Robot Boii is a 30 year-old dancer and singer born on November 19th, 1993, with the real name of Mzwakhe Mbuli Jr, who became famously known for releasing hit songs such as ‘Salary Salary’, ‘Uxolo’, and ‘Lotto’. Robot Boii’s father is Mzwakhe Mbuli, a renowned poet.
Mzwakhe Mbuli Jr is a multi-talented star. Not only has he carved out successful careers as a dancer and musician, but has plied his trade in other aspects of show biz, including acting, TV hosting, voice-over, and comedy. Following in the footsteps of his father, Robot Boii has released many popular songs, as well as his EP docu-series titled Yithi Sonke.
Robot Boii’s Biography Summary
- Full name: Mzwakhe Mbuli Jr
- Nickname: Robot Boii
- Gender: Male
- Date of birth: November 19th, 1993
- Robot Boii’s Age: 30 years old
- Ethnicity: Black
- Nationality: South African
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
- Religion: Christian
- Marital Status: Single
- Robot Boii’s Parents: Mzwakhe Mbuli (father) and Zukiswa Damse (mother)
- Siblings: 2; Older sister and twin sister
- Robot Boii’s Net worth: R7 million
- Famous for: Releasing smash songs like ‘Salary Salary’ and ‘Lotto’
- Robot Boii’s Instagram: @robot_boii
- Twitter: @Robot_Boii
- Facebook: @Robot_Boii
What Is Robot Boii’s Real Name?
In Pimville, Soweto, in South Africa, Robot Boii was born a twin on November 19th, 1993. Though Robot Boii rose to superstardom at the age of 28, he has been active in the entertainment industry for a decade, having begun his dancing career when he was only 15 years old.
Mzwakhe Mbuli Jr is the real name of Robot Boii. As the only son of the family, he was named after his father. Before picking Robot Boii as his stage name, the multi-talented artist first adopted the name Lyrical Sneakers at the early stage of his career.
He explained that he chose the name Robot Boii as he is endowed with many talents: being an actor, drummer, TV host, rapper, comedian, MC, editor, voice-over artist, songwriter, and photographer. And he can swiftly switch to anyone hence the name Robot Boii.
Who Is Robot Boii’s Father?
Robot Boii’s father is Mzwakhe Mbuli, a South African poet and Mbanqanga singer. Also, he was a Deacon at Apostolic Faith Mission Church in Naledi, Soweto. He was born in Sophiatown, Soweto, on August 1st, 1959, which makes him 65 years old.
Robot Boii’s father kickstarted his career in the 1980s and debuted on the global stage in 1990 when he performed with Thomas Mapfumo, Youssou N’dour, and Miriam Makeba in Berlin, Germany. Four years later, he performed at the presidential inauguration of Nelson Mandela. Then on Mandela’s visit to London in 1996, Robot Boii’s father was invited to co-host the Two Nations Concert in honor of the president.
He later took part in the recording of the fundraising Aids Album in the United Kingdom. Sadly, in March 1999, Mzwakhe Mbuli was convicted of armed robbery and possession of a hand grenade despite denying committing such crimes. Even though his supporters insisted that he was framed for speaking against corruption, the acclaimed poet spent four years at the Leeuwkop Maximum Security Prison and was released on parole in November 2003.
Also, during the apartheid era, Robot Boii’s father was detained repeatedly for his revolutionary activities and for playing a leading role in the United Democratic Front. For his resounding success in poetry, Mbuli has been given monikers such as The Voice of Reason, The People’s Poet, and Mbulism.
List of Mzwakhe Mbuli’s Popular Poems
- Change Is Pain (1986)
- Unbroken Spirit (1986)
- Resistance Is Defence (1992)
- Africa (1993)
- KwaZulu-Natal (1996)
- Mbulism (2004)
Robot Boii’s Career as a Dancer and Singer
Robot Boii began showcasing his dancing talent while attending Mondeor High School. He moved on to form a dance group, adopting the professional name Lyrical Sneakers. He eventually left the group to pursue a solo career. And took part in some dancing competitions, including the Urban Dance Competition and the South African Dance Company.
As dancing goes alongside music, Robot Boii subsequently started making music. He became famous for incorporating exceptional dance moves in his musical performances. In 2022, he released a smash song, ‘Salary Salary’ which transitioned him into a music star. He is also known to have released songs like ‘Oksalayo’, ‘Uxolo’, and ‘Lotto’, which have gained massive airplay.
Additionally, Mzwakhe Mbuli Jr has worked together with DJ Sphume Da in his single, ‘Nkalakatha’. He was also featured in Lady Du‘s song, ‘Phezulu’ feat. Toss and T-Man SA. Ahead of his EP release, Robot Boii and producer, Nhlonipho dropped a three-part documentary series, Yinthi Sonke, in January 2023.
The docuseries shows the behind-the-scenes of the creation of the EP and the various individuals who contributed to it. The amapiano singer performed in Dubai for the first time in February 2023.
Robot Boii’s Songs
- Salary Salary
- Uxolo
- Lotto
- Not Tobetsa
- Oksalayo
- Ntwana Yami
- Mgwagia Ndani
- Nono
- Thandanani
Robot Boii’s Salary
Robot Boii became more popular in early 2022 when he dropped a single titled, ‘Salary Salary,’ featuring Mellow & Sleazy and Soul Revolver. The song became a viral sensation not only in Mzansi but the world at large. A few weeks after its release, the song had more than one million views on YouTube. It also debuted at No. 79 on the South African Music Charts.
The Soweto-born additionally created social media content with his #SalaryChallenge, and it trended on social media platforms, especially Tik Tok. Bontle Modiselle, Somizi Mhlongo, and Owamie Mafokate were among the public figures who participated in the viral #SalaryChallenge.
TV and Comedy Gigs
Before his rise to fame, Robot Boii had made appearances in several TV commercials. He appeared in adverts for Coca-Cola and the Wimpy Nom Nom Mondays. Later in 2020, the 30 was given the opportunity to show off his comedic skills as the presenter of the Lockdown House Party.
He then landed his second hosting gig in 2022 when he co-hosted the 28th South African Music Awards (SAMA) along with comedian and actor, Mpho Popps Modikane. The two had resonating comedic energy and were a pleasure to watch. As a result of his classic performance, Robot Boii was named the host of the second annual South African Amapiano Awards held at Sun Arena on April 2nd, 2023.
More so, the talented musician was part of the Comedy Central Roast of Khanyi Mbau. He was initially considered to be among the panel that roasted Khanyi Mbau, but with him not having enough scandals to his name, he was asked to introduce the actress. Robot Boii impressed the audience with his introduction as he used the same poetry style his father is known for.
Robot Boii Launched a Podcast in March 2023
After co-hosting the SAMA Award, Mpho Popps and Robot Boii realized they have a mind-blowing comedic energy flow. Hence, they teamed up to launch a podcast titled, Popcorn and Cheese in March 2023. The podcast falls under MacG‘s Podcast and Chill offering. However, the comedians have promised to provide a balance for the guests on the podcast for them to be at ease on the show.
They also explained that their audience would have a good laugh and equally learn from the podcast as they will interview people with humorous characters and hear their success stories. New episodes of Popcorn and Cheese are released every Wednesday at 3 PM on YouTube.
Robot Boii’s Girlfriend
It’s uncertain whether Robot Boii has a girlfriend, as he has successfully kept his love life private. Though he once revealed in an interview that girls do come to him as a comedian to have a great time, he never disclosed whether there is a special lady in his life. Hence, the ‘Lotto’ hitmaker is said to be single.