Story by Patience Nyagato
A Zimbabwean comedian popularly known as Tokolosh is proving that laughter and faith can share the same stage but there is a twist. The accounting graduate who turned a mysterious folklore character into a viral comedy sensation is winning major awards, yet the man behind the mask insists on remaining anonymous.
In Zimbabwe’s fast-growing digital comedy space, one unlikely character is capturing millions of views online: “the Tokolosh,” a mischievous creature from African folklore.
Behind the viral persona is a university graduate who once trained for a very different career and refuses to step into the spotlight, preferring to stay behind his charcoal coat mask.
“We did not plan to create this character. It just happened as a joke in a skit, and people received it well. Then we decided to give it more stories and build it. But it is important that people focus on the message, not on me,” Tokolosh said.
What started as a pastime after university has now culminated in recognition at Zimbabwe’s National Arts Merit Awards, one of the country’s highest creative honours.
“It feels surreal. Honestly, I never imagined this. If I could tell my younger self six years ago, I would say just keep going. And do not worry about being famous. Worry about being faithful,” Tokolosh added.
From accounting graduate to award-winning creator, the character is brought to life by a two-man creative team under Code Red Studios.
Sean Khoza, who is the other man behind the Tokoloshi production, says the mission remains unchanged: to preach the word in a different way through comedy.
“First of all, we pray. Then we plan the idea. Sometimes there is a script, sometimes everything just comes naturally,” Code Red Studios, co-producer, Khoza said.
In an age where influencers chase visibility, Tokolosh the character is proving that sometimes the most powerful stories are told from behind the mask.
