Robot Boii talks 'Shaka iLembe' cameo, brand deals and staying authentic

Multi-talented artist Robot Boii recently made a surprise appearance on “Shaka iLembe” season two, as a background actor.

​Mzwakhe 'Mzi' Mbuli Jr, better known as Robot Boii, is famous for hits such as “Salary Salary”.

​In 2023, the podcaster did a “Shaka iLembe” skit with comedian Mpho Popps and the award-winning drama series’ lead actor Lemogang Tsipa.

​The skit titled “Shaya Impama” caught the attention of producer and filmmaker and "Shaka iLembe" director Angus Gibson and it became a conversation during pre-production and when they started to shoot, he reminded him.

​In an interview with IOL, he revealed he got the script while he was in London and had his 11-hour flight to go over it and immediately, upon landing, headed to set.

​From landing in South Africa from London and he headed to set, a display of just how busy the musician, presenter, ambassador and content creator is. Resting isn’t something on he' mind; his always operating.​

“As long as you wake up every day, that’s the first blessing to count. We are always operating; we just change batteries,” he shared.

In August, Robot Boii released “Tjovi” with Smiro and teased that there is plenty of new music on the way. He is known for his infectious energy and has managed to be popular among the young and old.​

At the recent four-day Comic Con Africa festival held at the Nasrec Conference Centre in Soweto, he interacted with all kinds of people at the AXE stall, making them all feel like it wasn’t their first time meeting.

Last year, AXE announced its partnership with Robot Boii as part of its mission to refresh the brand and strengthen its connection with the Gen-Z audience.

​He shared that this was a brand he had been using since he was in high school and when he told his dad, renowned poet and musician Mzwakhe Mbuli, he laughed and said, “This is what I used to buy you.”​

When it comes to choosing the brands he works with, he says it comes down to understanding what they are about and them understanding what he is about. “It’s authentic to me, it’s what I use and it’s what I’m about.”

The 2023 Trace Africa Award winner for Best Dancer in Africa and 2024 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBAs): Top Personality & Influencers Award and the Overall Top Brand Award, is an inspiration to many young people who follow his career.​

Having grown up in a Christian household and being taught about the word of God, his faith is his guiding light. “Be like Christ as much as you can; no one is perfect, but the closer you get to God, you can live in perfection.”

As his star continues to shine brighter, Robot Boii flies the South African flag high and proudly, locally and internationally. “I carry ubuntu, the culture, the vibe, the world is watching, there’s a lot of attention and anybody is interested in knowing what the hype is about.

​“Whenever someone leaves the country, you represent South Africa as an individual, so it’s very important to carry yourself like a true South African and that’s what I carry the pride of the country.”

IOL