From Outsider to Big Brother Star: Smash Afrika’s Unstoppable Rise in the Entertainment Industry
Smash Afrika’s journey has always been shaped by resilience, determination, and an unshakable fighting spirit. Growing up in a blended family with six siblings—each with their own personality—plus the occasional cousin in the mix, he quickly learned that if he wanted to be seen and heard, he had to fight for his place.
“Being in that structure meant I always had to fight for my spot. I believed that if I wasn’t loud enough or didn’t stand up for myself, I’d be overlooked among all the people around me,” he shared, adding that being in boarding school didn’t help the situation.
This dynamic shaped him into a bold, outspoken individual, and, by his own admission, “Very naughty, yhoo!” he laughs. But beyond the mischief, it instilled a deep-rooted sense of self. His teen years were spent figuring out who he was, his mid-20s refining that fight, and now, well into his 30s, he stands firm in his identity. No longer battling for a seat at the table, he walks into every room knowing exactly who he is—destined for greatness.
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“I am steadfast in knowing who I am and standing my ground, regardless of what history or society might say,” he said.
Landing the Big Brother gig, a role previously held by some of the country’s top personalities, doesn’t intimidate him. Instead, it reinforces his rise to the top. “I feel like the years in radio and TV were preparing me for this moment,” he said, marking 13 years in the industry this year.
Afrika Mdutyulwa, known as Smash Afrika, was born and raised in Bloemfontein but spent much of his childhood traveling between Bloem, North West, and Pretoria. That exposure shaped him into an adaptable person who could blend in anywhere—a skill crucial in the entertainment industry.
His career began at Kovsie FM, a Free State campus radio station, before he moved to Johannesburg, where he continued his journey at VOW FM and later joined YFM.
“It’s never easy being an outsider coming into Johannesburg because you also battle the reality that influence is a real thing. If you aren’t sure of yourself, you can be easily swayed into being something you’re not.”
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He learned early on how superficial the industry can be—where people often think, ‘What can I benefit from you?’ That realization made him decide, from the start of his career, that he would not be an industry puppet. Everything he achieved had to come from his own hard work.
“I was young, and it was challenging. But what helped me was the strong foundation I had at home. Being raised as a Christian man meant that if I ever went astray, I had people who’d quickly bring me back,” he said. “While I am only human and bound to make mistakes, I am always on a journey of growth and self-improvement.”
He fondly remembers the moment he got the YFM gig. “I celebrated every single day,” he laughs. “It’s not like I was earning a lot, but the Joburg lights were exciting me. Tholi B pulled me aside one day and said, ‘I see you’re always under the influence and hungover.’ That moment hit me hard. It was my wake-up call to pull myself together.”
His father played a major role in keeping him grounded. “My pops was very strict. So, every time I thought about messing up, I’d think of him. That alone kept me in check.” Smash Afrika attributes his success to both his faith in God and the wisdom from his father. One piece of advice from his dad stuck with him: “Please behave; that’s all I want you to do.”
As difficult as the industry has been at times, he has never questioned his place in it. “My dad once said to me, ‘This industry is a short-lived one.’ But when I look at how far I’ve come, it must be the grace of the Lord,” he says with a smile.
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He’s also learned to keep his work and life separate, which has made navigating both worlds easier.
“Going through challenges at work? That’s a given. Going through life challenges? That’s a given too. Choosing not to personalise a lot of things has helped me keep things moving,” he reflects.
Smash Afrika remains deeply committed to the industry but also admits that if a time ever comes when he feels disconnected from his purpose, passion, and legacy, “I’ll know that I’m not on track.”
“But I do know that I want to do more behind the scenes and become a well within the industry, where people can come and learn on a very humble basis. I pray daily that God keeps that fire burning—my love for people and my passion for the entertainment industry,” he said.