YDA JURY 2019: Mzilikazi Kumalo


Mzilikazi Kumalo
Director / Founder
Osu / Kumalo Creative Production
Johannesburg, South Africa

Mzilikazi "Mzi" Kumalo is a well respected commercials director within the South African Commercials industry. Best known for his profound of way delivering memorable character performances coupled with a strong aesthetic eye that he inherited from his late father, Alf Kumalo, who was one of South Africa's legendary Photographers.

Mzi is a vibrant, positive and energetic being, who has an appetite for new cultures and global trends. This is translated through his work that is culturally relevant and engaging. He continues to surprise audiences with a refreshed outtake of his creative work. He has a keen interest in telling authentic stories and showing the unspoken dynamic in human relations, Mzi says “the subtleties we exchange speak volumes. That’s partly why I enjoy being a director, there is so much involved in our communication as human beings and its great that one gets to craft and curate that for screen, be it through advertising or telling stories’.

As co-owner and Creative Partner at Osu & Kumalo Creative Production, he has found his groove and looks forward to being more instrumental in the change the industry needs.