With social media increasingly shaping public discourse, a new kind of "artist" is stepping into the spotlight — the influencer. One such figure drawing the attention of thousands online is Mashudu Lucky Ndou, better known as Galinkuta.
Ndou, who hails from Tshitavha Sambandou, only began to discover his passion for entertainment in high school. But it was in 2019, after buying his first iPhone, that he fully committed to content creation. Initially sharing videos on WhatsApp, his content quickly went viral as viewers circulated his clips within their own groups — marking the start of his rise to social-media stardom.
His popularity soared after he launched his TikTok page, where his entertaining and relatable videos gained him a broader following. As his reach grew, even more established creators began reposting his videos, helping them spread even further.
In addition to his success on social media, Galinkuta has ventured into music. What began as a playful extension of his content soon became a more serious pursuit. His music, like his videos, resonates with his audience — turning a casual hobby into a potential career path.
Despite his rapid rise to fame, Mashudu remains humble and grounded, crediting his success to divine intervention. He admits, however, that the sudden attention can be overwhelming, especially as it coincided with his plans to return to his studies.
"Sometimes I feel like the devil is talking to me because this attention came at a time when I was determined to go back to school," he says. "But at the end of the day, this has allowed me to put food on the table and take care of my family. That's a blessing."
Mashudu encourages other young people to prioritise education. "I believe every young person should make studies their priority," he says. "Once you have that qualification, then you can explore your talents and qualities."