...........The rise of Bantu Nots!!
That’s exactly what happens when Bantu Nots picks up a mic.
From digital creator to event host, brand collaborator to network marketing professional, Bantu has slowly built a name that feels impossible to place in just one box and honestly, she likes it that way.
Over the years, her journey has been less about chasing titles and more about saying yes to growth, trusting her instincts, and showing up fully as herself.
Fresh off another unforgettable MTN MoMo Xperience and still running on the same high energy her followers fell in love with online,
Bantu opens up about the realities of creative work in Eswatini, the pressure behind the scenes, the importance of branding yourself correctly, and why running quite literally saved her life.
We sat down with the creator and MC to talk about growth, purpose, burnout, consistency, and the many hats she somehow manages to wear all at once.
*Take us back to the beginning what was the moment you said to yourself, ‘This is it, this is what I'm doing’ ? Was it a feeling, a stage, a room, or a person?*
Some might find this hard to believe but this is a space that I didn’t find but rather it honestly found me. I would have never imagined adding MC to my spec of services but someone believed my energy aligned with the job and 3 years ago I jumped on a big stage for the first time.
I believe that the roles I play in life have been a result of each pouring into the other. I didn’t have an ‘aha’ moment but rather ‘this is my time’. I was given the opportunity and I don’t say no to growth platforms as long as I feel it aligns with who I am and what I believe my brand serves.
*MC work is its own art form you're not just speaking, you're holding an entire room together. How do you prepare for that energy, and what does your pre-show ritual look like*
My favorite thing about being Bantu Nots is that my entire personality has been my brand, I will admit that I had to adjust after being so used to talking to a camera all these years.
When a brand wants to work with me, I believe they want me to be myself and that has been my strength. I normally get the brief within the hour, I say a little a prayer and remind myself why I was chosen and then I go out and give my best all the time.
*MTN MoMo Xperience is a big deal it's brand, tech, and people all in one space. What is it like representing that stage, and what did the audience energy feel like on the ground?*
As a brand builder you want longevity in the relationships you build with brands so It is an honor for me to be trusted with such an experience, this year is the 3rd year and I’ve been working with the brand since the beginning.
I don’t just host on stage in Malkerns but I’ve also been trusted with the yearly launches. Momo Xperience is truly that for me, an experience.
I debuted my MC career on that very stage and the crowd was amazing, I think Bantu Nots the digital creator had a hand in that. I had a job to do but it also felt like a party with my people.
* You wear a few hats creator, MC, network marketing professional. Most people pick one lane. Why didn't you? And honestly, how do you keep it all from falling apart on a busy week?*
Do I really keep it together though, ?
I think I also discover new things about myself as I go. My plan was never to be in the creative space and it fell into place, I always just try something and then learn I’m good at it then I explore it more because I fall inlove with it.
All these hats feed into different parts of my mind that make me feel complete. The ability to express myself through all of them is why I do them. To answer your question, when you love something, you will give the best version of you so that means when I cannot do it then I step away to refill my cup and return stronger.
*Network marketing gets a bad reputation in some circles but you chose it. What do you know about it that the people talking loudest about it clearly don't?*
Network marketing gets a bad rep because of people. Some join for the wrong reasons, it’s not a fast money, get rich quick business. Some people speak from a place of fear which happens.
What I do know is that it is important to vet the business you commit yourself to, learn as much as you can about it, weigh the pros & cons.
Consistency and resilience will always win in the end, it’s a long game. I joined Forever living initially just to make that extra money but now I’m actually seeing the power in the products because I use them and I see what it’s done for me clients aswell. So as much I’m making a fair amount of money, I get to serve those that need the products.
*Every creator hits a wall at some point the views drop, the bookings slow, the self-doubt creeps in. What does that look like for you, and how do you push through it?*
Unfortunately we live in a country where the jobs in the creative space are very seasonal. However it doesn’t take away from my ability to create, we need to equip ourselves as creatives to not wait for the job to come but create that need for it.
If you’re creative then you’re creative regardless of the brand, it simply means take advantage of that time to better your skill.
I don’t doubt my ability to create and my journey in the creative space started with me showing up and being seen by a brand as big as KFC during lockdown.
Also I’m fortunate to have an 8-5 so that provides cushion for the slower days.
*Who in the Eswatini creative space deserves more flowers than they're currently getting? Give us a name and tell us why*
Temnotfo Mvubu aka Tem the Creative, she’s an amazing storyteller and writer too. I really think people need to zoom in on her, she’s a great creative infront of the camera and behind the scenes.
*Digital content in Swazi spaces is growing fast but there's still a gap between local creators and real monetisation and recognition. Where do you think that gap lives, and who needs to step up to close it?*
Luckily for us we’re currently in an era where we have our ICT Ministry is making an effort to change that, it may not be an immediate change however it’s a move in the right direction.
Honestly our creators need to take themselves more seriously and your monetization capabilities lies in your hands, what value are you bringing? Is it worth the price tag? We need to brand ourselves correctly and treat our talents like a business.
We need to step up and show value so we can have a leg to stand on, that way even brands will treat influencer marketing the way they should, like a value add.
*Last one what's something people always get wrong about you when they meet you for the first time, before they actually know you?*
Actually for me, I’d say quite the opposite happens. People are normally pleasantly surprised that I’m exactly the same as I am in videos.
I will always serve high energy to bantu bam. I don’t know what wrong perception people would have of me, I’d like to think I’m a pleasant person to everyone I meet.
*Okay Last last one talk to us about health, you recently ran 21k what was that like?*
Running holds a special place in my heart, I say it saved my life.This was actually my 3rd time running a half marathon.
This was different because I hadn’t been training for a while but managed a PB so it really was a rewarding run. I had fun, I pushed my body and just realizing that some limits are mental and your body is capable of way more.
Keep in touch with Bantu Nots here: https://www.instagram.com/bantunots?igsh=dGJrNGEwemV2am1h
