But behind the humour, behind the skits, behind the online personality, stands a man with depth, grounding, and purpose.

His name is Yasien “Yaya.” Fredericks

Raised by Wynberg: The Foundation

Yaya was shaped by Wynberg, not the postcard version, but the real community where people know each other’s families, where aunties correct your behaviour before you reach your own gate, and where generations survive through discipline and direction.

He watched the older generation lead with action. Men who built businesses. Women who held entire homes together. People who made progress through sheer will. “They gave direction,” Yaya says. “You learned by watching. You respected the people who created something for themselves.” That upbringing didn’t just influence his humour; it formed his character.

When Content Became Purpose

At first, content creation was just fun. Something light. Something to do after work or between responsibilities, but everything shifted when he was nominated for a DST Content Creator Award and then won it. Suddenly, it wasn’t just “fun” anymore. People weren’t only laughing with him; they were seeing him. Recognising him. Finding pieces of themselves in his humour, his timing, his presence.

“That award confused me at first,” he admits with a soft laugh. “It felt like I got recognised for just being myself.” But maybe that’s the truth he needed to confront: That authenticity is the gift. That showing up as he truly is, without filters, without force, is what resonates, connects, and stays.

Creativity From Real Life

Yaya’s content isn’t scripted, rehearsed, or manufactured. His ideas come from real moments, real phases of life, and real memories.

He taught himself how to cook, turned that into light-hearted content, and made it fun and accessible. He draws inspiration from his past, his neighbourhood, his upbringing, and the things he wishes someone had told him growing up.

Every milestone becomes a story. Every experience becomes a video. And every laugh carries a truth behind it.

Humour as Healing

For Yaya, humour isn’t just entertainment, it’s connection, it’s storytelling, and yes, it’s coping. “You don’t know what someone is going through,” he says. “Sometimes making them laugh is the only comfort they get that day.” His comedy is rooted in honesty. There’s no lying, no performing a fake character, no forced persona. It’s just him amplified.

A DM That Changed Everything

Among the thousands of messages he receives, one has never left him. A young man, fighting both cancer and COVID, sent it from his hospital bed: “Brother, thank you for posting every day. It kept me going.”

That single message stopped him in his tracks. It reminded him that humour isn’t just entertainment, it’s a connection. It’s comfort. It’s a lifeline. It showed him the weight of consistency, the impact of being present, and the responsibility that comes with being seen by so many.

The Importance of Boundaries

While people believe they “know” him online, Yaya is deliberate about what he allows the world to see. His content isn’t scripted, but that doesn’t mean his life is open for public consumption. He’s learned that the more relatable you are, the more people assume they’re entitled to every part of you. So he draws a clear line between the person on screen and the person at home. Not out of secrecy, but out of self-preservation.

He knows how quickly a moment can be misunderstood, how easily narratives can be twisted. So he protects the parts of himself that deserve safety, peace, and silence.

Cape Town’s Growing Creative Scene

As Cape Town’s creative landscape expands, creators like Yaya play a role in shaping its identity. But to him, real influence only works if you’re authentic.

“You never know who you’re inspiring,” he says. “But you can’t inspire anyone if you’re pretending. The scene grows when people stay true to themselves.”

Growth & Grounding

His perspective shifted.

He learned discipline, consistency, and the kind of self-awareness that only comes from being truly seen by thousands.

He realised that excellence isn’t a phase or a moment of motivation, it’s a standard you choose every day, especially when no one is watching.

Carrying Cape Town With Him

Representing Cape Town on a national stage is more than an achievement for him; it’s a responsibility. He carries the Southern Suburbs in the way he speaks, the way he jokes, the way he moves through the world. The slang, the humour, the culture, the resilience, it’s all stitched into who he is.

Through his content, he offers a perspective of Cape Town that isn’t always amplified: The warmth, the wit, the everyday beauty of the people who shaped him. His growth isn’t just personal; it’s cultural, spiritual, and rooted in where he comes from.

What He Hopes Young Creators See

Yaya wants young creators to look at him and feel possibility, to see that the journey doesn’t have to start perfect for it to become purposeful. He knows what it feels like to come from chaos, from responsibility, from environments that don’t always nurture dreams. And that’s exactly why he speaks so openly about authenticity, resilience, and perspective. He wants young people to understand that their story is not a setback, it’s a foundation.

