Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
BULAWAYO content creator and musician Wesley Ndebele, popularly known as Samandlo on TikTok, says he is determined to revive Bulawayo hip-hop while using social media to inspire and educate people.
The New Magwegwe-based artiste and professional spray painter said he started creating content last year before taking it seriously after appearing in content creator Ashton TXL’s popular “drip check” videos.
“I started doing content last year and became serious when I met Ashton TXL in town doing drip check. The only thing I could showcase was my talent in singing,” said Ndebele.
He said his content ranges from comedy skits to awareness campaigns focusing on issues such as child abuse.
“My skits are mostly about awareness like child abuse and also about bringing a smile to viewers at home. My content can be watched by anyone,” he said.
Samandlo, who has over 10 000 followers on TikTok, said one of his breakthrough videos titled Sqamulamayezi gained more than 154 000 views and 11 000 likes.
“Most people liked the way I placed my voice-over layer and the people I featured, including Ashton, Mkhokheli and Kiki,” he said.
Apart from comedy skits, Ndebele is also pushing his music career and recently released a motivational track titled Ngubani Ozokweza.
“Bulawayo, this one’s for us. Ngubani Ozokweza is more than a song, it’s a reminder to every artist, hustler and dreamer that we all have a shot in life,” he said.
He added: “There is too much silence within Bulawayo hip-hop and I’m here to raise the bar and alarm.”
Ndebele said TikTok has opened new opportunities for him, including possible brand partnerships and future collaborations.
“TikTok has opened doors. I now have brands I’m off to work with in June if all goes well,” he said.
Despite the growing support from fans, he said working with fellow content creators has sometimes been challenging.
“Some content creators think you might take their followers. They don’t decline when you ask to collaborate, but they end up not showing up,” he said.
Looking ahead, Samandlo said he hopes to host music shows and launch a podcast featuring Bulawayo content creators while continuing to grow his music brand.
