Mzwakhe Mbuli is a powerful name in Mzansi, associated with The People’s Poet and the artist whose words have inspired an entire nation. But his son, Mzwakhe Mbuli Junior — widely known as Robot Boii — wants audiences to recognize his identity beyond their family connection.
Now 34, Robot Boii says he has accepted the reality of being the son of a celebrated figure. What continues to frustrate him is the assumption that he must build his career beneath his father’s reputation.
“It’s exhausting when people expect me to exist in my father’s shadow, and I refuse to accept that,” he says.
He describes his father as “an incredible man and a legendary artist” whom he loves, respects and admires. At the same time, he insists that he has created his own identity through years of sacrifice, effort and determination, while acknowledging the guidance and support he received from his father. He does not want his achievements judged against those of his parent.
He speaks while visiting the set of kwaito icon Bonginkosi Dlamini, better known as Zola7, who is shooting the music video for She Nailed It (Amazipho).
The moment represents a fitting return to his roots for an entertainer who has always wanted to establish a career on his own terms. His influences include his father, DJ Sbu and Zola7.
From Pimville, Robot Boii went viral
Born Mzwakhe Mthandeni Ntshengula Mbuli Jr in Pimville, Soweto, Robot Boii did not first find his way into show business through poetry. His starting point was popping.
When he was 15, he discovered a YouTube clip featuring American robotic dancer Mad Chad, whose real name is Chad Smith. Inspired by what he saw, he joined his school group, Lyrical Sneakers, and competed in South African Dance Company and Urban Dance events before pursuing a solo path. His sharp, machine-like movements led to the stage name Robot Boii.
Following matric, he enrolled in graphic design at the Midrand Graphic Institute. The training remains useful in his career, as he creates, films, edits and photographs much of his own material. Along the way, he also secured advertising work for Coca-Cola’s ‘Share a Coke with Bobby’ campaign, Wimpy’s Nom Nom Mondays and 8ta.
The 2020 lockdown became a major turning point. Robot Boii was chosen as the face of Channel O’s Lockdown House Party, the online party series that gave Mzansi a way to keep dancing during the Covid-19 period.
Robot Boii refuses to be boxed
He is now regarded as an all-round creative, a label that reflects the many sides of his work. As a dancer, he won Best Dance Act at the 2021 SA Hip Hop Awards and was named Best Dancer in Africa at the 2023 Trace Africa Awards.
His distinctive robotic style also opened the door to choreography for major artists. In 2019, his breakthrough song Salary became a TikTok hit, with the #SalaryChallenge attracting millions of views. He credits persistence with helping him remain focused.
“Many people fail to understand how demanding entertainment can be, and they struggle to keep pace,” he says. “I’ve learned that consistency is the key, while opportunities are made useful through preparation.”
He says being able to work across multiple disciplines has allowed him into different spaces, introduced him to a wide range of people and given him opportunities to share the talents he believes God gave him. He remains thankful for the support from his fans, relatives and media colleagues, as well as the collaborations that have followed. Above all, he says, his biggest lesson is that preparation must meet opportunity and that consistency matters most.
Music surrounded him while he was growing up: one sister regularly played Joyous Celebration, another listened to Usher, while his father’s choice was Oliver Mtukudzi. Robot Boii says his faith helps him remain modest.
“It is a gift from God and something that exists in our family, but it is not a reason to brag,” he says. “I remain grateful for grace.”
Music continues to sit at the centre of his career. Following the release of BucaBuca, a song created in honour of Orlando Pirates, he confirms that additional music will arrive during the festive season.
For young people who look to him for motivation, his advice is simple: “Do not wait for ideal conditions, the newest phone or the perfect place. Start with whatever is available to you. Refuse to stand in another person’s shadow. Be yourself — your uniqueness is your strength.”
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