From crafting award nominated copy to empowering budding voice over talents in South Africa, Sinemivuyo Mpulu has built a career that’s as inspiring as it is impactful. Growing up surrounded by media influences, with his father selling newspapers and his mother working in radio, Sinemivuyo was destined for a journey shaped by creativity and resilience.
As the founder of The VO Factory and Managing Director at Mivuyo Media, he has not only made his mark as a voice over artist but also as a trailblazer in creating opportunities for underrepresented voices in the industry.
In this exclusive interview conducted by Nnenna, Sinemivuyo shares his story, offering valuable insights into the world of voice artistry, the importance of community, and advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps.
Let’s dive into this engaging chat with Sinemivuyo Mpulu.
Can you give us a brief introduction about yourself?
I am a South African professional voice-over artist.
I honestly am, you know, an art enthusiast at heart. It all started when I was young. My dad used to sell newspapers, and my mom was in radio. I got my fair share of knowledge about the media from them.
I decided to build my own career and make a name for myself in the media space. Years later, I’m a professional voice-over artist. I host radio and TV shows, write award-nominated copy, and I’m also an academic on the side. I truly enjoy educating and empowering others.
Where are you from, and how does that affect your work?
Yeah, I think, you know, wherever you are as a voice artist, it has an impact. I’m in South Africa, and it affects me in the sense that I have limited access to information. I can’t always access the best courses, training, or coaching from global coaches.
So, I’m forced to network and take action to move forward. Coming from the Eastern Cape, a province where the arts are not always valued, posed a challenge. It takes time for artists to build a sustainable life through the arts.
That’s why many people move to other parts of the country or bigger cities where they can connect with others and grow their careers. That’s exactly what I did when I came to Johannesburg. From the moment I arrived, my goal was to make a name for myself in the media space. Today, I’ve achieved that by offering relevant services in the arts.
What motivated you to become a voice artist?
I was volunteering at a radio station one day, and I heard the adverts during the ad breaks. I wondered, “Who are these voices?”
So, I did my research, got training, and became a voice artist myself. I discovered it was a part of radio I hadn’t known about. From there, I explored opportunities, like becoming a station voice and recording for multiple radio stations.
How do you define success as an artist?
I think success, for me, used to be about money when I was younger. But now, success is about peace. Peace is such a luxury, and not everyone has it.
For me, success means having peace and doing what I love every day. It doesn’t feel like work—though there’s a lot of effort behind the scenes to make it feel that way.
Would you say you’ve achieved that level of success?
Yeah, I have. Success for me isn’t about booking the biggest job or working for the biggest brand because those brands exist with or without you. I free myself from that mindset.
If I can wake up every day, do what I love, and have peace, I’m successful. For others, success might mean money or big projects, but for me, it’s about living life peacefully as an artist. Money and material things come and go, so I don’t attach my success to them.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
My first influence is definitely my mom, who worked in radio.
Among globally recognized voices, I’d say James Earl Jones, the late voice of Mufasa in The Lion King. As someone with a deep voice, I learned a lot from his performance. His storytelling and the effort he put into his craft are incredibly inspiring.
What inspired you to create The Voice-Over Factory?
The Voice-Over Factory was a response to the lack of community in South Africa.
When I started as a voice artist, I found most of the training and knowledge came from Americans, Brits, and Europeans. While their impact is global, I felt it was important to learn from someone I could relate to—someone black like me.
So, The Voice-Over Factory was born out of the need for a relatable community.
How has your style changed over time?
As I grow, my voice matures, so my style naturally evolves. However, the core of my style remains the same—it’s only enhanced over time.
Flexibility is key. As an artist, you need to adapt to changes in your voice and use them to your advantage. Flexibility also ensures longevity in this industry. Those who adapt, network, and put in the work will be the ones still thriving in 10 or 20 years.
What inspiration can you give to beginners in the industry?
The best advice I can give is to just be yourself.
Close your eyes for a moment and remember: you don’t have to change who you are. I didn’t change the way I speak, dress, or behave. I stayed genuine in my interactions, and that has made my journey beautiful.
Through platforms like VOAfrica, we’re working to celebrate black voice artists, build their dignity, and recognize their efforts. It’s a big step, especially in a country like South Africa, where artists often face systemic challenges.
Sinemivuyo Mpulu’s journey highlights the power of authenticity, perseverance, and community in building a meaningful career. His story is a testament to the importance of staying true to oneself while pushing boundaries to create opportunities for others.
What inspired you most about Sinemivuyo’s insights? Share your thoughts in the comments below. To learn more about his work, follow Sinemivuyo and The VO Factory on Instagram.
A big thank you to Sinemivuyo for sharing his story with us. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations!