Imagine a universe where South Africa is under siege from the Swazis and Sothos and the only people standing in their way is a character named Zulu Boy and his friend Rudolph, an alien who sounds suspiciously white and suburban. There’s Jesus of the ANC who visits Zulu Boy in his sleep and tells him that the lord wants him to transfer money on the computer. A world where Shaka Zulu battles with the legendary samurai Hattori Hanzo and kicks his ass alongside Bonang the Camel Toe and the shaky hand of Madala at the Manhood School. This the wicked world of the Izikhokho Show.
Mdu’s Comics have been going viral all over the interweb for some time now with a slew of handmade animation classics like Jesus of the ANC, Shaka Zulu vs Hattori Hanzo and the Izikhokho Show. In case you don’t know what I’m talking about click here and take the next hour to get yourself up to speed. We thought it was high time we touched base with comic artist Mdu Ntuli, the man behind Mdu Comics.
Where are you from, where’d you go to school? How’d you get into comic animation? What do your parents, friends, ex-girlfriends think of your chosen career?
I’m from Witbank Emalahleni Mpumalanga, I did my schooling there and my tertiary at Wits. Drawing cartoons was just a hobby at first. But that changed after working for Rico (the Madam and Eve cartoonist) years ago as an intern. I don’t even think my mom understands what I do til today. Sometimes I think she wants me to be a policeman. My ex-girlfriends liked it at first until they realize that it doesn’t make any money, then…
Eish… So how did Mdu Comics come about?
I remember re-drawing Ninja Turtles from magazines in my childhood. I also remember getting the first copy of Spawn from a friend which inspired me to do my own comic book. But the one event that made decide to take it seriously was when I drew a cartoon for the Wits University newspaper that everybody liked. The cartoon was so good that one of my lecturers had it pasted on the wall of his office while he was grilling me about my poor academic performance.
What’s the backstory to Zulu Boy?
After doing a few animated cartoons for Red Pepper & Urban Brew it was time to attempt it on my own. Zuluboy & Rudolph was my first no-budget creation where everybody volunteered to do it. After we came from the studio we were so convinced it was going to flop with the number of errors we made in the recording. But when we mixed everything up those errors made these characters lovable.
What’s your day job?
I am graphic designer, programmer and illustrator that is what pays the bills.
What’s the plan with Zulu Boy – where’s it going from here?
For now it’s just to produce more web content when we can, unfortunately. But the master plan is a full length movie.
What’s the story arc?
Mnaka and Gogo Moloi want to take over South Africa because their countries (Swaziland and LeSotho) are surrounded by South Africa. Zuluboy and his alien friend Rudolph help us by fight these two.
How come Rudolph is an alien but he speaks like a whitey? Hang on! What are you trying to say…
Rudolph is supposed to be a super intelligent alien. He is supposed to represent someone who has no background or experience of what it’s like living in South Africa. When we went to the studio everybody volunteered, there wer no auditions and Mike Scott (another brilliant local animator) stepped up and agreed to do Rudolph’s voice and walla!
How does the animation industry in South Africa differ from that overseas?
There’s only one thing; the budget. Budget dictates how much time you have to create the product which in turn affects the quality. In South Africa we just don’t have that luxury.
How difficult is it to make a show like Zulu Boy? How much does it cost? Who funds it? What do you need to get it going big time?
It all boils down to how difficult is it to draw. For me, it’s easy I suppose. It’s just a question of time. I do not know how much it costs officially, but my estimate is anything between R3000 to R15000 per minute, depending on the complexity of the animation. Given those numbers you can see how much we need to go big.
Izikhokho episodes like “Jesus of the ANC” are pretty politically provocative. How much feedback have you got on that. What does your family say?
The “Jesus of the ANC” cartoon was a hit. I even know some ANC people who have it on their phones. I think people understand that it’s just a cartoon. What does my famiIy say? Hands down, the funniest thing they have ever seen.
Is there a lot of pressure on you? You’re one of the only black animators in the country… and you’re pretty outspoken towards the ANC and the ruling elite. Is there some fall out from that?
Nobody has called and threatened to sue me, so there’s no pressure. The only pressure I have is to create more content while I have to deliver the paying jobs.
I’m certainly not the only black animator, maybe the only independent one. Many more will emerge, I’m sure of it.
