5 minutes with Khanyisa Madubula

Khanyisa Madubula is a digital content creator who has had us laughing with their hilarious skits mimicking anything from what we can only imagine goes on at Eskom offices, to irritable Home Affairs staff. Whatever the scenario may be, their short and punchy skits are so accurate, it’s kind of ridiculous; and Khanyisa is a riot who’s kept us tickled through the mess of load shedding. We spent 5 minutes with them:

interview by Gugulethu Mhlungu 

Who is Khanyisa Madubula? (where and when were you born, where did you grow up and what do you do)?

I’m Khanyisa Madubula. I was born on 10 August 1994 in Cape Town. I grew up in Gugulethu and Langa. I’m a social media and community manager by profession, I’m a stylist at heart and I love the concept that I could one day travel the world doing what I love. I have a colourful personality and I’ve got the beanies to match it. 

How did you get into making content? What encouraged you to make the first one?

I created a video and the reaction I got from social media was shocking, but being unemployed during lockdown was one of the reasons for me to create content. The fact that my content made people happy during tough times is the reason why I continued because I was also going through the most mentally and financially. 

Who are some of your favourite content creators/influencers and why?

Farieda “Pharoahfi” Metsileng, Athi Mgoqo, Zuki Lamani, Karabo Poppy, Moshe Ndiki, Megan Gallie and Wendy Gumede because I witnessed their growth and it’s inspiring to me. They make me feel like anything is possible if you put your mind to it. It shows that hard work and dedication pays off. 

Why the government office format? What goes on behind the scenes (what does it take to put the videos together?)

It’s our reality as South Africans and I’m very observant of my surroundings; and people relate because it’s not far fetched. Resources are limited in SA and it does cause a bit of frustration for government workers. It take a split-second thought, I come up with skits on the spot and I don’t plan them. 

Security is tight😂😷 wear a mask #khanyisaunfiltered pic.twitter.com/Wr6xtSkc0T

— Unfiltered (@Khanyisa_MAD) February 3, 2021

SEE ALSO: 5 Minutes with Kuhle Sonkosi

When did you realise that your videos had gone viral and which video has been the most popular? 

When I started getting a massive following on both Instagram and Twitter. The Eskom video is the one that did the most because it is our reality, and at the time, load shedding was doing the most.

Dis you? @Eskom_SA

I’m sure this is what happens pha eskom mntakabawo 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/dYPAgq40yn

— Unfiltered (@Khanyisa_MAD) January 20, 2021

What has the response been since your videos have become so popular? 

I get affirmed by people I looked up to in the entertainment industry and that has been a reality shock for me.

Where would you like to take your content creation?

I realised that I act in most of my videos, and I never regarded myself as an actress, but with the content I make I realised that it is possible. Having my own show on Showmax or Netflix would be where I want to be. 

SEE ALSO: Six tips that could make you the country’s next big YouTuber