Tatenda Nyaruwe, widely recognized as ManLikeTats, at just 21 years old, this Zimbabwean-Australian creative has won hearts with his unfiltered humor, cultural pride, and relatable content, amassing over 27 million likes on TikTok. Beyond his comedic lifestyle, Tats is a national icon celebrated both in Zimbabwe and within the Zimbabwean diaspora across the globe.

Adding another layer to his talent, he plays professional soccer for the Croydon Kings FC in the National Premier Leagues South Australia. With a passion for leveraging digital platforms to inspire change and foster meaningful connections, Tats continues to leave an indelible mark.

In this exclusive My Afrika Magazine interview, conducted by Ronald Ngonidzashe Gwatidzo (RNG), Tats opens up about his brand identity, the journey to becoming a beloved content creator, and his plans to deepen his ties with his home country.

RNG: Let’s start off with the actual brand name. Is it ManLikeTats, KaTats kenyika, or just Tats? Take us through how you came up with these.
TATS: The brand name is ManLikeTats. I started it when I created my TikTok account because I couldn’t think of anything else at the time. Over the years, everyone started calling me Tats. I rarely hear “Tatenda” anymore unless it’s from my close family. As for KaTats kenyika, that came from my Zimbabwean supporters. It started when I began connecting with the Zim audience, which wasn’t always easy—I used to get hated on a lot (😂). But now I’m the Tats of the people, and I love it! Feel free to call me whatever.

RNG: Let’s jump straight into your recent contribution to Zimbabwean advertising. How was the experience of filming the iJoy after Joy advert?
TATS: Working with Econet was amazing. The concept resonated deeply with me—it mirrored my experience of returning to Zimbabwe after 10 years in Australia. The story was written perfectly. The “repeats” during filming were exhausting, but the final product was worth it. I’d love to work with more brands in the future.

RNG: How was it working with Zimbabwean creatives? Did you expect such talent from your home country?
TATS: It was fantastic to collaborate with others in the same field. We all share the same goal: to make people happy. I knew Zimbabwe had talent, but meeting new people who amazed me was a pleasant surprise.

RNG: Besides being the main actor in the advert, did you take on any other roles?
TATS: (Hahaha) No, the main actor role was my first and only role in any production so far.

RNG: So how old is Tatenda Nyaruwe, and is content creation your career path?
TATS: I’m 21 years young, and content creation is slowly becoming my career. It’s challenging to make content creation a “career” in Australia because we don’t get paid for views. Reaching this stage has been a 5-year grind, but it’s been worth it.

RNG: How long have you been in Australia, and have you always spoken Shona in your household?
TATS: I’ve been in Australia since I was 1 and a half, so 20 years. My parents have always spoken Shona to me, although I would respond in English. Now, I’m slowly starting to reply in Shona, too.

RNG: What do you think has been the biggest highlight of your content creation journey?
TATS: Coming to Zimbabwe and feeling the overwhelming love from my home country. It’s been beautiful and something I wouldn’t trade for the world.

RNG: Take us through the creative process behind your videos—scripting, filming, and editing.
TATS: There are no scripts or edits—just one or two takes, depending on whether I say something silly (😂). I try to keep it as authentic and real as possible.

RNG: Would you consider relocating to Zimbabwe?
TATS: I would love to live in Zimbabwe. I’m even thinking about investing back home and relocating my whole family here, God willing. Nothing beats being home.

RNG: Besides being a good Borrowdale dancer, what other traits make you undoubtedly Zimbabwean?
TATS: Besides my Borrowdale dance, I think my overall demeanour is very Zimbabwean (😂). I say “bho here” to everyone, even my white friends. I eat sadza and try to get everyone to eat it, too. Oh, and I never pay people back (😂)—just kidding!

RNG: What more can we expect from Tatenda Nyaruwe in terms of content creation?
TATS: You can expect more authenticity, trips back home, videos of helping others, and streaming content. There’s so much coming, I promise.

RNG: How has your experience in Zimbabwe been so far?
TATS: This has been the best trip ever. My family exposed me to so much, which is vital for someone like me who has lived most of their life in the diaspora. It builds character and gives you a deeper appreciation for your country.

RNG: What are your strengths and weaknesses in content creation?
TATS: My strengths are creativity and spontaneity. My video style hasn’t changed much over 5 years, and I’ve created over 3,000 videos. My weakness would be time management. I’ve recently become a bit lazy, which I think stems from burnout. Taking breaks is something I’m working on.

RNG: You’ve become a national symbol for young people in Zimbabwe and Australia. What advice would you give to those who look up to you?
TATS: Always believe in yourself. Be delusional about your dreams because if you don’t believe in them, who will?