I like the ANC and its policies it’s just that it is surrounded by parasites (People who don’t want to earn their wealth they just want shortcuts).
What would you like to communicate through animated cartoons?
First I want to show the people (my people mostly) that it is possible to make animated cartoons that tell our own stories. I want to communicate everything: comedy, action, drama, education.
What can we expect in the future from Mdu Comics?
I have a strong passion for what I do. And I want expand the skills, the team and genres until one day when we have dedicated channel to broadcast Africa’s animated cartoons. But for now expect some more web clips and a movie sometime soon.
I am married to Shangaan man n we both thought it was funny, its about seeing the fun it
Yoh man i love your cartoons ,they are the best thing i ever seen in SA ,i wish i could voice one of your cartoon.
I love what you do, how can one be part of your creations…i also love drawing, very create.
hola… yo cartoons are off the hook..iam a big fan, its very creative,and represent kasi life.. hope to see it broadcasting on T.V soon
You may not realise this but I am a devout Christian and find your latest “creation” incredibly offensive, blasphemous and down-right crossing-the-line putrid. I don’t know or care what your motivation or crappy rationale is behind this crap but let me just say this: If you can have the balls to air this shit, then please be so bold as to accept the fact that I think your weakly animated, low budget presentation reeks of Kaffer sweat and equally-minded fuck-holes. Now that surely doesn’t offend you right? Is this the “heritage (or herecy) you keep slapping in our faces day after God Damned day, or is it just another way of saying that your culture dictates you crap under bushes whether in loin cloths or suit… But at the same time you WILL marry in white with all the trimmings. Surely Christ is larger and Baby Jesus weeps for your Ethnically Blatant abomonation. I fucking DARE you to post this you Kaffer-hugging people. Thank you for advertising the fact that Jesus is a Thieving Black Kaffer, proudly wearing the ANC badge. Rather have the Kaffer burn a tyre and strike because of poor delivery by YOUR elected Governent. Health Issues? Safety Issues? Oh yes, we now have a Kaffer Jesus to take care of that. Thank you guys – you truly deserve a Nobel Prize for Crapindoctronation and yet another feeble attempt at another “apartheid” speech. Go for Gold!
Dude u e best .. me n ma boys always make fun of each other based on ur cartoons n b4 I slip I loyiproof ma self (pray) lol
Tjo dis is gr8 I wSh I ws able to download em wth my blckberry tjo the limpompo guy.big up&ja kip up da gud wek
john also known as big j is a huge fan of mbu comics plz keep it us yall rock
MDU boi stupendous job baba I see an impire on the horizon and it has your name on it boi RULE>>>oh! At ANONYMOUS you’re just THAT kwaaaaaa!!!
I LOVE your work man. Mbuzi, sbhonyonyo, sthayi & leselo, Jesu uyi Shangaan Hhaayyiiii man ROTFL
Keep it up!!
For someone to understand your comic, they need to have a sense of humour, with none of that, they will take offence OBVIOUSLY, NO SENSE OF HUMOUR, LOL! I am a Christian and do not take this with any offence, it is humour.
Too Anonymous commented 7 Sept 2012
Your language is too offensive and vulgar and mentioning that you are a Christian for that matter, Please man True Christians are humble in everything they say even when against something. You are now giving us true Christians a bad name. Watch what you say!! God Bless
So, author, do you know where I can like, buy your comic books … Is very sexy. XD
YHO GUYS U ARE REALY TALENTED KEEP IT UP. YOUR JOKES ARE GOOD I REALY ENJOY YOUR VIDS
Guyz u r great so dnt gv up on ur shwz i wnt 2 gv u a gud luc on ur vid
you guys rock, keep up the good work.
