Paul Mvulane Mnisi (also known as Rudeboy Paul) is undoubtedly a multimedia powerhouse. The talented and award-winning broadcaster, musician, poet and MC serves as an inspiration to many, simply by staying true to himself and doing what he loves.  Currently on Radio 2000, Mnisi’s broadcasting journey started in the ‘90s. Speaking to Nounouche, he reminisced about the journey of his long-standing love story with the airwaves.

“There was a newspaper advertisement for Voice of Soweto where they were looking for presenters. I auditioned, got a call back and I was taken. Not as a presenter though, as a news reader. That’s where I started my career in radio.” Before that, Mnisi was a presenter on an environmental television show known as Ecovision. With more than 25 years in the broadcasting industry, the talented creative shared how his authenticity has been a big contributor towards the longevity of his career.  “I think I just chose my own lane. It was a natural progression that when I got into radio, as commercial as radio is, I just had to find my niche that satisfies me and encompasses who I am,” he shared. 

Over the years, he has successfully managed to merge different forms of art into his work. These include poetry and music. “When it comes to poetry, naturally, the music you listen to is the music that is more conscious and that gives off a message. So, by the time ’97 came and YFM launched, it was systematic for me to slot in all those elements; the literature and the conscious music into my shows. I think that’s how I progressed, and I vowed never to divert from that until this point,” he shared.  Mnisi’s authenticity and hard work have resulted in an inspirational career and many awards under his belt. However, he views his career highlight as making music and sharing it with the world. “At some stage, we put together a mini-band. I had the late Mabe Thobejane who was part of Malombo with Dr Phillip Tabane, and we collaborated and spent about two years travelling.”

With Mnisi on the turntables and Monareng on the drums, the musical collective was booked in many parts of Europe.  “That was just a period of my life where I just found solace because I was still on YFM, but I could find those gaps and get out there. I could just meet various people from different corners of the world and play music to them,” he said. 

Stepping aside and journeying to self 

Although Mnisi had been to many parts of the world and connected with different people through music, there came a time when he stepped aside and disconnected to connect to self.  “I had to unplug from it all because too much of anything is not good for you.  I took a risk to a degree, but I had to unplug so that I find myself. I had been everywhere else but I hadn’t been to me,” he said. Indeed, his career hiatus was worth it as he returned stronger, better and wiser. 

Being African and one with nature

On the pursuit of self, Mnisi discovered his interconnection with nature and attained a better understanding of African spirituality. When asked what being African means to him, the talented broadcaster expressed how it is very much linked to staying true to self, understanding your roots and being one with nature. He has had the privilege of learning from the late Credo Mutwa and continues to learn from other enlightened and informed beings including  Mkhulu Nsingiza. “I think, being in a world classified as a global village, we can easily lose ourselves. African spirituality just encompasses nature. As seasons change, there are certain things you need to do to revive your spirit. So it’s all about connecting with nature, it’s really that simple.” He further added that it is the lack of accurate knowledge about African spirituality which often leads to confusion. “Because we have not grown up with it, or we have not attained enough knowledge about it, it leaves us in sixes and sevens because we don’t know that nature of nature,” said Mnisi. 

Through his podcast House of Sankofa, his music as well and his online platforms, Mnisi continues to make it a point to share and empower through knowledge. “African spirituality is sacred knowledge that we should be living with on an everyday basis but we have forsaken it because of the Western culture that has infiltrated our lives.” Be that as it may, he strongly believes in a thriving future for Africa and its people.  “I have hope and belief that one day, something is going to happen. Africa will thrive again.”    When he is not on the airwaves or discussing pertinent topics on his podcast, Mnisi can be found spending time in nature, travelling or attending a music festival. “I love music and I enjoy seeing my favourite musicians. I also like to be out in nature, near rivers or near mountains where I can find peace. It’s great to just soak in the greatness of nature and what it is. Very simple but satisfying for me.”

Empowerment through knowledge 

As he continues to entertain, educate and inspire through authenticity, Mnisi hopes to leave a legacy of empowerment through knowledge. “I want people to understand that all you need to do is live and be connected to nature,” he shared.  “On the broadcasting part, I’m just trying to infiltrate information that I stumble upon and pass the baton to those who are inspired by what I’m doing.  We can only go so far. And once you’ve given the baton to others, then it takes us further.”