As he often says, “You come from trials and tribulations. Don’t try to be anyone else. Your power is in your truth. Once you master being yourself, everything opens up.”

To him, that isn’t just a motivational line; it’s a lived experience. It’s the reason he shows up. It’s the reason he protects his voice. And it’s the message he hopes outlives every video he ever makes.

What’s Next for Yaya

He’s setting his sights on collaborations with brands that no one has explored yet, companies that align with his voice, his humour, and his authenticity. For Yaya, partnerships aren’t just about exposure or money; they’re about resonance. Every collaboration has to reflect the person he has grown into and the story he wants to tell.

In 2026, he plans to expand into YouTube, embracing longer-form storytelling and unlocking new layers of creative expression. It’s a move that signals evolution, not reinvention, a chance to dive deeper into ideas, perspectives, and narratives that can’t be captured in a 60-second clip.

Above all, he’s only just beginning. Not slowing down. Not diluting himself. Not stepping away from who he is.

Yasien “Yaya” Fredericks is carving a path not just for himself, but for every young creator who needs proof that staying true to your roots is enough, that authenticity is powerful, and that your story matters. He’s a reminder that success isn’t only about the numbers you reach, but the lives you touch along the way, and in that, Yaya is just getting started.

Dominating the Cape Town influencer scene, Daiyaan Abrahams has an impressive record of what He has achieved in just under a year but it’s not just about achievements, it’s about believing in yourself and stepping into a version of yourself that has never existed before, confidently and authentically. He has built a platform that exceeds normal expectations of what an influencer should be and he is beginning to step into celebrity status.

THE WORK THAT BUILT THE NAME

Daiyaan’s rise wasn’t luck, it was labor. Raised in a humble home, Dad in a call center, Mom in HR, he carried a bigger vision, a louder dream. He gave himself one year to bet on himself, and it paid off in numbers most creators only imagine.

He mastered the art of turning attention into opportunity, crafting campaigns that amplify his brand and collaborations that control the narrative. His partnership with Malay Kitchen on the viral “Only in Cape Town” burger is proof: Daiyaan knows how to monetize every moment.

But he’s not just chasing clout. He continues to uplift local businesses, even while working with giants like Shoprite, Bash, Crocs, and Silki. His message to other influencers is clear: don’t just chase the big brands, take the smaller ones with you to the top.

Daiyaan thrives on unconventional ideas. Midnight food runs at OK Mini Market. Lip fillers, skin boosters, makeup. Things rarely seen as “normal” for men in Cape Town are becoming the norm because he’s pushing boundaries.

Trusted by brands and creators alike, Daiyaan isn’t just about numbers; he’s branded himself as reliable, magnetic, and influential. Wherever he points, people follow. Not out of blind loyalty, but because he’s built trust.

Wherever Daiyaan points you to work, you’ll apply. Whatever he says to taste, you’ll buy. Wherever he says to go, you’ll run. It’s not about chasing power, influence, or money; it’s about becoming an industry leader, building a trusted name, and letting everything else flow from that

THE BIGGER PICTURE: A NEW ERA FOR CAPE TOWN CREATORS

Daiyaan is reshaping what it means to go from influencer status to celebrity status. With him exploring many avenues of business such as fashion, partnerships, collaborations, content, marketing, and networking. He is an individual that you should definitely study if you want to go from content creator to influencer to celebrity.

Daiyaan has an infectious personality, one that is undeniably powerful. He used his cultural knowledge, voice, and personality to work his way to the top, and now, wherever you are in Cape Town, you see something unusual. You’ll thank Daiyaan Abrahams.

EXCEEDING HIS PEAK

Today, Daiyaan earns between R900,000 and R1 million annually from his content. But for him, income is more than a flex; it’s proof that influence is a business, not a hobby. He reinvests in his brand, his craft, and his community.

From owning a warehouse to producing merch and upgrading his content quality, Daiyaan embodies the blueprint for building wealth straight from your phone. His charisma feels cinematic, his presence larger than life. He’s not just an influencer; he’s a name you won’t forget

There’s something undeniably celebrity-like in the way he carries himself: confidently humble, effortlessly charismatic, and boldly authentic. His vibe feels international, his potential cinematic, and his presence far larger than the phone screen he appears on.

