayo Night Out and Thwala Okukwanisayo which are all available on YouTube. I’ve also done voiceovers for cartoon — Ratu Lo Sox produced by Brucik as well as digital content creation for CITE gags galore.”

Nyathi is also into comedy and has collaborated with comedian Zex Mdawini on a suicide skit that went viral.

“I’ve also featured on Magamba TV with Mandla Da comedian and Miss Dee from Umahlekisa.”

Nyathi is a member of the Bulawayo Musicians Association where he started off as the secretary and then later became the vice-president.

At the moment, Nyathi said he is working on a production with Dab Three Events, answering the call of promoting local artists.

“I’m hosting Dab Three Events’ Enkundleni Exclusive Podcasts telling the story of our artistes from the region and beyond. I’m also producing local entertainment shows such as House Kwaito Movement which is ongoing,” he said.

Nyathi says he is getting gigs to host corporate events as well as artiste management.

On his experience as a content creator, he said the downside has been the scarcity of equipment as well as the unaffordability of data.

“Lack of resources and equipment has been a major stumbling block, especially in terms of digital content production. The items (equipment) are very expensive yet we need them for us to be able to provide international competitive content,” said Nyathi. – @mthabisi_mthire