Yoh… Dis anonymous person really got to me cos i can clearly see that hes jealous.. Talking abt fake christians.. U shldnt have mentioned ur fake christianity maybe he wouldv felt offended.
wow deyr r de funniest clip comedy ever please continue with the good job your doing wow your very creative esp Gogo Moloi,my favourite part is when uJesu i.e from anc comes and the another guy say “Ha Jesu kante umnyana so” and replies “Not really kuyashisa ngilose icomplexion” BIG UPS
Your comics are great keep it up!!! An to anonymous why don’t you buy yourself a plane ticket an fokof to australia. We don’t need your kind in this beautiful country. Jou bliksem
Brother, I am very proud of you man. You have cut short a dream I have, I intended to go to Japan and learn more about their passion for anime and there you are bro. I guess we now have to invest in your work and expand bro. There are so many anime lovers out there and you have already branded you technique as Azanian bro and that’s the killer. I will talk to you guys soon. Big ups! To Christians and Muslims, and all those full of judgement and confiction of righteousness, your days are coming. Remember Jesus is was not a christian and died Not a christian and risen Not a christian. So your christian brand originate in Rome not in Jesus footsteps. Jesus was not judgemental and hated madafakas like you. Haters of jokes, fun and happiness. Jesus rocks bro, he was a teacher and not a judge. So all you christians claiming to be his follwers because the Pope and the Queen and the Luthers and the Wesleys tellls you so, you are follwers of these faks NOT Jesus. Stop going to church and read your bible, you will see that you are not following Jesus burt the priest and because you do not have a backbone and need to belong. You are programmed to defend indefensible acts. One final thing for that angry and apartheid babalased fela, you have been lied to and you will die not knowing the truth about who you are and what love is because you were told how to live and who to love and who to hate. I feel sorry you and those who live and think like you. You are a pawn of Hendrik Verwoerd and all those who have dispossessed your right to think indepedantly just like the church does for its members. You will never know who Jesus was as long you wait for the priest to tell you. Read and reflect! You will know how fun and good life is in this so called end times. Mdu, just put this animation brother!
Great work dude, especially on Jesus being a Shangaan….i.e “Dear God, sengizibulele ke (lolest) ….and “angihambe ngosik’isinkwa” (another lol for me)…plus ngicela amasaka ama-orange ayi-four”——-can’t stop laughing every time I watch this one which is the only one I’ve seen from your work buddy, so i say produce more of this nature we need it!!!!lol!
Good job my chinas. I wonder would Ass-nonymous be as offended if it was a white Jesus… God created humor FYI. Imbecile!
DAT IS A GOOD SHOW N I REALLY LIKE IT THANX GUYZ I LIKE DE INKANDLA HOUSE FEEDING FISH N CHIPS
Hey brada. Keep up wit da gud work!
shit that was funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!kaa-skhokho!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yho man, your animations are tops, they are the best in south africa, loving them. Keep up the good work.
Whoz dis racist pig living in the bundu era of white ignorance. He subsequently decides to disclose that his Christian, so we can think his holier than though, well that’s pure quagmire. And Jesus is black, go do your research and stop dwelling on your forefathers caucasian propaganda, the white Jesus was formed, to make the white nation seem very supreme. Even in the so called bible,everything is distorted to suit white supremacy and this so called bible is written by the vatican maffiozo, who proclaim that Constantine so a sign of the shiro, that’s all lies he converted for political reasons, because the matyrs of Jesus were growing drastically. Getting back to the subject at hand, izikhokho your creative portrayal is absolutely provocative. Therefore you red-necks better start comprehending the facts we are here and we are here to stay. So respect us because we are here to stay. By the way you piece of backyard white trash, you have no gutspah whatsoever, can’t even stand up for your own beliefs that you even choose to remain anonymous, you such a pitter patter dolt of human existence. Go back to your Nazi ways school of thought and cocoon yourself with pure foolishness. IZIKhokho KEEP ON DOING WHAT YOU DO BEST AND NEVER LET SUCH WHITE TRASH DOWNGRADE YOUR LEVEL OF ACUMEN
I
Your cartoons are so funny I like how the zulu boy walks on omo dude
From one creative to another, u the ish bro. U realy work hard to show the world your talent. Keep up the good work and dnt mind the negative comments. I love Jesus and the national party but this is Art……Have fun. Im sure Jesus loves your work. Remember..ART IS ANYTHING YOU CAN GET AWAY WITH.