Daiyaan Abrahams is a name you won’t forget anytime soon. He embodies the spirit of never settling, always reaching for something greater, even when it seems he already has it all.

Her journey is not one of instant fame but of stumbling into visibility and learning how to own it. From casual posts to professional partnerships, her modeling background and ability to connect across platforms shaped her rise. Along the way, she has wrestled with the tension between recognition and scrutiny, authenticity and exposure, sharing enough to resonate, yet protecting what remains sacred.

She is raw, real, and still in motion. And it is precisely that unvarnished honesty that makes her presence linger beyond the screen.

The rise of a creator

Zoë’s path into influence was almost accidental. In 2017, Instagram became her canvas, a place to share modeling photos and fragments of her life. By 2018, her posts had spread across schools, and TikTok soon amplified her reach. What started as casual sharing evolved into something far more enduring.

Her first brand collaborations revealed the potential of this new world. “I realized this could be an actual career… I could make good money while having fun. It never felt like work,” she recalls. That realization transformed her from hobbyist to professional, her modeling background lending her the confidence to step fully into the role of influencer.

In a landscape often driven by excess and constant promotion, Zoë has chosen a path of discernment. She aligns herself only with brands she truly believes in, exemplified by her enduring partnership with Crocs. “I never want to be known for false promotion. That’s why I’m very specific with the brands I choose,” she explains. This careful selectivity has not only safeguarded her reputation but also earned her genuine trust within Cape Town’s creative community.

Her connections extend beyond business into the realm of friendship, where sincerity remains her guiding principle. What began as viral collaborations with fellow creator Daiyaan Abrahams evolved into authentic bonds, underscoring Zoë’s belief that relationships, whether personal or professional, must be rooted in truth to stand the test of time.

By 2023, Zoë had learned the importance of boundaries. After facing negativity in past relationships, she decided to share only 60–70% of her life online. “Even as a content creator, you still have a personal life. There needs to be a line,” she says.

This decision has allowed her to protect her mental well-being and nurture her relationships away from the glare of constant exposure. “Posting too much is too much,” she admits, choosing Instagram’s slower rhythm over TikTok’s relentless pace.

For Zoë, public recognition is a source of joy. She treasures the moments when supporters, especially young girls who see her as a role model, approach her with excitement. These encounters remind her of the impact her presence can have beyond the screen.

At the same time, she has learned the importance of balance. “There have been times when people tap on my shoulder while I’m mid‑conversation. I love meeting people, but I also need space,” she reflects with honesty. It’s not rejection but a reminder that even in the glow of admiration, creators are human too.

Her openness about these experiences highlights a truth often overlooked: influence is as much about connection as it is about boundaries. Joy and visibility walk hand in hand, and Zoë has found a way to embrace both with grace

Looking Ahead

Zoë’s journey is still unfolding, and what makes her story compelling is that she doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out. She embraces the uncertainty of growth, allowing her career to evolve at its own pace. “I’m still learning, still finding my rhythm,” she admits, a reminder that influence is not a destination but a process.

Her vision for the future is grounded in authenticity. She hopes to expand her creative partnerships, explore new projects, and continue inspiring her audience without sacrificing the values that brought her here. For Zoë, success is not measured in numbers alone but in the impact she leaves on those who follow her.

What sets her apart is her ability to balance ambition with humility. She celebrates recognition yet remains mindful of her boundaries, proving that influence can be both powerful and gentle.

Her story is proof that authenticity resonates louder than perfection. Each post, each collaboration, each interaction with her audience is guided by a simple but powerful principle: stay true to yourself. “I want people to know that I’m real. I’m not perfect, and I don’t try to be,” she says. That honesty is what makes her presence linger long after the scroll.

Zoë’s journey is not a polished script but a living story of resilience, balance, and authenticity. She has faced criticism, embraced growth, and learned to protect the parts of herself that matter most. Her advice to aspiring creators is both practical and profound:

• “Post consistently. Don’t try to be mysterious if you want to grow.”

• “Once you start getting hate, you know you’ve made it.”

• “Keep your goals private. Post your success, not your vulnerability.”

At the heart of her philosophy lies a truth that transcends the influencer world: “Authenticity comes with confidence. If you’re trying to be someone you’re not, then you’re not confident; you’re just performative.”

