BY NELIWE NGUBANE (INTERN)
EKUDZENI – Nonsikelelo Dlamini, popularly known as Ntsiki we Okapi, is fast becoming one of Eswatini’s most talked about digital creators through her unique and fearless content.
At just 21 years old, Ntsiki, a content creator with over 100 000 followers on TikTok, rose to popularity through her bold use of knives, locally known as okapi, as the centrepiece of her entertaining and authentic videos. What started unintentionally after finishing high school has now grown into both a passion and a business.
“I never planned to be known,” she says. “Bantfu bebavele bangati labanengi… ngihlale ngingumuntfu lonemoya lomuhle futsi ngihlala ngijabule.”
Born and raised in Ekudzeni in a strict but loving family, Ntsiki describes herself as both social and reserved. “Ngiyatsandza kuba bantfu, kodvwa kwesinye sikhatsi ngitsandza kuba ngedvwa,” she explains. Her upbringing limited her social life, as she mostly interacted with friends only at school.
Her daily routine reflects discipline and creativity. She wakes up early to do household chores, during which she develops ideas for her next content. “Umcondvo wami ugcwala imicabango yekutsi ngitawenta njani livideo lelilandzelako nge okapi yami,” she says.
However, her journey was not without challenges. Her parents initially disapproved of her content, fearing it would create a negative image. “Batsi bantfu batocabanga kutsi ngisigebengu,” she recalls. Despite this, she remained determined, even buying another okapi after hers was taken away. Eventually, her parents saw her vision and began supporting her.
A major turning point came when she trended online after standing up for her original content, which someone else had copied without credit. The incident sparked conflict but ended in an apology. “Ekugcineni wacela lucolo, watsi ukhutsatwe ngimi,” she says. The moment boosted her visibility and grew her audience significantly.
Through it all, Ntsiki stayed true to herself. Known for her bubbly personality, she embraces labels others give her. “Noma batsi ngiyahlanya, ngiyakwemukela. Ngihlala ngikhuluma liciniso, ‘spade is a spade’,” she says.
Beyond entertainment, Ntsiki has turned her content into a source of income. She uses her platform for business, working with companies to advertise their products and services, and gets paid for these collaborations. This has allowed her to build a sustainable brand while continuing to engage her audience.
She credits her success to her followers and her strong support system. “Bengingeke ngifike lapha ngaphandle kwabo,” she says.
Family plays a central role in her journey. Her siblings help behind the scenes, from camera work to voice-overs, while her parents provide emotional and financial support. “Umndeni wami uyangisekela ngato tonkhe tindlela,” she adds.
Despite public misconceptions about her identity, Ntsiki is clear about who she is. “Labanye bacabanga kutsi ngingumlesbian, kodvwa angisiko, ngiyintfombatana le straight,” she says, adding that she comfortably embraces both feminine and tomboy styles.
Looking ahead, she hopes to further her education and grow her brand. “Ngifuna kuya e-tertiary, ngiphumelele futsi ngibe ngumuntfu lobengcono,” she says.
She also has advice for young people: “Content creation ingaba liphupho noma libe yinhlekelele, kodvwa angeke wati ungakatami. Hambani niyofundza, imphilo ilukhuni ngaphandle kwemfundvo.”
From Ekudzeni to the digital spotlight, Ntsiki we Okapi is proving that authenticity, resilience and creativity, even with something as unexpected as knives, can carve a path to success.
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