Media personality and YouTube sensation Thulasizwe Dambuza, better known as Lasizwe, recently opened up about his personal battles with depression, a struggle that unexpectedly gave rise to his hit YouTube series, Awkward Dates.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Lasizwe shared how a difficult time in his life inspired the creation of the show. “I was going through a lot of depression and wasn’t creative,” he explained. “One day, I watched a show called Chicken Shop Date by a UK content creator, and got inspired. I started thinking about how I could make it better and more personal.” From those dark moments emerged Awkward Dates, a show that not only resonated with audiences but also earned a prestigious nomination at the South African Film & Television Awards (Saftas).
The 26-year-old TV personality, nominated for Best Online Content, expressed his excitement and gratitude for the recognition. “It means a lot. Just the nomination alone symbolises the effort and hard work my team and I put in to deliver a high-quality show, not just for TV but for YouTube. It shows our work is recognised on a national platform, where we get to be in the same space as industry giants,” he said.
Despite the joy of the nomination, Lasizwe acknowledged the pressure that comes with it. “This nomination has pushed us as a team to excel and do better, not only in the quality of work we produce but in figuring out how to work smarter,” he shared.
As the youngest nominee in his category, Lasizwe sees this moment as much bigger than himself. “This nomination shows the people who look up to me that it’s possible. Winning isn’t about me only. It’s for a young person in Sebokeng who uses their last bit of data to watch my content. It means they too can dream of standing on stage and achieving success.”
The success of Awkward Dates continues to grow. Featuring a variety of personalities, Lasizwe revealed that only those who stand out as pioneers in their fields are selected for the show. “We theme our dates based on what we want to highlight, focusing on musicians, actors, and trailblazers. We don’t just pick anyone in the entertainment industry. We look for those who have made a real impact and have a story to tell.”
Building on the momentum, Lasizwe has launched an LGBTQ+ Edition of Awkward Dates, and has plans for an exciting new spin-off called Awkward Dates: Vibe Edition, which will spotlight emerging artists and TikTok content creators. “We’re opening up the industry and showcasing talented TikTokers, proving that they have what it takes to succeed.”