Her future is luminous. With new projects on the horizon, she encourages her followers to “keep an eye out because I have some big things coming.” And if her past is any indication, those things will not only capture attention, they will carry heart.

Born and raised in Cape Town, Craig represents a new wave of young South African voices; bold, grounded, and unafraid to challenge the norm. What sets him apart isn’t just his charisma or creativity, but the heart behind everything he does. His journey is more than a story about going viral it’s about growth, self-awareness, and building a community that feels like family.

The Beginning of a Digital Dream

Craig’s journey into content creation wasn’t something he mapped out, it was a beautiful accident, a spark born out of curiosity and encouragement. In December 2023, a simple video on his spam account, something he thought would disappear into the noise of the internet ended up becoming the start of something far bigger than he ever imagined.

What began as a moment of fun suddenly opened a door he never knew existed. His friends pushed him to upload a video, and with a mix of nerves and excitement, he did. He never expected it to gain thousands of views, but it surpassed his expectations. With that, something inside him shifted. By February 2024, Craig made a quiet promise to himself: to take this seriously. The joy, the engagement, the way people connected with his content, it was more than numbers on a screen. It was purpose. It was passion.

“You know I didn’t even have TikTok on my phone at that time. “ He said, “But when I saw how much people connected with what I posted, I realised this is what I’m meant to do.” That realisation changed everything. What started as a random post became the beginning of Craig’s voice and art in content creation being established, and his impact proved that sometimes, purpose finds you when you least expect it.

Long before TikTok ever entered the picture, Craig was already chasing creativity quietly building his voice in ways he didn’t even realize at the time. As a kid, he spent hours on YouTube, experimenting with videos, testing the waters of storytelling, and learning how to bring ideas to life. The growth was slow, sometimes barely noticeable. But his passion never wavered. Even when views were few and progress felt distant, there was a fire inside him that refused to go out. Looking back now, Craig smiles because every moment was shaping him for something greater.

“Content creation was always bigger than me,” he says thoughtfully. “It’s not just something I do, it’s something I’m called to.”

And in that calling, Craig found not just a platform but he found purpose. Every video, every connection, every story he tells now feels like a piece of destiny finally unfolding.

A New Mindset, A New Craig

Stepping into the public eye came with lessons Craig never expected. The more his platform grew, the more he realised that influence isn’t measured in numbers, it’s measured in integrity, in how you show up when people are watching and when they’re not.

“Back then, I used to respond to everything,” he admits with a half-smile, remembering a younger version of himself who was still figuring it all out. “But now, I know there’s a whole audience watching. I want to earn their respect, so I can’t be the Craig Junior I used to be.”

Growth has humbled him. It’s taught him that being seen means being responsible not just for his words, but for the energy he puts into the world. Through his videos, Craig has built something far beyond a following; he’s built a community. A space for storytelling, for honesty, for hope. A place where young people, especially within the coloured community, can feel seen, understood, and inspired to dream bigger. It’s a lot of pressure,” he mentions, “But it’s also purpose. There are so many creators out there, but still, my community chose me. That’s something I’ll never take for granted.”

And in that truth, Craig stands grounded not just as a creator, but as a voice for a generation learning to rise, speak, and believe in their own power.

The Brother Figure of a Generation

One of the most touching parts of Craig’s journey is the way his audience truly connects with him, not just with his content, but with him. Messages pour in from supporters who say his videos give them comfort, direction, and hope.

“People message me saying they don’t have anyone to talk to,” he shares, “Some tell me they don’t have an older brother, but watching my videos make them feel like they do. That…that means everything to me.”

With having this huge community and great amount of impact, being recognised in public can be overwhelming at times, yet Craig approaches it with grace and care. “Even if I’m just going to the mall, I have to mentally prepare myself for if someone wants a photo or if one of my follows approach me in public,” he says, “I wasn’t use to it at first because it’s not a normal lifestyle to be an influencer, so it use to catch me off guard, but now I’ve learnt to prepare myself.” He mentioned “I never say no to a photo or a video. I know what it feels like to look up to someone, to admire someone. I want my supporters to feel that same joy when they meet me.”

