Sibu Mpanza, SA’s Vlogging Sensation

Video blogs are taking the world by storm as every day more and more personalities pop up on social media.

Vlogging is the next generation of blogging. For those who can’t seem to put words to paper but are articulate in bringing their message across, whether it’s politics, comedy, advice or just a glimpse into their lives, vlogging seems to be the way to go.

Sibu Mpanza, 22-year-old South African vlogger, is one such charismatic young person who has garnered thousands of views and subscribers on his YouTube channel, Sibu MpanzaSA, and he gives a little bit of insight on his journey and advice for aspiring vloggers.

Born in Mpumalanga, the vlogger now lives Johannesburg, however grew up in the Western Cape. “I was born in Mpumalanga but grew up in Cape Town where I attended the same school for 12 years,” he said mentioning that afterwards he started studying towards a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Social Development and Gender at the University of Cape Town.

But his tertiary education journey was short lived. “In 2016, I decided to leave UCT and pursue a career full time in YouTube and social media marketing. I own my own company called Sibu Mpanza, where I work as a creative director creating social media and digital content for brands,” Mpanza revealed.

But why do vloggers do what they do? While some might make vlogs for pure entertainment or as a hobby, for many others it is a full time job, Mpanza said.

“Vlogging is growing exponentially in South Africa and all are doing great things! Vloggers do make money and quite a few make a full-time living from vlogging.”

Like all other creatives, Mpanza’s inspiration and motivation was born from a small seed that was planted one day. “Watching other vloggers made me laugh and I wanted to do the same. I also saw that it was a way for me to speak up about issues affecting people such as race, class and gender,” Mpanza said.

Although he speaks on darker topics, Mpanza does so with a comedic twist which engages his audiences and often drives the message home harder. “Social issues and politics are my go-to subjects such as race, class and gender. My target audience is young South Africans.”

Mpanza advised potential vloggers to always keep up to date with social trends in order to make an impact.

“I make sure my topics are up to date with what is happening. No use talking about misogyny when child abuse is trending worldwide,” he said.

Mpanza’s advice to aspiring vloggers is: “Be true to who you are. Have good lighting – use natural light where possible. Always film in landscape. And write a script so you don’t ramble and lose your audience”.

There you have it. If vlogging is what you’re passionate about, keep these tips in mind and go out there to bring a bit of change to your world.

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