MOSHE NDIKI | FROM YOUTUBE TO MAJOR TV PRODUCTIONS
Moshe Ndiki is a South African comedian, actor and television presenter who rose to fame in 2015 thanks to his viral YouTube videos about poverty and unemployment. Since then, he has made a successful transition to mainstream media, appearing on a number of television shows. I had the opportunity to hear him speak about his transition from traditional to mainstream media.
MUZI: Recently, YouTubers have had difficulty transitioning from traditional to mainstream media, whereas you have seen immense growth with your YouTube presence. What was it like for you to make that transition?
MOSHE: I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Television presenting and acting. So the transition was seamless. YouTube was more of a gateway to what I wanted to do, what I was born to do and what I studied and always wanted to do. But in terms of YouTube, it was my “how” (laughs) and I really don’t know if it’s just about getting really aligned and knowing what you want. Are you on YouTube just to be recognised as a content creator or as a creative? Are you doing it as a platform to get yourself on TV? So I think it’s very important to know why you’re on YouTube.
MUZI: Also, social media entertainers often only find success through their own channels, but you’ve also made an impression on mainstream media – can you tell us more about your journey and experiences?
MOSHE: The journey was amazing because I did not have an agent or manager. So when all of these things happen to me, I’m like, what the heck? Wow, I’ve accomplished so much in the last five years. It comes as a bit of a surprise to me, but it’s one of those things I knew was going to happen and had to happen at some point or points in my life. That’s how badly I wanted it. So I did my research and knew everything there was to know about the shows I wanted to appear on. I made an effort to network with people in those industries, and I literally went around asking for jobs.
And if I’m working with a production company, for example, I wouldn’t be afraid to ask about the next job and also keep checking them because I don’t have a manager or agent. So, basically, I did what I needed to do in order to do what I wanted to do, and that’s how I’m feeling right now..I do all the things I want to do and not necessarily things I need to do.
MUZI: What would you say are some of the key things that people should know about the showbiz industry?
MOSHE: Know yourself and don’t get caught up in the hype. This has been said to some extent, but people don’t understand or realise the extent until they work in the entertainment industry, where it’s so easy to lose yourself, and I’ve been fortunate to be grounded by myself, therapy, and, most importantly, my family. Consider your profession to be a job, not a way of life.
MUZI: So, not a lot of people are aware of your multiple talents as a comedian-actor-cook! In 2021, you launched ‘Moshe’s Kitchen’, a spice range – how did that come to be and how has it been doing?
MOSHE: It’s going really well. I love it! I enjoy playing with food, not in a bad way, like my mom would yell at me, but I enjoy food. For me it is a language of love. I love cooking for people, I love cooking for those I love, for me it’s a way of saying I love you, I see you, so I actually thought none of the spice brands are coming on board , so let me just start my own spice, which is very similar to how I got into television. Since there aren’t many roles available on television, I decided to start my own YouTube channel. So basically, if nobody wants to play with you, build your own tennis court.
MUZI: Finally, what projects are you currently working on and what can we expect from Moshe Ndiki in the future?
MOSHE: I’m currently working on You Promised To Marry Me for Moja Love, Gomora for Mzansi Magic and Seven Colors for Honey TV, which I co-host with Mama Lillian Dube. So, I literally have three projects in which I act and present, and then I have my spice line, Moshe’s Kitchen, and I MC, do campaigns, and am an influencer, so yeah. What else is there? Actually, there will be more, just wait for the announcements, which will be made very soon in March, yeah. I can’t say anything about it yet.
Great interview Muzi, and I have learnt so much from Moshe’s interview, “If the other kids don’t want to play with you build your own Tennis court ” this statement gives me something more to think about, meaning create your own opportunities and don’t wait someone to create it for you🙂 .
Thank you Khanyi and I am glad you enjoyed it.
I love how you profiled Moshe on this article. You focused on his work and his business venture. Great job Muzi.
Thank you so much Londi.