Get to Know Tumi the Barber, Releasing His Dreams and Expressing Himself in the Big Brother House
Representing Kwaggafontein, Mpumalanga, haircut specialist and dancer Tumi the Barber, born Tumi Mohwaduba, always saw his name written in lights way before the world even knew who he was. An ex-contestant of the Big Brother Mzansi Bazozwa House, Tumi might have lost out on the grand prize after Sunday’s Eviction Show on the 22nd of February 2026; however, his dreams of making it to the echelon of broadcasted waves were fulfilled, birthing something new.
The 28-year-old talked about the significance of making the cut to be part the culture Biggie started with the house.
“I’ve always wanted to be a TV star, the idea of appearing on television has always been in my mind. So for me, it was all about making it to the silver screen so that I could showcase all my capabilities and talents. I felt the world was ready for me and the show, I felt, was gonna put me on the map the way I envisioned because it’s one of the biggest platforms in South Africa. So it was worth the try. The idea of possibly winning the R2 million sounded nice enough for me as well,” he said.
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Tumi talked about his journey in the house, from letting loose and letting his fun side run wild to expressing gratitude to God for experiencing the house.
“I feel like since I was being me, I’m happy I didn’t have to be anybody else until the last two weeks in the house. First four weeks, I’m happy with the sides I showed, because I got to explore my talents and creativity. I never sang for anyone before and I found myself singing on the show for the first time and it felt so good.
“The first time stepping into the house, I was like, ‘God is good!’ because when those doors opened, it’s like they opened everything for me. My perspective was different, my eyes were opened, and my heart felt at peace because something I had been longing for had finally happened. Being on the show when I was just a guy from the hood who does haircuts meant a lot to me because I got to share the house with so many great people,” he said.
Mohwaduba shared how he had to step out of his comfort zone so he could appease the viewers with spicy content, though the cost of doing so took a toll on his soul.
“Tumi the Barber on the show and the one in real life are basically the same thing. I honestly didn’t feel like I had to change for anybody. But there was a point where I told myself to just play the game because I had something tell me that being myself wasn’t enough and that people want entertainment. I am an entertaining person, but I am based on my abilities to dance—Big Brother Mzansi isn’t about dancing; it’s not So You Think You Can Dance! You have to bring a lot more than that.
“I’m a chill dude, but this show needs drama. So I had to step in those roles even though it felt uncomfortable because I had to do things I didn’t want to do. I had to step into a personality that would allow me to betray my girl and continue with another one—basically putting up a show for people. But my soul wasn’t okay with all of that,” he said, chuckling.
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With the chaotic groove nights now behind him and the interactions that shaped him, Tumi counted what he’d miss the most.
“What I’ll miss the most are the parties. The parties were amazing, my G. I’ve never been to such great parties in my entire life. The free food and free merch. Being in that house felt like being at a five-star hotel. The people, too. I appreciate all the housemates, even though there were times when we had our differences, which also helped me to grow in certain aspects of my life. I used to be very much in my emotions, and being in the house taught me not to be in my feels too much and that some things just need you to be logical rather than bringing emotions,” he said.
As iron sharpens iron, Tumi touched on how crucial it was to be surrounded by strong personalities, as he encountered in the house, people who spurred him to be the best version of himself as a result.
“I got to see strangers believe in me, and it was the greatest I ever felt because I was doubtful of myself and didn’t believe in myself very much. I never used to be confident, and I was always a dude who shrank himself, and the housemates taught me that I shouldn’t do that. They taught me how to confront things as they are and as they happen, because outside, before Big Brother, I wasn’t good with confrontations, and I’d let people step on me and just chill. Sometimes I stood up for myself, but then I’d feel a certain type of way in retrospect because of how I probably made them feel. So, I got to meet strangers who are strong in character and shaped mine and people who also showed me that I’m good at what I do and that I should keep on because of their motivations. Differences aside, they were great people. Everybody is talented, and being around them encouraged me to flourish,” he said.
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A barber at heart with no intentions of turning his back on the hustle, Tumi rounded up the conversation by unfurling his blueprint of grand expansion and diversifying the portfolio of his social currency.
“I’m a barber for life, and I hope to grow that part of my life to be as big as it can get. I would love to collaborate with big names like Legends Barber shop. Also, all my talents will be on people’s faces. People should expect to see more of me on screens because I want to pursue modelling, acting, and dancing—everything I’m capable of, I’ll be doing it to the fullest from now on. I will be doing everything I’m good at now without setting a limit as to what I can do and achieve,” he said.