BY NOSIPHO MABUZA
MOTSHANE- From Eswatini to Uganda, Mxolisi Hlophe’s artistry is captivating African audiences.
From the quiet classrooms of Eswatini to the bustling sets of Uganda’s film scene, Mxolisi Ayanda Hlophe’s creative journey reads like a story scripted by destiny. A storyteller, actor, and writer, Hlophe is one of Eswatini’s rising creatives making waves across the continent, and he’s doing it with authenticity and heart.
“My creative journey began back in high school here in Eswatini,” he recalls. “I was drawn to history, literature, and music subjects that taught me to think in pictures and emotions. That’s where storytelling started for me.”
But it wasn’t until he moved to Uganda in 2019 that his creativity truly took flight. Immersed in a vibrant community of artists, Hlophe began acting in short films, experimenting with editing, and exploring new ways to tell stories. “Every project, whether small or experimental, became a stepping stone that shaped my identity as both an artist and a filmmaker,” he says.
What began as curiosity turned into calling when he attended an audition in Kampala “just to try it out.” That moment would change everything. “Something must’ve clicked because the judges saw something in me I hadn’t yet seen in myself,” he reflects. The audition led to a role in Prestige Season 2, a major DStv telenovela that still streams on Showmax today, marking his professional debut.
His time on set sparked another passion: writing. “Between takes, I’d talk to the writers, ask about structure and emotion,” he says. “That mix of learning, failing, and trying again became my foundation.” His pursuit of excellence led him to workshops with Hollywood’s Terrence Howard and Nollywood’s Osita Iheme, where he learned the art of storytelling rooted in authenticity.
Studying and working in Uganda transformed Hlophe’s view of storytelling. “They call it the Pearl of Africa, and rightly so, it’s a mix of cultures, languages, and creative voices all in one place,” he says. Through productions like Prestige, Kasozi Heights, and Dial M for Maya, he learned discipline and discovered that African productions can achieve cinematic excellence.
Yet, his journey wasn’t without struggle. Living abroad on a student budget and adapting to a new culture tested his resilience. “There were moments when I questioned if I belonged there,” he admits. “But those experiences toughened me up. Once I stopped performing and started being, everything changed.”
Hlophe’s defining moment came on the set of Prestige and later while leading Kasozi Heights under director Nana Kagga. “She told me, ‘When you’re in the moment, don’t act, just be.’ That line changed everything for me,” he says. Since then, his approach to art has been rooted in emotional truth.
His creative range extends beyond acting. He co-wrote a feature that won Best Screenplay at the Uganda Film Festival and produced projects for brands like MTN Uganda, Pilsner Beer, and the Newwaveug – A Dream is Born documentary.
This year, he added another milestone, qualifying among the Top 50 in the Africa Monologue Challenge. “It felt incredible, especially being the first Liswati to represent on that scale,” he shares. “It reminded me that our voices from Eswatini deserve to be heard continentally.”
His audition piece, inspired by Jay-Z’s “Legacy,” reflected themes of unity and transformation, a message that continues to define his work. “It wasn’t just acting; it was me speaking my truth through performance,” he says.
For Hlophe, acting isn’t about imitation. “Authenticity is everything. Acting isn’t about pretending, it’s about surrender,” he insists. “Whether I’m acting in a film, directing a podcast, or developing a script, I want the audience to feel something real.”
Looking ahead, Hlophe is developing Sive Setfu, a youth drama inspired by his university experiences. “It’s about friendship, self-discovery, and the weight of expectations, a story that speaks to the heart of African youth,” he explains. He’s also collaborating with creative Sakhile Nkambule on film and cultural projects that aim to put Eswatini on the creative map.
When he’s not acting or writing, Hlophe channels his storytelling through music. “I’m a rapper; I write and compose across genres from hip-hop to Afro-fusion,” he says. “It’s another form of storytelling, just through rhythm and poetry.”
To young creatives, his advice is simple yet profound: “Start small. Don’t wait for permission. Use what you have, where you are. Be disciplined, network wisely, and never stop learning. Don’t act to impress, act to express.”
From Eswatini to Uganda and now to the continent at large, Mxolisi Ayanda Hlophe continues to prove that African stories, told with honesty and purpose, have the power to inspire, connect, and transform.
(Courtesy Pic)
