Born and raised in the quaint town of Ezibeleni in the Eastern Cape, Siviwe Lutseke’s journey to becoming one of South Africa’s most beloved digital comedians is as unexpected as it is inspiring. His story is about a small-town boy who leveraged the burgeoning world of social media to carve out a niche for himself in the global entertainment industry while maintaining a deep connection to his roots.
Siviwe grew up in a reasonably privileged household, a fact he neither flaunts nor hides. His upbringing provided him with access to opportunities that many of his peers in the rural Eastern Cape could only dream of. He attended Queens College, a prestigious boys’ school known for its vital academic and extracurricular programs. But even within those storied walls, Siviwe was something of an outlier. He was the quintessential nerd—a lover of books who could often be found buried in the library stacks. Yet, his bubbly personality and natural wit set him apart from the stereotypical introvert.
“I started peaking in grade 9,” Siviwe chuckles. “I was always funny, and my classmates would egg me on to make videos of some of my gags. This was around the time Vine was becoming popular, and technology was more accessible to us. So I started making these short videos just for fun, and they blew up. I hit 2,000 followers, which felt like a big deal back then. That’s when I began to realize the gift I had.”
That early recognition of his comedic talent would be the first step in a remarkable journey. Siviwe continued creating content throughout high school, honing his craft and expanding his audience. By the time he completed his initiation school—a traditional rite of passage in Xhosa culture—he returned to find his following had ballooned to 10,000.
With the rise of Instagram and TikTok, Siviwe quickly capitalized on these new platforms. His content, notably the series titled “Black People Be Like,” resonated deeply with audiences. The series was a humorous yet pointed exploration of the quirks and idiosyncrasies of black South African culture. It struck a chord, not just in South Africa but with the global diaspora, and solidified Siviwe’s status as a force in the comedy and online content space. His format was so successful that other creators began to mimic it, a testament to its impact.
Siviwe’s rise coincided with his academic pursuits. He enrolled in university to study for a BCom in Accounting, a field far removed from the world of comedy. Yet, during this time, he began to see the fruits of his labor. In 2018, Netflix came knocking.
“I got an email from Netflix, and at first, I didn’t pay much attention to it,” Siviwe admits. “I thought it was related to my subscription or something. It was only after some time that I read it, and I was taken aback—it was an invitation to host ‘Comedians of the World.’”
The opportunity to host such a prestigious show was a game-changer for Siviwe. His first interview was with Loyiso Gola, a comedian he had long admired. “I was star-struck because I grew up watching Loyiso. But the funny thing is, he pulled me aside and told me that the world is full of celebrities like him, and that I deserved to be in the same spaces as them. He said I needed to carry myself with the same respect and pride.”
That advice stuck with Siviwe as his career continued to soar. His work with Netflix opened doors to collaborations with other major brands like MTN, where his content began to reach cult status. “Working with big brands helped me think about content creation beyond my perspective. It broadened the spectrum of what I can do.”
Among the brands that resonated most with Siviwe was ikeja, a South African internet provider with a strong focus on community upliftment in townships. “I approached ikeja because I believed in what they were doing in townships. Their community upliftment programs spoke to me. They aren’t just an internet provider; they are an intricate movement that supports initiatives in our black communities in incredible capacities.”
Siviwe’s alignment with Ikeja is a testament to his commitment to using his platform for more than just laughs. He sees the internet not just as a tool for fame and fortune, but as a vehicle for empowerment and upliftment. “The internet brings the world close to our fingertips with endless possibilities,” he says. “I encourage our people to find ways to make a living through their talents online because everything is possible, especially if you do what you love. Doing what you love will always take you to a peaceful place.”
Today, Siviwe Lutseke is an inspiring figure in South Africa’s digital landscape. His journey from a small town in the Eastern Cape to the global stage is a powerful reminder of the possibilities that the internet holds. For Siviwe, it’s not just about the laughs—it’s about making a meaningful impact.
