Misunderstood

This week’s episode, Khumo Kumalo sits down with a dear friend, former Misunderstood co-host from the early days and recent graduate from the London School of Economics, Lethokuhle Sikhosana.In this conversation, they unpack South Africa, from its politics and cities to the diversity that makes it home. It is a conversation about home for the final episode of Misunderstood.In the episode, they unpack the state of local government elections and the importance of understanding coalition politics. They discuss how coalition politics affects local government and why it is important to understand the political decisions shaping South Africa’s cities.They also dissect and unpack Helen Zille’s campaign, what it means for Joburg and whether Cape Town is the aspiration. The conversation looks at the differences between these cities, the political narratives surrounding them and what they represent in the wider conversation about South Africa.Finally, Letho shares some of his insights from studying overseas, and how it forced him to reframe his understanding of diversity, culture, people and, most importantly, politics.Studying overseas gave Letho a different perspective on home and challenged the way he understood the people, cultures and political systems that shape South Africa.This is a conversation about home, politics, identity and perspective. It is a reflection on South Africa and the many ways it can be understood and misunderstood.This episode is a testament to what it means to be Misunderstood.

This week on Misunderstood, Khumo Kumalo sits down with Rae du Plooy, the 2026 Savanna Comics’ Choice Newcomer Award winner, for a conversation about the world of comedy and the journey behind becoming a performer.Together, they unpack what it takes to run a comedy room, the work involved in creating a space for comedians and the preparation that goes into the Newcomers Showcase. They explore the world of comedy beyond what audiences see on stage, looking at the effort, pressure and preparation that shape a performance.Rae shares insight into his own life and comedic journey, from watching his first comedy show and discovering his inspiration, to performing on stage for the first time. Having done stand-up for only three years, Rae reflects on the path that has taken him from beginning his comedy career to winning the 2026 Savanna Comics’ Choice Newcomer Award.This conversation does not only focus on the end point. It looks at everything that happens along the way — the first moments of inspiration, the decision to step onto a stage, the process of finding a voice and the experiences that continue to shape a performer.Rae also speaks openly about what it feels like to perform. He shares whether he still gets nervous, what pressure feels like and how it felt to open for a major show. He reflects on the expectations that come with being recognised and the reality of continuing to grow while performing in front of an audience.This is a conversation about comedy, ambition, vulnerability and the journey behind the achievement. It is raw, it is funny and it is most definitely Misunderstood.

This week on Misunderstood, Khumo Kumalo sits down with his dear friend, Lufefe Radebe, for an intimate and thought-provoking conversation about their love for words, writing and the ways in which identity is formed through stories.Together, they unpack the stories we carry and the stories that shape us. They explore how these stories are told, who they are told by, whose voices are given importance and what those stories are ultimately meant to represent. Through their conversation, Khumo and Lufefe reflect on the relationship between language, identity and the meaning we create from our experiences.Lufefe also shares insight into his life and the experiences that have shaped his perspective — from rationalising death as a constant, to carrying the pressure of survivor’s guilt and navigating the world that comes with unexpected change.This is a conversation about the things we often struggle to articulate. It is an episode about grace, love and the courage required to sit with hard conversations. It is a reflection on the world from a different perspective, and an exploration of the emotions, questions and experiences that are often misunderstood.At its heart, this conversation asks us to consider how people become the stories they inherit, the stories they tell and the stories that others tell about them.This conversation is the embodiment of Misunderstood.Content note: This episode includes discussions of death, grief, survivor’s guilt and unexpected

This week episode: Khumo Kumalo sits down with his former co-host and dear friend Otsile Nkadimeng – a “Born Free” reunion of sorts. In this episode they unpack the world of business, politics and the upcoming local election.Otsile shares some insight into his newfound experience starting a startup, Pako, in South Africa. From the idea to the various successes and challenges they have had, he shares what it means to be a young entrepreneur.Furthermore, Khumo and Otsile both unpack the state of politics, looking at what happens to South African politics in the upcoming election and what evolutions have occurred in South African politics that make it different yet the same.Finally, Otsile sheds light on SoWeVote and the work they continue to do as the election season begins to slowly approach.Tune in for the full episode.

This week, episode Khumo Kumalo sits down with a friend, former teammate, and namesake, Khumo Molefakgotla. In this episode, they take a trip down memory lane, unpacking where their interests and journeys started and how they have evolved over time.More specifically, Khumo reflects on his debating journey, from merely starting the sport to finishing 1st in the country and 17th in the world just two years later. He also gives insight into what it was like preparing for the world stage.Furthermore, he shares a little bit about his drive and how it has allowed him to reach new feats and heights, even while taking the unconventional path. He also sheds light on the world of Harvard.Finally, Khumo discusses the EP he dropped prior to his departure, shedding light on how to conclude the chapters that were left in life. Music was a way of both introducing himself to the world and showing appreciation for life.

