Thulasizwe ‘Lasizwe’ Dambuza has carved a lucrative career for himself in the last 7 years. From the humble beginnings of his social media skits to now hosting the popular Youtube series Awkward Dates, which he produces and hosts, the media personality has always found a way to raise his own bar to greater heights.
Between traveling, shoots, endorsements, appearances, and just plainly living life, Lasizwe has his hands full almost all the time. But spending time with family or visiting his family home in Pimville remains one of his favourite things to do.
The 25-year-old is among the very first innovative influencers in Mzansi who not only forged a career in the internet world but also opened up that world for many to do the same.
The lover of all things technology opens up his world by sharing his top 10 favourites.
Siblings: Zonke Nkabinde, Lungile, and Shantel Mcunu
My siblings have now played such an important role of friendship because I have always struggled to make lasting friends, especially in the entertainment industry. But come to think of it, in other places of life as well I have struggled because then people would see me as a celebrity rather than a friend. And so I’ve just always craved a friendship where I will not be judged, where I can be myself and still be loved and accepted. My siblings became exactly that for me, friends and family all in one.
New Car: Volvo EX30
I love futuristic things and I absolutely love technology. With my car, I love the fact that I am trailblazing in the motor industry. There aren’t a lot of electric cars in our country, and this is still a sector of the industry that is still being explored. For me to be part of the first few to own and experience an electric car is a big deal. The car itself is such an experience; it glides when it moves and it is so silent, but there’s also something about it that has taught me so much discipline. If you don’t charge the car, you’ll be left stuck because, firstly, there aren’t garages for it as yet and the truth is that it needs to be charged. So I need to plan out my trips, plan out my day, and my time. I’ve always been an organised person, but this car has taken it up a notch.
Nintendo Switch
So, I’m a huge gamer. I love detaching from the world via gaming and so I recently got the Nintendo Switch for Christmas. I love that it is portable; I can play games on a flight, on set—literally anywhere. The gaming catalog in there gives me so much nostalgia from the games that I used to play when I was younger, like Super Mario. We all know that life is so hard at times that we need those escapes, and gaming is that one activity that allows for me to escape while it also keeps me entertained.
My Youtube series, ‘Awkward Dates’
The inspiration for the Awkward Dates series was inspired by another YouTuber who does a slightly different concept called Amelia Dimoldenberg. Her shows are Chicken Shop Date. She goes on these dates with celebrities, and when I saw her show it immediately sparked the idea of doing something similar in Mzansi, but with many twists added to it.
This concept came to me when I was going through a very dark season in my life and was depressed by the platform (YouTube). That was during the time when it (youtube) had given me so much flak because of the criticism that I was receiving at the time from the public. So I gave up the platform altogether because it just brought so much depression and anxiety.
So being this inspired and coming back to produce these Awkward Dates is such an amazing thing for me. It marks my bounce back. I love watching celebrities unmask and be themselves, speak freely, and just have fun. I don’t normally enjoy watching myself on anything, but I love watching the talents that I get to bring to the show.
Mogodu and Samp with Cremora
My earliest memories of the mogodu and samp combination were back when I was a kid, cooked by my mother. This dish was a delicacy, so we wouldn’t have much of it, only on certain days. I remember this one time my mother was experimenting with the six-gun spice and cremora to make it creamy, and I have never looked back. I can’t cook to save my life, but that meal is one that I have to have whenever I can. Absolutely nostalgic and delicious.
A good safari trip
I would take a safari trip any day over any other because I get to reconnect with nature. I love nature; there’s something about watching a sunset and seeing stars. In Joburg, we don’t see stars that clearly because of the light pollution, so when you are in the wilderness and you catch those beautiful sunsets and sunrises and see stars and hear the crickets, you can never ever put money on it. Nature has its own way of healing.
Smart devices: Google Home
I am huge on convenience and anything that can make my life a little easier. So Goggle Home gives me that. The moment I park my car, the house lights come on, music starts playing, and the curtains start closing—everything is automated, and that just makes everything easier for me. It is so convenient. On days when I am extremely exhausted, with google home I know I have a couple of things ticked off already because of this automated world.
My Phone
I know a lot of people say we shouldn’t make our phones our lives, but my phone is my life. I can do so much on it; I can take pictures, videos; I can connect with loved ones; and it is so convenient. Like I said, I love convenience and on my phone I can work, I can create memories, I can create content, and so much more. It is literally a one-stop-shop for me.
Going back home in Pimville
I had to grow up quickly, especially after my mother’s passing when I was 18 years old. So I skipped a lot of stages, like being a typical teenager, going to varsity, and just being a kid. I had to work and figure out my life very quickly or I ran the risk of becoming a statistic. So going back home allows me to be a child again. I get sent around or to the shops like all kids are, and I do not have the pressure of being the adult who figures out everything. When I am home, I chill with my friends in the corner like we did back in the day, and I just feel rooted and grounded again.
Pranking my brother
My brother is one of my best friends, and between us, we have such a light and fun relationship. The pranks are just something that I love pulling on him, and because he is such an easy target, that makes it all worth it. The pranks, for me, bring that ‘live a little’ element that not everything has to be serious or perfect; be random, laugh, and have fun. Like I said, life is already so hard for many of us so I love having fun where and when I can. My brother happened to be the perfect victim, LOL, and I love it.
