With a father who was arguably one of our country’s greatest breakfast hosts, and a mother who is a top media figure, some would assume the road to success would be an easy one for Sithenkosi Mbuli, however, this is far from true.
While still in his early 20’s the son of the late Morning Live presenter Vuyo Mbuli and his wife Savita is carefully forging his own path in the entertainment scene – and is doing an excellent job at it.
The young musician who goes by the stage name, Rudy Chalmers, has built himself a strong fan base with performances booked all over the country – and at the rate he is currently going, he could soon reach the same success as his parents.
In a recent interview with BONA, the vibrant personality that is Sithenkosi opened up about his journey with music and where it all began for him.
“Music has honestly always been a part of me. I grew up in a household where the soundtrack ranged from Miriam Makeba to Michael Jackson to Hugh Masekela,” he recalls.
“I think the first time it really bit me was when I was about 10 years old, messing around with an old guitar at home. But it wasn’t until high school that I realised how much music allowed me to express parts of myself I couldn’t always put into words. Over time, it became clear that this wasn’t just a hobby—it was something I had to pursue. It’s my therapy, my way of connecting with people, and ultimately, my purpose,” he explains.
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While most fans now get to enjoy the version of him that appears to be going on an upward trajectory, Sithenkosi credits a lot of the success he witnesses today to his parents, who has done a thorough job at instilling principles of humility, pushing boundaries and daring him to be authentic.
“My dad always taught me the importance of authenticity—showing up as yourself, whether people get it or not. My mom, on the other hand, has always been the go-getter, the one reminding me that if I don’t build my dreams, someone will hire me to build theirs”.
He claims that this is one of the main reasons he is not afraid to jump between the stage and the boardroom.
Despite it now being years since his father passed away, he continues to honour the role that Vuyo has played during his earlier years by including a part of him in his current life.
In conversation with BONA he explained the significance of his stage name: “‘Rudy’ is a name I chose simply because I’ve always liked the sound and feel of it—it has an easy, timeless vibe that fits who I am. ‘Chalmers’ is actually my dad’s middle name. Using it felt like a way to carry a piece of him with me, both as a tribute and a constant reminder of his influence. So together, the name feels like a perfect balance between my individuality and my roots”.
He describes his musical sound as one that is a fusion of funk, soul, and modern jazz, but always with a South African undertone. Some of his biggest influencers include Michael Jackson, Prince, J. Cole, Brown Dash and Hugh Masekela.
“I love blending storytelling with rhythms that make people move, think, and feel all at once,” he reveals.
Education
While it is often said that one needs to follow you your passions and the things that make you happy, Sithenkosi is wise enough to know that pursuing a career in music is alone might not be the wisest thing to do. Instead, it also ensured that he received a good quality education to provide him with something to fall back on if anything were to happen.
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After school, he went on to complete his bachelor’s degree at the University of Cape Town where he majored in Politics and Philosophy.
“I always say creativity needs structure, and studying gave me that foundation. Having that degree isn’t just a fallback—it’s taught me discipline, strategy, and how to navigate spaces outside of music. I use that knowledge every day, whether it’s running the business side of my music or growing my other ventures like Growth Media.”
The year 2025
“For me 2025 is all about scaling. Professionally, I’m focused on solidifying SoulPlay, a monthly live music event I’m curating, and using it as a platform to not only push my EP, The Chronicles of a Flair Man but to uplift other emerging artists too. Personally, I want to keep growing—mentally, spiritually, and creatively. Travel more, collaborate more, and keep learning,” he explained.
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As from the 5th April he will be hosting SoulPlay concerts on the first Saterday of every month and can also be seen at various festivals and jazz events in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Also see: Savita Mbuli reflects on husband Vuyo’ Mbuli’s legacy
