Lasizwe Dambuza

Thulasizwe Siphiwe Dambuza, better known as Lasizwe, is a South African content creator, comedian, actor, television personality and YouTuber who helped usher social-media comedy into the mainstream.

Born on 19 July 1998 in Soweto, Johannesburg, Lasizwe grew up with a strong interest in television and entertainment. He attended Meredale Primary School before going to Mondeor High School. His older half-sister is actress and television personality Khanyi Mbau.

Finding his voice online

Lasizwe began creating comedy content while still at school, using social media to recreate everyday South African situations and characters.

His breakthrough came with his humorous videos about South African culture and behaviour. One of his most famous early skits, “Ek Sal Doom Jou”, was inspired by controversy surrounding a pastor who sprayed Doom insecticide on congregants. The video went viral and helped transform Lasizwe from an aspiring content creator into a recognisable entertainment personality.

His character Nomatriquency subsequently became one of his trademarks, appearing in numerous videos and brand campaigns.

Television breakthrough

Lasizwe's growing online popularity opened doors in mainstream media. He appeared in television productions including MTV You Got Got, The Scoop Africa, The Real Gaboza, Craz-e World Live and VOOVScoop.

In 2019, he took another major step when MTV Africa launched @Lasizwe: Fake It Till You Make It.

The reality show followed his life, friendships, family and growing entertainment career. It ran for three seasons and helped establish Lasizwe as more than an internet comedian.

His success also earned him recognition on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list.

Acting and presenting

Lasizwe expanded into acting and television presenting, including a role in the 2020 Netflix film Seriously Single.

He also presented programmes and worked with major South African brands, turning his online popularity into a broader entertainment career.

Building his own shows

Rather than relying solely on traditional television, Lasizwe continued investing heavily in YouTube.

In 2021, he launched Drink or Tell the Truth, a celebrity game show in which guests answer provocative questions or face the alternative of drinking an unpleasant concoction. The show became known for its candid conversations and celebrity revelations.

He later created Awkward Dates, a dating series in which he goes on blind dates with celebrities. The show began on YouTube in 2023 and later moved to Mzansi Magic in 2025.

A new generation of content creators

Lasizwe's significance goes beyond his own following. He became one of the South African creators who demonstrated that social media could be a legitimate entertainment career.

In 2025, he launched Nomatriquency: The Funeral, a more cinematic YouTube production that represented a significant evolution from the simple cellphone videos with which he started.

By then, he had already crossed the one-million YouTube subscriber milestone, becoming one of South Africa's most successful YouTube personalities.

Personal life

Lasizwe has been open about aspects of his personal journey, including his sexuality and the challenges of growing up in the public eye.

He has also spoken publicly about the death of his mother, Lindiwe Dambuza, in 2016 when he was 18. Her influence on his early ambitions has been an important part of his personal story.

Lasizwe Dambuza — quick facts

• Full name: Thulasizwe Siphiwe Dambuza
• Born: 19 July 1998
• Birthplace: Soweto, Johannesburg
• Profession: Content creator, comedian, actor, presenter and YouTuber
• Known as: Lasizwe
• Famous character: Nomatriquency
• Breakthrough: Viral social-media comedy
• TV breakthrough: @Lasizwe: Fake It Till You Make It
• YouTube shows: Drink or Tell the Truth and Awkward Dates
• Film: Seriously Single
• Notable recognition: Forbes Africa 30 Under 30
• YouTube: More than 1 million subscribers

From making funny videos on social media to building his own television shows and production projects, Lasizwe has become one of the faces of South Africa's digital entertainment revolution.