This week episode Khumo Kumalo has the joy and privelege of sitting down with Inkinga Yomhlaba. In this episode they unpack his mixtape IY., understanding the story, narrative and journey that allowed him to create the mixtape.Furthermore, in the episode they speak about his upcoming mixtape “KWASUKASUKELA” made with TJ Zulu and Sakhile. Dropping this coming Friday, he shares some insight into what to expect - "whole lot of green".Finally they unpack his philosophy in creating and in music. A philosophy embody and emboldened by love. He shares a little light into why we should love more, how music is everything and how love is the bedrock of all that we do.

Khumo Kumalo sits down with Oreoluwa Alaba to unpack his long, layered journey through the creative industry. Oreoluwa began editing around 15–16 years old, already working with projects and influences such as Overtime, Ball Is Life and Ayo & Tao. From those early days he moved into modelling, learning lessons about presence, self-presentation and the industry’s expectations. Eventually he chose to move behind the camera and commit to videography — not as a simple career swap but as a way to take ownership of the creative process, to shape narrative and craft visuals on his own terms. In this episode we follow that transition in detail: what motivated him to leave modelling for film, how he developed a process that reflects his identity, and the practical and creative steps he took to become a versatile, high‑value creative in the space. Above all, we hear Oreoluwa’s personal perspective on enjoying being Misunderstood—how that framing has affected his work, his risks, and his freedom as an artist. Listen for a complete, first‑person account of a creative path that moves from teenage editing into thoughtful, intentional filmmaking.

This week on Misunderstood, Khumo Kumalo sits down with Jaden Piper for an engaging conversation about music, creativity, and the realities of building a life around the art of DJing.Jaden shares the story of his journey into music, reflecting on how a deep personal passion developed into a professional pursuit that he approached both passionately and academically. He discusses the experiences, influences, and lessons that have shaped his growth as a DJ and creative practitioner.Together, they unpack what the life of a DJ truly looks like beyond performances and playlists. The discussion explores the many people, systems, and moving parts involved in creating spaces where music can thrive, highlighting the collaborative effort required to build environments where artists can connect with audiences and culture can flourish.The conversation also touches on Jaden's decision to spend much of the year away from regular performances. He shares why stepping back became necessary, how that period created room for reflection and development, and what he has been working on behind the scenes as he focuses on a larger creative project.Throughout the episode, Jaden offers thoughtful perspectives on the role of music in society and the responsibility of artists to foster connection through their work.As he puts it:"Music was made to include, never exclude. It is the universal language of the world, and it connects us all one beat at a time."A conversation about purpose, community, artistic growth, and the enduring power of music to bring people together.Listen now on Misunderstood.

This week on Misunderstood, Khumo Kumalo sits down with comedian Sacre Kayemba, one of the exciting new voices emerging from South Africa's comedy scene and recently featured on the Savanna Comedy Top 20 Newcomers Showcase.In an open and engaging conversation, Sacre reflects on his personal journey, sharing the experiences that shaped his outlook on life and ultimately led him to comedy. He discusses how finding humour in everyday experiences became more than entertainment—it became a way to connect, communicate, and tell meaningful stories.Khumo and Sacre explore the unique challenges and opportunities that come with performing comedy in a country as culturally diverse as South Africa. They discuss the importance of understanding different communities, adapting to different audiences, and embracing language and lived experience as tools for connection and growth.The conversation also tackles the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on creativity, storytelling, and the future of comedy. Together they examine how technology is reshaping the entertainment landscape and what it means for comedians navigating an increasingly digital world.Sacre also shares how his relationship with comedy has evolved over time—from a passion for making people laugh to a deeper appreciation for storytelling and authentic expression. He reflects on the changing nature of the comedy industry, the opportunities presented by digital media, and the lessons he has learned along the way.Filled with humour, insight, cultural reflection, and honest conversation, this episode offers a compelling look into the journey of a comedian carving out his place in South Africa's evolving creative landscape.Join us for another episode of Misunderstood as we continue exploring the stories, perspectives, and experiences that shape who we are.

This week episode Khumo Kumalo and Chasing Sunday (Luke Robinson) sit down to unpack his creative journey. From the name Chasing Sunday to his first release and now his upcoming album this is the story of Chasing Sunday.Khumo and Chasing Sunday unpack their journey together from pre-primary school to the then now podcast. Beyond shadowing each other and watching each other journeys they saw the development and growth of the identity Chasing Sunday come to light. But not absent the countless other little project that contributed to the full artist.Finally, Chasing Sunday gives insight to his upcoming album which has been in development for over a few year now. Shares the name of the album and the message that he hopes to share with the world.It another Monday, we are here with as you enjoy being Misunderstood. Let us know who we should have on next.