It’s in these moments; the messages, the encounters and the connections, that Craig truly understands the heart of his work. He isn’t just creating content; he’s creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Balancing Books, Business, and the Brand

Beyond creating content, Craig is learning to balance multiple roles; influencer, student, and member of NCA EXE. The journey, he says, has taught him professionalism, discipline, and the delicate art of time management. He draws inspiration from creators like Micky CPT and Jayden Thomas, whose consistency motivates him to keep pushing forward and to embark on bigger projects.

“I know I’m asking for a busier life,” with a hint of humility in his tone. “But if I’m asking for that, I can’t complain.”

Even when the weight of it all feels heavy, Craig carries a spirit of gratitude. “Content creation may have found me, but I chose it back,” he reflects. “No one forced me. I started this, and that means I have to stay thankful for every part of it, the highs, the lows, and everything in between.”

When asked about the moment he truly felt he had “made it,” Craig can’t help but smile, a mix of pride and disbelief shining through.

“Working with Ervé,” he says immediately, his voice full of awe. “Ervé completely changed the YouTube game in Cape Town and I admire that because it’s a difficult thing to do. Getting to collaborate with him…it felt unreal. It was like stepping into a dream I’d only ever imagined. In that moment, I finally understood what my supporters feel when they meet me that rush of excitement, that sense of disbelief. It’s unforgettable.”

Looking Ahead

Craig’s story is far from over. He teases something extraordinary coming this December a project Cape Town has never seen before. And in 2026, he’s planning to take his journey even further, with a podcast that will carry his signature storytelling style, and perhaps even a venture into streaming on Twitch as well as a few adventures with Menlique - wink wink!

Through every milestone and new challenge, Craig remains grounded, humble, and deeply connected to the people who have supported him from the start. “The love and trust they show me… I don’t take it for granted,” he says. “They’re the reason I keep going, the reason I keep pushing, and the reason I keep dreaming bigger.”

More Than an Influencer

From a spam account to a symbol of inspiration, Craig Junior is more than just a content creator, he’s a storyteller, a big brother, and a voice of encouragement for an entire generation. He’s proof that when you step out in courage, stay true to yourself, and lead with heart, the world doesn’t just notice, it listens. As he steps into new chapters from major projects to his own podcast, one thing remains clear: Craig Junior isn’t just shaping his own future; he’s redefining what it means to be a creator in South Africa. He’s proof that when passion meets purpose, ordinary moments can turn into something extraordinary and that’s exactly what makes him unforgettable.

The Rise

Two years ago, Brad Arendse made a choice that would alter the trajectory of his life not by accident, but with intention. He didn’t stumble into success. He walked towards it with purpose. That moment when he decided to start posting, to make his creative pursuit deliberate, was the true genesis of the brand we see today. And when the industry began to take notice, when a major brand reached out and strangers began recognizing him in public, Brad felt the shift. “This is real,” he told himself. “I must keep going, keep pushing.”

That wasn’t just a turning point. It was a declaration.

His signature

Brad’s professional journey is one of collaboration and seeking out high-caliber creatives. His philosophy isn’t just an aesthetic, but a style forged by working with these individuals. Instead of merely admiring from afar, Brad actively sought out opportunities to collaborate with the people he looked up to. This hands-on approach, working alongside them, is how he effectively met his role models not just in a casual introduction, but in a professional capacity where their shared work influenced his development.

But Brad’s journey wasn’t just about finding his voice. It was about carving space in a landscape that didn’t always reflect him.

Society has long resisted the idea of male influencers, especially those who wear makeup or identify as queer. Brad didn’t just challenge that narrative, he rewrote it. His presence normalizes what should never have been taboo. “People will always have something to say,” he admits, “but that shouldn’t stop you from being who you are.”

His formula for success is deceptively simple: find your niche, set your niche, and be consistent. And it works!! To landing a major campaign with Neutrogena, Brad’s “pinch me” moments are proof that authenticity wins. Another standout, or “pinch-me moment,” in Brad’s career was his collaboration with fellow Cape Town powerhouse, Rasheeqah Karriem. He cites this experience, specifically making videos for Sheeca’sMarket, as a significant milestone. Cements the truth that Brad’s powerful philosophy is built on the shared success of creative partnership.

His Digital Strategy

In the digital arena, Brad is both artist and architect. While spontaneity has its place “don’t plan, just do” is advice he sometimes follows his content is often meticulously crafted. He doesn’t chase trends. He creates them. His goal is clear: to be the voice others listen to, not the echo. Brad has a message: start now. “Success doesn’t depend on having the best equipment,” he says. “It’s about the quality and consistency of your work.”

