REDEFINING CREATIVITY, ONE POST AT A TIME

MPHO LEKHOEHLA

27 October 2025  Mondays Mag Publications

From IT Student to Rising Digital Creator, Mpho’s Journey Is a Lesson in Authentic Growth

At just twenty years old, Mpho Lekhoehla known online as @mpho.ix has grown into one of the most promising young creators in South Africa’s digital scene. In less than a year, he has managed to carve out a unique lane in both modelling and content creation, gaining traction on TikTok and Instagram without the backing of management, agencies, or viral gimmicks.

“I honestly didn’t see this coming,” Mpho says with a laugh. “I would say that not conforming to specific niches is what put me in a position to grow so quickly. I’m just content with doing what I love, which could be different next week than it is today and that’s part of the fun.”

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From Durban to Discovery

It all started unexpectedly during a family holiday. “I was in Durban on holiday last December,” he recalls. “My sister, Refilwe, thought it would be cool to use her camera to fool around and see what could happen. Looking at those pictures made me realise, ‘Hold on, I don’t look half bad in these.’ That’s when I decided to look into modelling and from there, I adopted content creation.”

What began as a playful experiment quickly turned into purpose. Mpho describes it as an ‘about time’ moment: “I’ve always been told that with a personality such as mine, I should’ve been in the creation space a long time ago, but I didn’t see what others saw until now.”

Balancing Two Worlds

Mpho’s life now exists at the intersection of technology and creativity. As an IT student, he spends much of his week in lectures, but he’s also juggling content shoots, brand collaborations, and promotional work. “Balancing varsity with content creation and modelling hasn’t been easy at all,” he admits. “There have been times where I’ve had to attend modelling meetings that clashed with my lectures or film TikToks while dealing with creative blocks.”

His solution? Blending both worlds. “I film on campus whenever I have breaks. That way, I’m able to merge my day-to-day reality with my creative side,” he explains. “And my IT background helps too creativity and critical thinking from coding have actually promoted my skills in content creation.”

The Digital Marketing Advantage

Unlike many young creators, Mpho has firsthand experience working behind the scenes in digital marketing. As a promoter and content creator for a marketing company, he’s learned what makes content perform and what doesn’t.

“Working in the digital marketing world is one of the main contributors to my growth,” he says. “I’ve learned how to study my target audience, how engagement works, and how to analyse what draws attention. It’s given me an advantage that not many people have access to, and I don’t take it for granted.” Living with his sister, who first exposed him to that world, has also been pivotal. “She took me under her wing,” he says warmly. “A lot of my accomplishments wouldn’t have happened without her.”

If there’s one thing that defines Mpho’s online presence, it’s versatility. From fashion to performance, he refuses to be boxed into a single aesthetic. “I would describe my personal style as very versatile and open-minded,” he says. “I’ve never been one to shy away from trying new things. My versatility forces people to see that there isn’t one way to express creativity and that’s what sets me apart.” For him, fashion isn’t just about clothing. It’s storytelling. “Fashion is a subjective concept it’s whatever you make it,” he reflects. “I express different parts of myself by shining a light on everything that makes me who I am. I’ve never been known to ‘draw within the lines,’ and that’s what keeps my feed cohesive. It just makes sense.”

Lessons in Growth and Grounding

In a world obsessed with followers and metrics, Mpho takes a grounded approach to success. “The most important measure of success is viewer engagement,” he says. “I use it to navigate my content, but at the end of the day, what matters most is whether I’m happy with what I create. Viewer entertainment is a bonus.” That clarity comes from experience. “In the beginning, I went through my ‘thirst trap era’ because I thought finding a niche would help me blow up,” he admits. “But I soon realised that wasn’t the right path for me. Once I stopped chasing validation and just had fun, things fell into place.” Mpho’s authenticity extends to his boundaries with brands. “I have zero interest in promoting something I don’t believe in just for views or likes,” he says firmly. “If I can’t stand behind it, I’m not doing it.”

Keeping It Real On and Off Camera

Unlike many influencers, Mpho doesn’t separate his real-life persona from his online one. “My persona on camera and in real life is 100% the same except maybe my bad singing videos,” he laughs. “Being someone I’m not will never be my brand, respectfully.” Ironically, one of his biggest viral moments came from a playful “botched” singing video. “It was my cover of AmaZulu by Amanda Black,” he says. “It gave people a glimpse into who I am bubbly, silly, and just having fun. That’s what my audience connects with most.”

Building a Creative Community

While Mpho’s rise has been largely self-driven, he’s quick to acknowledge the support he’s received from fellow creators. “I have to give credit where it’s due—to Coachella Randy and Fafa, who were the first big creators to engage with my content,” he shares. “Also, people like Thabiso Mokhatshane, Pharoahfi, and Blossomwithbosslady have inspired my ideas.” On the community side, he’s found connection in creators like Tlots Motuba and Warona. “TikTok can be lonely,” he says. “Developing friendships with genuine people has made it more enjoyable.”

Despite his upbeat energy, Mpho admits that being a creator isn’t always easy. “With being a creator comes a lot of speculation and unnecessary expectations,” he says. “But I remind myself that my goals come first and my content is what I make it.” Burnout, too, is part of the process. “I face creative blocks often, even now,” he confesses. “Instead of stressing about it, I take a step back to recharge. The key is not putting too much pressure on yourself to meet unrealistic standards.” When it comes to production, Mpho keeps it refreshingly simple. “Honestly, a phone with good camera quality and good lighting is all I need,” he says. “I’m not the best at editing unless I have to be CapCut and TikTok’s own editor get the job done.”

Looking Ahead

Now entering his second year as a creator, Mpho is just getting started. “I’ve recently partnered with a wellness brand, which is helping me refine my approach to branded content,” he says. “I’m learning how to merge creativity with strategy and that’s going to help me with future collaborations.” He’s also beginning to envision his next chapter. “Two years from now, I see myself working alongside big brands and creators, using my content to work hand-in-hand with my modelling career,” he says confidently. “What I love is creation, and I’ll make sure what I put my efforts into gets recognised.”

Words to Live By

When asked what advice he’d give to other young creators, Mpho doesn’t hesitate: “You have to pick up that camera, film, and post that video. Shut out the noise because the only opinion that matters is your own. People will hate it’s okay. As long as you’re happy with what you’re producing, you’ll find your audience.”

CRDT.

Mondays Magazine Publications

Issue Presented MPHO LEKHOEHLA

Story By Mondays Magazine Publications / Edited by Tshepo

Designed by The Mondays Studio & Kvn

Published on the 27/10/2025