Thaba Nyaba: A Force of Creativity, Innovation, and Impact
Thaba Nyaba is a rare force, seamlessly navigating the worlds of entertainment, technology, and philanthropy. As the founder of ‘Battle Of The Kreativz’ and ‘The World’s Greatest Foundation,’ she’s committed to empowering youth and nurturing emerging talent. With over a decade in the spotlight, Thaba Nyaba captured hearts long before reaching one of her biggest milestones—winning SA’s Got Talent in 2016. Since then, she’s become a familiar face in music videos, international dance competitions, and the brand management of top South African artists like Moozlie, Pabi Cooper, and the late Costa Titch. But Thaba’s journey extends far beyond entertainment.
Her versatility extends beyond entertainment. From hosting her own show to commanding platforms like MTV, Zkhiphani, and LOTV, Thaba’s dynamic presence leaves a lasting impression. Now, as she nears completion of her BSc in IT with a focus on Robotics, she’s also co-founded I-N-Tech, an innovative startup transforming everyday movement into sustainable energy.
We catch up with Thaba to dive into her journey, the inspirations that drive her, and how she’s flipping the script on what it means to be a trailblazer in a constantly changing world.
Thaba, you’ve worn many hats in your career—TV host, MC, creative, and now founder of the World’s Great Foundation. What initially inspired you to pursue a career in entertainment?
From a young age, I’ve always been captivated by the magic of storytelling and the power of performance. I remember watching High School Musical and not just being entertained but feeling like I was part of that world. I would sing every song, memorise the lines, and imagine myself on tv and on stage. That early spark lit a fire in me to create, to inspire, and to connect with people through art. When I discovered dance in primary school, it became more than just a hobby—it became my voice, my way of expressing joy and passion.
Pursuing a career in entertainment wasn’t just about performing; it was about sharing the beauty of human emotion and making an impact through creativity. Each step in my journey has been driven by a deep desire to inspire others to find their passion, turn their dreams into reality and live boldly, and that’s what led me to establish the World’s Greatest Foundation. It’s about using creativity to change lives, build a better future and turning dreams into reality.
During Africa Month, you were part of the MTV Base Takeover. What was that experience like, and how does it align with your mission to uplift African culture and creatives?
It was a really dope experience! It was an incredible experience! Getting the chance to present on MTV Base felt like a major step toward turning my dreams into reality—it was surreal. But what really stood out was the timing. I had knocked on that door before, and it didn’t work out then. But when I say God’s timing—He’s never late, never early, just on time! The opportunity came exactly when it needed to, aligning perfectly with my biggest project, Battle of the Kreativz (BOTK).
BOTK is all about providing a platform for young creatives to showcase their talent and break into the entertainment industry. It’s rooted in uplifting African culture and creatives, and working with MTV gave me the chance to share these initiatives with a wider audience. Opportunities like this are game-changers—they open doors and connect creatives with the tools they need to succeed.
Speaking of which, you recently pulled off another epic edition of Battle of the Kreativz Avant-Garde. Can you give us the lowdown on the competition and the impact it’s aiming to make?
‘Battle of the Kreativz’ is more than a competition—it’s a platform designed to launch young talent in dance, music, and fashion to professional heights. With expert guidance and essential resources, participants are challenged to overcome real-world obstacles, think creatively, and make meaningful art.
The movement emphasises collaboration, uniting creatives from different fields to inspire innovation and impact. At the heart of it all is BOTK Avant Garde, a showcase where emerging talents perform for industry leaders, gaining exposure, connections, and resources to shape their futures. This isn’t just an event—it’s a launchpad for tomorrow’s creative trailblazers.
As someone who is deeply involved in the creative industry, what do you think is the biggest challenge facing up-and-coming creatives today?
In the entertainment industry, mentorship is scarce and young creatives are often left to find their own way. As the Zulu saying goes, “uyichwane le nyoka”—you raise yourself because no one else will. Without guidance from industry veterans, many young creatives struggle to achieve lasting success. The truth is, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Collaboration and mentorship are essential to building longevity and ensuring everyone can succeed at the table.
I am living proof of that. I’ve been backed by people who have made it and who saw potential in me and they gave me a shot, a shot of not only just listening to my dreams but investing their time, energy and other resources to assist me in making my dreams a reality. I can’t even begin to name them cause the list goes on! From my family, friends, the BOTK team, Kryptonite, Titch Gang , SBR, LOTV, Zkhiphani, Hypenation, and many more. These people have really played a huge role in build who I am today and I am super grateful for each and every single person that has taken their time to give me shot at anything! I do want to recognise a few individuals, Zoyi, Eugene, the late Costa Titch, Phantom Steeze , Moozlie, Coach Michelle, I don’t not take it lightly at all and I am forever grateful and thankful to Jehovah God, for allowing our paths to cross.
Your NPO, World’s Greatest Foundation, focuses on giving back to communities. Can you tell us more about the foundation’s mission and what kind of impact you hope to achieve through your work?
The World’s Greatest Foundation was founded in 2022 and is dedicated to uplifting children, youth, and creatives while promoting sustainability. It provides essential resources—food, clothing, and education—and builds self-sustainable children’s homes with programs that equip kids with future-ready skills.
The foundation also tackles youth unemployment by offering skill-building initiatives and creates hubs in underserved areas to foster education, creativity, and personal growth. With a focus on renewable energy solutions, it empowers communities to become resilient and sustainable. This dynamic organization is committed to driving positive change and unlocking the potential of the next generation.
How do you balance your time and energy between your various roles, from hosting to running a foundation and creating content?
Journaling helps me manage all my roles by tracking tasks, goals, and progress. I use different journals for each area of my life, but my daily journal is the real game-changer—it sets my intentions and keeps me accountable. It’s not just about productivity; it’s about living purposefully. Writing helps me stay focused, even when motivation dips, and turns thoughts into action. There’s power in putting pen to paper—it channels energy into what truly matters and keeps me committed to my vision every day.
How has your journey as a creative shaped your personal view of success, and what advice would you give to other young people looking to carve out their own paths?
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned, especially after this year’s BOTK Avant Garde, is that success is personal—it’s defined by your vision, not external validation. You hold the purpose behind your actions, and only you can determine if you’ve succeeded based on your goals.
Success isn’t about outcomes but about aligning your actions with your purpose and staying true to your mission.
“The goal is the action, not the outcome.” True success lies in embracing the journey—if you want to be a musician, success is in making music daily, not in streams or followers. For me, bringing BOTK to life wasn’t about attendance numbers but about creating a space for young creatives to shine and fulfilling my own dream of becoming a presenter and broadcaster.
Ultimately, success is about living authentically, with intention, every day. Focus on what you can control—outcomes may matter, but the real triumph is in the process. A golden nugget I can give is: always base your success on things you have control over otherwise you’ll never be successful.
What’s next for you? Are there any new projects or initiatives you’re working on that we should be excited about?
I’m grateful to share that Battle Of The Kreativz is on a journey of growth, and I’m excited to contribute meaningfully to the entertainment landscape. You’ll see me on your screens and social media, aiming to inspire and uplift others through my work. I’m also dedicated to advancing the mission of the World’s Greatest Foundation. We’re looking to bring dreams to life by establishing creative hubs and hosting transformative camps and working with brands & investors.
While I can’t spill all the details yet, I’m working on some exciting projects set to unfold before February 2025. Let’s just say there are more presenting opportunities, a publishing/drop in the works, and the beginnings of a new shows. This journey is guided by faith and God, and I’m eager to see where it leads me next. Thank you for being part of this journey! IMVULA ENKULU IYEZA!
