The 33-Year-Old South African Rapper On His Journey From The Township To The Big Screen

South African rapper and songwriter Maglera Doe Boy (born Tokelo Moyakhe) is expanding beyond music with Mzansi, a two-part short film celebrating southern African street culture, hip-hop, fashion, interwoven with a story of forbidden love.   

Speaking to FORBES AFRICA in New York, the Klerksdorp-born artist reveals that the film, shot in Johannesburg and Mozambique, premieres October 26 in Johannesburg, followed by a November 2 screening and livestream. 

“I grew up in South African street culture so much, with the slang, the fashion. When I was eleven, I was rapping about the same stuff I’m rapping about right now. Socio-economic issues, street culture, where I’m from, the things I’ve seen. It’s not just a South African movie; it’s a southern African movie, and I integrate our culture with Mozambican culture,” he says.   

The two-time BET nominee makes his acting debut alongside musicians including 25K and Young Stunna.   

His upcoming tracks, Izinja featuring 25K and Sir Trill; and Tadiana, were produced by international hip-hop artist and producer, Swizz Beatz, whom Doe Boy describes as an advisor and big brother. 

Beyond entertainment, he emphasizes entrepreneurship and financial responsibility. 

“Financially, you have to make mistakes, you need to experience losing a lot, especially if you’re a pioneer,” he explains. 

“So you have to take risks, but know when the risk should be applied–and when it’s going to be a bad risk.  I think discernment and taking time to balance your ambition with judging things clearly is my advice.” 

Despite his international success, the rapper and songwriter who has collaborated on fashion projects with A$AP Rocky’s PUMA campaign and MaXhosa Africa, acknowledges the emotional scars of growing up in a township. 

“I spent time in the past eight to nine months, digging deep within myself. I’m 33 this year, and my take on it is that when you leave the ‘hood, you have to heal so much before you become anyone in the world.”