But Brad’s proudest achievements aren’t measured in likes or brand deals. They’re measured in impact. He’s committed to lifting others especially those just starting out. “We rise by lifting others,” he believes, and he backs that up by sharing resources, mentoring newcomers, and building community.

Legacy of Inspiration

Brad Arendse isn’t just building a brand. He’s building a legacy. One rooted in empowerment, unity, and unapologetic self-expression. To the queer community, his message is clear: don’t fear being yourself. In a society that still struggles to accept men who wear makeup or embrace their queerness, Brad stands tall. He doesn’t just exist in that space, he thrives in it.

Looking ahead, Brad’s vision is expansive. Bigger campaigns. Bolder ideas. And a new career direction already brewing for 2026. But no matter where his path leads, the heart of his mission remains the same: to inspire.

“I want people to remember that they were created to create,” he says. That’s not just a tagline. It’s a call to action.

Brad Arendse’s story is proof that when you lead with authenticity, the world listens. And for every aspiring creative wondering if they belong, Brad’s journey is the answer: you do.

Jayden-Lee Thomas knows that kind of truth—the kind that sits quietly behind the filters. He’s lived the highs of going viral, the excitement of brand deals, and the rush of a growing audience. But he’s also lived through loss, silence, and the kind of pain you can’t explain in a caption.

This isn’t just a story about content. It’s about what happens when the cameras stop. It’s about finding meaning again, rebuilding yourself, and remembering the people who taught you to move long before the world was watching.

From Musical.ly to Authentic Voice

At just the beginning of his journey, Jayden Thomas has captivated audiences with his infectious energy and authentic content. We sat down with the creator to trace his evolution from a curious teen on Musical.ly to one of the industry’s most genuine voices, discussing everything from viral moments to the hard-earned lessons of growth.

Before the views, the followers, and the brand deals, there was just a boy who loved the camera.

For Jayden-Lee Thomas, creating wasn’t a career goal; it was instinct. The way some kids picked up a ball, he picked up a phone. The lens became his language.

“It started with modelling,” he recalls. “I’ve always loved being in front of the camera, even when I didn’t know where it would take me.” Back in 2018, when he was just in Grade 8, Jayden was already recording vlogs, experimenting, and finding his rhythm in front of the lens.

Then came the nudge: a family member suggested he try Musical.ly, the app that would later become TikTok. Between 2018 and 2019, he started posting. Looking back, he laughs at some of those early videos. “They were a little cringy,” he admits, “but I was locked in.”

Pausing for Healing: Navigating Loss and Mental Health

What started as “just making videos” evolved into a purpose-driven career. Opportunities came. Doors opened. But when grief hit, the momentum faltered. Behind the scenes, Jayden-Lee battled silent mental-health struggles, bottled emotions, and the pressure to keep going when everything inside said stop.

In January 2025, he faced a profound loss: his grandfather. The man who taught him motion. A quiet powerhouse who got things done without needing applause. With that loss, the drive paused, the content slowed, and the fire dimmed. Jayden-Lee didn’t just lose a family member; he lost his blueprint. His grandfather understood legacy, and Jayden-Lee now carries that in every frame, every caption, every move. Grief doesn’t ask for permission; it arrives, unpacks, and rewrites everything.

Everyone’s fighting battles we don’t see. Behind the campaigns, the reels, and the curated feeds, there’s pain, silence, and stories that never make it to the caption. Jayden-Lee Thomas knows that truth intimately. Instead of performing strength, he chose something radical: stillness, reflection, and healing. “Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is sit still and allow yourself to process,” Jayden-Lee says. “Feel what you feel. Align with yourself. There’s no shame in healing; there’s power in it.”

Consistency, Criticism, and the Cost of Success

That realization came with pressure, because once people start watching, you have to keep showing up. Jayden-Lee learned quickly that consistency isn’t optional in this industry. “Growth isn’t linear,” he reflects. “You don’t just have good days and bad days; you have days with progress and days with none. I had to learn to keep faith even when things felt slow.” He’s also brutally honest about the darker side of success.

“You see people happy for you, until you start doing better than them,” he says.