yo ,bra yo comics are rily good .even we like them.and we r in zim.dats how far dey can go.fuck those peeps who think they r shit ;i m a christian bt i lyk dem
Hayi ndoda, u have outdone yourself. More especially about the Bra Tjotjo. Ayi No, The voice over artist kills me. Can I have his name
Lonondindwa webhunu obhala lamasimba la ngyamnyanya akahambe ayogeza, udlala umona uhlulwa nokuzibamba ukuth u darkie angenzinto enje its time guyz to show this kokoroshes thy r nt wellcome hear ngo 1900 nahluleka ukuphatha isouth africa siyanazi nd siyawufunda umlando wenu lezinto ezingenasiko ezingenangqondo niyaziwa umhlaba wonke ukuthi ni Dom vele like ur very own tien Dom sien. Futhi ningakhohlwa ukuthi siyazi nanenziwani abantu abamnyama ngesikhathi sobandlululo. Nd to remind u do u remember when ur brothers and fathers went to the military nd leave u with ur mothers while u were stil young. I bet u don’t know. Well we do nd u dnt wanna take us back then. And don’t u think we got this country back because u had mercy on us no its because ur mothers cudnt stand to c more blood and the brutality that were taking place while they were alone with the kids. So watch ur fuckin mouth. To mdu my brother its time u write the truth ngamacartoons akho baba sizokuxhasa. Ndlela kasompisi.
Bafethi yibambeni kanjalo ningayiyeki iyonwabisa.
Ha Ha, LoL…Mdu comics Rocks in the future maybe next year would love to see a movie, and for the “critics, haters, jealous ones, christians, political members, or whoever who does not find it funny”, its only a comedy don’t take it seriously or personally.
Mdu u put mpumalanga on de map man ,i like ur comic ….oh lord ngiyilo strong
Dude keep it up you did some thing different from other people nice like it, people they should know this are jokes nothing more shiya umona duh!!
Ayi bafwethu amnandi amahlaya enu kep it up guyz
Guys zakhepa with cartoons, I enjoy evrting in this cartoons
Guys cartoons they are very interesting,I cnt get enough of them’they allways in my mind to make me kwaaaakwaaakwas,ziyawa with this cartoons
I love it! I love it I LOOOOVE IT!!! Hahahaha yerrrrrr you’re funny..actually that’s an understandment. You are hilarious hahahahahaha hyuuuuuwiiii yong maan!!! Love the limpopo one (^^,) *aw’thi ngiz’ loy’ proofe* hahha gosh!
Hahahaha oh crap!!! I meant understatement:)))
yo man mdu ma bro im a follower of ur cartoons they rock this world man like the 2 says jesu uyishangane,R11 4 lt of petrol man i wsh i cn got my voice thre
HE MBUZI NKHUTJIWE NGLIMELE UBHONSI JESU NGIKUTJEKILE I X-RAY YAKHO MARA NKUBONE I DNA YAKHO
Ay Mdu bhuda ay uy’doc mata bt creating en let hope u will promote it on TV soon
I’m very talented I have lots of ideas I want to start my own cartoon show,but I don’t knw where to start
How can I get started
Hw do I download plz hlp
I luv izikhokho vids, u guys r talentd . Keep up tha gud job. I luv the one with the petrol rising and the toll gates. LUV IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I luv izikhokho vids, u guys r talentd . Keep up tha gud job. I luv the one with the petrol rising and the toll gates. LUV IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!bt the problem iz tht I can’t download them . Help…
thank you guys
Lol,cool cartoon man they rock.very funny .as for the white “redneck ” you still far from home african is not you native land , you are just an obstacle in the parth of free minded people.
Slave of you own imagination,free you mind redneck”you not even white you are pink” like Pig
I.m totally inspired by your work @mdu. and I.m also having my own animations on youtube. maybe if we can join forces. we can shake south Africa and other countries.. checkout my videos on YouTube search. for Tm901016
Your comics are nice but don’t put God’s name in them
Mdu ure cartoons rock but just re,ember try not to offend pplz races in anyway
Bro_u rocking de he_l out me
Izikhokho rocks thats all I can say , enjoy everything you produce . If you have full videos not the clips , please send me the link to download ….
Nc vdz zkh0kh0 kp it up
tjo guys ur videos r so much funny and i enjoy them everytimes i watch them and to you i wnt 2 sy big up and keep doing ur great job…LOL zulu boy
Bg up
Es waar my boss, izikhokho are the greatest ntwana, maybe you should produce a full movie. Bosso yadi Bosso
Ola mdu, please do something about that anonymous comment my bra or better yet let ujesu or sponyonyo say something about it lol…and big up!