Robot Boii
South African performer, media personality, dancer, and musician
Robot Boii
Born
Mzwakhe Mbuli Jr.

c. 1992
Soweto, Pimville, South Africa
GenresAmapiano
Electronic
OccupationsPerformer
Dancer
Media personality
Musician
Presenter
Voice-over artist
Rapper
Actor
Comedian
Drummer
MC
Editor
Photographer
AwardsTrace Africa Award for Best Dancer in Africa (2023), Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA) (2024)
Musical artist

Mzwakhe Mbuli Jr (born 1992) also known as "Robot Boii" is a South African performer, media personality, dancer, and musician.[1] He works in broadcasting, choreography, and music production, primarily within the Amapiano and Electronic music genres.[2] He is known as the presenter of Channel O’s virtual-party broadcast, Lockdown House Party.[1] Robot Boii won the 2023 Trace Africa Award for Best Dancer in Africa.[3]

His music includes the singles Salary Salary, Uxolo, and Mwagia Ndani.[1] He received the Overall Top Brand Award and the Top Personalities & Influencers Brand Award at the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA). He is the son of Mzwakhe Mbuli, the political poet and singer known as "The People's Poet."[4][5]

Early life and education

Mzwakhe Mbuli Jr. was born and raised in Soweto, Pimville.[6] He studied graphic design at the Midrand Graphic Institute.[1][7] His background in graphic design provided skills in editing, photography, and using programs like Photoshop, allowing him to manage technical aspects of his creative output.[1]

His performing career began in high school as a member of a dance crew named "Lyrical Sneakers."[6] He later pursued a solo career in professional dancing and commercial advertising. He states his goal is to "create a legacy in the entertainment industry on his own," drawing inspiration from his father, DJ Sbu, and Zola 7.[1]

Career

Robot Boii gained national visibility through his media work, beginning with appearances in commercial advertisements.[6]

Television and commercial work

He featured in South African commercials for brands including Coca-Cola ('share a coke with Bobby'), Wimpy ('Nom Nom Mondays' advert), and 8ta. He held an acting role in the Mzansi Magic Lokship Bioskop movie, Vampires in Soweto.[6] He hosted Channel O’s Lockdown House Party, a virtual-party show.[8]

His presenting roles include hosting shows on the youth radio station YFM.[9] On SABC1, he featured on Zaziwa, a show focused on local celebrities, and Siyabonga, which addresses youth inspiration.[9] He has also made appearances on MTV Base Africa. His listed professional roles include voice-over artist, rapper, actor, comedian, drummer, MC, editor, and photographer.[10][11]

Music

His single "Salary Salary" generated numerous dance challenges among TikTok users. Other key singles are "Uxolo" and "Mwagia Ndani". His choreography and dynamic performance style earned him the 2023 Trace Africa Award for Best Dancer in Africa.[12] He has noted being "challenged by limited resources" early in his career, which led him to focus on creative ideas over large production budgets.[9]

Podcasting

Robot Boii co-hosted the podcast Popcorn and Cheese alongside comedian Mpho Popps. He subsequently left the podcast in July 2024. It is alleged that he left the podcast after MacG asked him a question on his podcast Podcast and Chill with MacG.

Awards and accolades

  • 2023: Trace Africa Award, Best Dancer in Africa[12]
  • 2024: Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA), Top Personalities & Influencers Brand[13]
  • 2024: Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA), Overall Top Brand Award[13]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Digital, M&G (2024-06-27). "Robot Boii". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
  2. ^ "Robot Boii - Songs, Events and Music Stats | Viberate.com". www.viberate.com. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
  3. ^ "Daily News 2023-01-16 (Digital)". DiscountMags.com. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
  4. ^ "Mzwakhe Mbuli | Shifty". Retrieved 2025-10-08.
  5. ^ Zuko (2025-08-04). "Robot Boii honours his father Mzwakhe Mbuli on his birthday". KAYA 959. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
  6. ^ a b c d "Robot Boii". DJs Production. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
  7. ^ Keteyi, Oluthando (2023-03-14). "Robot Boii on what he and Mpho Popps hope to achieve with 'Popcorn and Cheese' podcast". The Post. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
  8. ^ "The Party Continues With Power Line-Up! — Lockdown House Party". Channel O - The Party Continues With Power Line-Up! — Lockdown House Party. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
  9. ^ a b c "Robot Boii is wired for success". www.gq.co.za. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
  10. ^ Seemela, Masego (2021-10-12). "Robot Boii a man of many talents". SowetanLive.
  11. ^ Keteyi, Oluthando (2022-09-01). "SAMAs co-host Robot Boii on a winning streak - with a million views on YouTube for 'Salary Salary'". IOL. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
  12. ^ a b Legodi, Simangele. "Amapiano to the world: Robot Boii wins 'Best Dancer' at Trace Awards". EWN. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
  13. ^ a b admin (2024-07-03). "ROBOT BOII WINS DOUBLE AT THE YOBAS". Top16YOBA. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
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