Kazibokwane TikToker enjoys influencing young people

The phrase ‘yemama’ has become a hashtag to be reckoned with on TikTok, stitched under funny video clips.

Clement Mlambo, a 26-year-old TikToker from KaZibokwane, has made a name for himself on the platform, while keeping his content authentic and original in the Siswati language. Mlambo now boasts over 80 000 followers and one million likes, and according to him, he only started posting content for fun.

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“I became an influencer without realising I was one. I just enjoyed keeping people entertained and I would look at their videos on TikTok, stitch them and then make the comment yemama. It has since become my slogan or signature attribute. People started noticing and appreciating my work and it made me put more effort to it. It has grown to a point where it is now a stream of income, as I get invited to MC events and parties,” said Mlambo.

He has now started running a TikTok radio, which airs three times a day to motivate his followers. “The morning show is called the Vuka Pefemulo Wami breakfast show and starts at 07:00 until 08:00 when they pray. The second one starts from 13:30 to 14:00 and is called the Lunchtime Drive, while the evening one is the Umkhuleko Wami show. I might not have anyone I am looking up to in particular, but I do aspire to have my own show such as Ellen DeGeneres and Steve Harvey.”

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When asked whether he would encourage the youth to take up the influencer route as a full-time career, Mlambo said the industry needs one to toughen up and be ready for the pressure.

“I am currently doing my internship with one of the South African banks in Gauteng as a developer. It is always advisable to have a stable career as a foundation. I would encourage young people to become influencers, but it comes with a number of challenges. The younger ones need to understand that the pressure is high and one needs to be strong and firm in terms of decision making. Learners must focus on school, pass their matric and take it from there. The trends come and go, but an academic foundation will forever be theirs,” he said.

Mlamblo also owns a clothing brand called Umkhuleko Wami clothing, and he aims to grow the brand largely among his followers. “I also plan to start doing shows all over the country to teach young people about being an influencer and to empower them with issues that involve them, and also to just spread the love. My YouTube channel is called More Love more Grace and I am UMKHULEKOWAMI #YEMAMA on TikTok.”