Life & Work with NKOSI NSUMBU of OBSERVATORY

Today we’d like to introduce you to NKOSI NSUMBU.

Hi NKOSI, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in an environment that wasn’t ideal, but I always had big dreams—dreams that others didn’t quite understand at the time. Despite the negativity around me, I believed in myself and imagined I could become an athlete, actor, model, or businessman. There were defining moments along the way—like seeing someone in a magazine who looked like me, and later, another person in an ad who made me believe I could be like them. Those moments shaped my vision for who I could be.

At 16, I decided to take a leap and pursue modeling. I did some research and, through a twist of fate, ended up with a contract from a photographer who turned out to be part of an agency. It felt like everything was falling into place, but after a few early successes, I faced challenges that led me to step away from the industry for a while.

A couple of years later, I found myself in a different job, but the universe seemed to keep pulling me back to the creative world. I was approached by industry professionals, and it felt like the universe was giving me another chance. Yet, it still took some time before I fully committed again. There were new passions that emerged along the way—ones I never expected—and some life-altering experiences that made me rethink everything.

By 2021, after a turning point that I can’t quite explain yet, I took the plunge and made a decision that changed the course of my life. I signed with a top agency and began to pursue my dreams again, and what followed was nothing short of incredible.

There’s a lot more to the story, but for now, let’s just say it’s been a journey of unexpected twists and moments that taught me more than I ever thought possible.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has never been a smooth road. I grew up in an environment that wasn’t ideal—there was a lot of violence and crime, and negativity was always the norm to the point where I’d be surprised by days without it. From a young age, I had big dreams, dreams that others often laughed at. When I first started working out, many of the boys had negative things to say. One comment that always stuck with me was when someone told me I should give away all of my gym equipment because I was wasting my time. I was one of the taller kids, which made me a target for some of the boys involved with gangs. I often feared walking through areas controlled by other criminal groups, which just happened to be on my way to the train station. I faced a lot of verbal bullying for holding on to dreams that seemed impossible to others. My friends were often caught up in fights, and weapons were unfortunately part of the environment. As a result, I witnessed multiple fatalities and became desensitized as a teenager. Despite all of this, I always held on to the belief that something better was possible, even when everything around me suggested otherwise.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I model full-time and also manage a property, balancing two very different aspects of my life. I specialize in storytelling through my work whether it’s through the art of modeling or creating short films. I’ve always seen my work as a way to communicate emotions and stories visually, which has allowed me to connect with people in a unique way.

I’m known for my volunteer work, which I’m incredibly passionate about. Giving back is something that keeps me grounded, and it’s a way for me to make a positive impact beyond my career. It’s an important part of what makes me who I am.

What I’m most proud of is my rapid growth, particularly in my running journey. It’s been a fun journey , and the best personal achievements for me, showing me just how far hard work and dedication can get me. That’s something I carry with me in all aspects of my life.

What sets me apart is my hustle and determination to always keep pushing forward. I’m constantly looking for the next opportunity whether it’s the next shoot or a new creative project. I take pride in my ability to tell stories, whether through the lens of a camera or in the small moments of everyday life, and I believe that’s what truly sets my work apart from others.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’d love to share a bit about my journey with filmmaking. A few years ago, I created YouTube videos with the goal of inspiring others and raising awareness about important social issues like crime, poverty, human trafficking, and gender-based violence. It was a project I was deeply passionate about because I wanted to use my platform to make a real difference.

However, after a traumatic experience where I was robbed at gunpoint five years ago, I lost my passion for making short films. It was a tough time, and for a while, I didn’t feel the same connection to filmmaking. But recently, I’ve found my way back to it. I co-directed and co-produced a short film, and being part of that project reignited that spark. It reminded me of the power storytelling has to not only entertain but also bring about change.

It’s been a journey of rediscovery, and I’m excited to continue exploring this space and using my work to shine a light on the issues that matter most.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.outlawsmodels.com/models/all/1823079/nkosi-nsumbu
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nkosinsumbu_/?igsh=bzhvOTh0M2N2cDV2&utm_source=qr#
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BPPjBhm2E/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nkosi-nsumbu-8811a024a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@UntoldStories-pe1ll

Image Credits
Laura likkanen
Marcel van der Merwe
Justin Munitz