“The tough part is realizing that sometimes it’s strangers who support you more than people close to you.” His mindset toward criticism is firm but freeing: “You can’t control what people say about you, but you can control how you let it affect you. Stop living for validation; just keep spreading positivity.”

Creator, Not Influencer: The Power of Character

When asked about how he defines himself, Jayden-Lee doesn’t hesitate: he’s a Content Creator, not an influencer. “My goal is to create and inspire, not to be treated any differently because of social media. At the end of the day, we’re all human, and I’m just a guy who loves making videos,” he says. He’s equally honest about the pressures that come with numbers. “The views and likes are nice, but chasing them is one of the fastest ways to lose yourself, especially when it feels like your videos aren’t performing as well anymore. That’s when it gets dangerous if you let it define you.” He draws inspiration from creators like Intezaar Kippie, Erve Bukasa, and Imaad Khan, all known for their authenticity and humility.

For Jayden-Lee, character isn’t something you measure in likes, views, or followers. In a generation where social media can define status, reputation, and even self-worth, he’s clear: how you act beyond the screen matters far more than what people see online. “My behaviour in public shouldn’t ever be about what people see on social media,” he says. “It shouldn’t depend on likes, followers, or how many views a post gets. Treat people right, stay humble, and don’t let the screen define who you are.”

He often asks himself and challenges others with the same question: “Would you still be the same person if you lost everything today? Strive to be a good person.” In a world where everything can be curated and filtered, Jayden-Lee’s message is simple but radical: integrity isn’t a trend. It’s a choice. And your character is the real measure of your influence.

Professional Shifts and Brand Milestones

Jayden addressed his tenure with the NCA Collective, the collaborative group that included Imtiyaaz Benjamin, Craig Junior, and Micky CPT. “I am no longer part of the NCA group,” he shares. “There is absolutely no bad blood. The reality is that different seasons of life put people on different paths. It was a decision I made to step away because my path was diverging. I have so much respect for the collective, and I sincerely wish them nothing but the best for all their future endeavours.” It’s a peaceful, mature acknowledgment of changing professional dynamics.

Every creator dreams of that one “life-changing” deal, and Jayden-Lee has already had several. He highlights collaborations with Asus, Nasty Vapes, Temu, Shein, Coke, Vodacom, The Fix, Crocs, Code Clothing, alongside many others. “Every single brand I’ve worked with is a milestone,” he says with sincerity. “But honestly, I wouldn’t be anywhere without the people who support me. I’m so grateful for them.”

The Anchor Off-Screen: Family and Intentional Living

Away from the cameras, the brand deals, and the constant scroll of social media, Jayden-Lee Thomas is deeply grounded in what truly matters: family, integrity, and connection. His three brothers and one sister aren’t just relatives; they are his backbone, the quiet, unwavering support that gives him strength when the world feels heavy and the spotlight can be overwhelming.

He describes himself as a mix of extrovert and introvert, someone who thrives both in the energy of people and in the calm of reflection. “I’m a people’s person at heart,” he says, “but I need my moments of stillness to think, create, and process life.” Away from the cameras, you’ll find him enjoying drives with no destination, kicking a soccer ball, or seeking new adventures with his partner, Isabella. These are the moments that remind him there’s a life beyond creating content—a life worth living fully.

For Jayden-Lee, every action, every choice, every interaction carries weight. He believes in living intentionally, and his advice reflects that philosophy: “Your circle should decrease in number but increase in quality. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, inspire you, and keep you grounded.”

And for any upcoming creators trying to find their voice, he adds: “If you’re good at something, just press record. Keep moving, keep building, keep showing up for yourself and the people around you. That’s how you grow.”

This is Jayden-Lee off-screen: the part of him that anchors the ambition, fuels the creativity, and reminds him why he started in the first place. It’s not about followers or likes. It’s about legacy, impact, and the kind of growth that lasts long after the cameras turn off. And one thing is certain: Jayden-Lee isn’t done yet.

He’s coming for it all.

But amidst the noise, voices like Mikael Voges are rising—bold, unfiltered, and unapologetically real. A content creator with a purpose, Mikael isn’t just here to entertain—he’s here to represent the kids who felt invisible, the teens who were laughed at for being themselves, and the people who are still trying to heal from words that cut deeper than they should have. His story isn’t just his own; it’s a reflection of what so many in our generation face, and a reminder that vulnerability is strength—and that being different is exactly what makes us powerful.

The Spark of Authenticity

It started with a joke—or rather, the absence of one.

Mikael Voges was sitting with friends, watching TikToks, when a thought crossed his mind: Could I do this? The content was simple—funny, relatable, nothing overly produced. It felt attainable. But when he voiced the idea aloud, a friend scoffed. “You’re not that funny,” they said.

Most people might’ve laughed it off or let the comment sink into silence. Mikael didn’t. He opened TikTok, posted a video—not out of spite, but out of curiosity. What if I could be funny? What if I could be heard? And just like that, everything changed.

Back then, Mikael was no stranger to the digital world. He had started by uploading Fortnite videos on YouTube, dabbling in gaming content like so many others. But TikTok gave him something else entirely: a raw, unfiltered space to speak—not just to an audience, but for them.

The video that started it all wasn’t polished. It wasn’t viral material by design—no flashy edits, no clickbait hooks. But it struck a chord. People listened. Not because Mikael had the perfect look or followed the latest trend, but because he spoke with something rare: honesty. That’s when he discovered a truth that would shape his entire journey—people don’t follow appearances. They follow authenticity. They follow your voice.

From that moment on, Mikael didn’t try to create content. He created connection. His videos became a reflection of his own life—messy, funny, vulnerable, real. He spoke about the unspoken: the strange beauty in awkward silences, the heartbreaks and humor of relationships, the passing thoughts we all carry but rarely share. Nothing was scripted. Everything was felt.

“I talk about what’s real to me,” he says. “And when I do, people realize it’s real for them, too.”

Finding the Armour: From Doubt to Mr. South Africa

But Mikael’s journey wasn’t always defined by confidence—far from it.

In high school, he was mocked, underestimated, and told outright that he’d never make it in the world of social media. And for a time, he believed them. The voices of doubt weren’t just external—they echoed internally, too. But something shifted. Slowly, Mikael began to see through the weight of those words. He realized he wasn't alone—that there were countless others who had been told the same lies. And maybe, just maybe, if he found the courage to rise above them, he could help others do the same.

So, in March of 2025, he applied for Mr. South Africa. Not for the fame. Not for the crown. But for what the platform could mean—visibility, representation, and a chance to be a voice for those still living in silence.

“If I win,” he says, “it’s not just my win. It’s for every quiet kid who was told they’d never be seen.”

Before the confidence. Before the camera. There was fear.

Mikael was introverted, reserved, unsure of himself and his place in the world. But instead of giving in to the doubt, he found a mantra that would carry him forward: Fake it until you believe it. And once you believe it—all is possible.

That mindset became his armor. Whenever anxiety crept in, whenever the pressure of visibility felt too heavy, he reminded himself why he started. Not to chase fame. Not to please the crowd. But to matter—to create something meaningful, something honest.

Today, he greets criticism with perspective. “If people are talking, I’m doing something right,” he says. “Constructive feedback helps. But hate? That’s just noise—and I don’t hear it anymore.”

Beyond the Screen: A Vision for Change

But Mikael’s ambitions stretch far beyond social media.

He’s currently completing acting classes, preparing for roles that speak not just to audiences, but for them. He dreams of creating documentaries that give a voice to the unheard—from overlooked communities to abandoned animals in need of a home. His goal is to use his platform not just to entertain, but to uplift, educate, and inspire.

His inspiration? The Sidemen—a YouTube collective whose blend of humor, authenticity, and brotherhood created a global legacy. Mikael hopes to build a proudly South African counterpart: real, rooted, and relatable. A future collab with KSI? That’s not just wishful thinking—it’s on the vision board.

And in the fashion world, Mikael has his sights set on something iconic. He dreams of collaborating with PUMA, a brand that aligns with his energy, ambition, and South African pride. It's not just about wearing a logo—it’s about representing a story. His story.

And that journey is already gaining traction. Soon, Mikael will be the face of a national brand, featured in stores across the country—another chapter in a story that’s just beginning to unfold.

Mikael Voges is not just another content creator. He is proof that you don’t need to be the loudest, the flashiest, or the best looking to make an impact. You just need heart, honesty, and the courage to start.

He lives by one simple truth: “If there’s a will, there’s a way.”