If you’ve ever felt like your dreams are too big for the place you come from, then Tumelo Kubayi’s story is the proof you’ve been waiting for. Born and raised in a small township with very little resources, Tumelo started his journey using nothing but a basic phone, a shoebox, and an unstoppable passion for creativity. Today, his work appears on national television, and he’s shaping some of the biggest podcasts in the country.
His story isn’t just inspiring—it’s a reminder that greatness doesn’t start with fancy equipment or perfect circumstances. It starts with using what you have, right where you are, and refusing to give up. If Tumelo could turn simple ideas into a thriving media career, then so can you. This is your sign to start, to create, and to believe in the power of your own talent.
Tumelo Kubayi (TKJ), a 25-year-old creative from Springs, grew up in the small township of Slovo Park. He was raised by his single mother, Cynthia Matshidiso Kubayi, who supported the family by running a small chicken-selling business. Tumelo completed his primary education at Vukucinge Primary School.
He matriculated in 2019 at Phulong Secondary School in Kwa-Thema. From a young age, Tumelo had always been fascinated by Film and Television, both on and off camera. This passion influenced his decision to take Business Studies and Marketing at school—subjects he believed were somewhat aligned with his creative ambitions. At Phulong, he became known for delivering assembly sermons to motivate fellow students and for leading the School Church Organisation.
Tumelo always knew he had a creative mind. After watching TV, he would imagine producing his own shows, even though he lacked the resources, as cameras and lighting equipment were too expensive. He began recording his own videos using a Mobicel phone and a shoebox as a makeshift tripod. He would roam around the township creating content—unaware that this passion for content creation would eventually change his life. Today, content creation is a multi-million-rand industry in South Africa alone.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tumelo dropped out of college where he was studying journalism. He continued producing videos using his phone and later reached out to Daveyton TV. Impressed by the videos he created in Springs, they brought him on board. He worked both on camera and behind the scenes. During this period, he also enrolled in an online course called I WAS BORN TO SPEAK ON RADIO (Leadership 2020), led by DJ Sbu (Sbusiso Leope) and Nicolas Regisford.
Working at Daveyton TV exposed Tumelo to various aspects of television production. Operating the camera and working behind the scenes helped him develop new skills and taught him the importance of being multi-talented in a creative industry where limiting oneself can be a disadvantage.
Tumelo still holds the record for completing the Leadership 2020 course (I WAS BORN TO SPEAK ON RADIO) in just two weeks. He believes this achievement helped him gain recognition and ultimately led to his invitation to do a radio show at Homegrown Radio in Centurion. His urgency in completing the course came from his belief that this was his one opportunity to break into the industry—and it proved true.
Leadership 2020 sharpened his abilities in every way. It opened his mind to multiple income streams within the media industry, teaching him not to rely on one skill alone. His journey even took him to Cape Town, where he worked on a project called Yellow Card.
Today, Tumelo is deeply involved in the world of Podcasts and Television through Tino Media. His work has blossomed, and he now serves as a creative director, cinematographer, and editor for major podcasts, including Justify Podcast (currently airing on DSTV Mzansi Wethu), Engineer Your Life with Lungelo KM, Because We Said So, Life Lately with Nozipho Ntshangase, Rise of the Modern Mogul, Sir Max Network, and many others.
What keeps Tumelo motivated in the media industry is pure passion—doing what he loves so much that it often doesn’t feel like work. Although the industry is not easy, his passion keeps him consistent and moving forward.
His message to young people who want to pursue media is simple: Use what you currently have. Your solution is right next to you. He encourages young creators to use their phones and available tools to showcase their craft and remain consistent.
Now that some of his work is featured on DSTV, Tumelo aims even higher. His dream is to create content for Netflix, Hollywood, WWE, and major brands worldwide. He also plans to give back to his community by hosting masterclasses in Springs to help young people showcase their talents and creativity.
Leave a Reply