In the vibrant streets of Cape Town, where stories echo through every alley and township, Owen Xubuzane found his calling…....not in front of the camera, but behind it.

Today, he’s a filmmaker, photographer, and CEO of IYTV, a production company that partners with NGOs and businesses to amplify community voices across South Africa.

Meet Createpreneur Africa Owen Xubuzane ,The Lens Behind South Africa’s Untold Stories

From township streets to global screens, Owen Xubuzane transforms everyday moments into timeless stories. In this exclusive Createpreneur Africa interview, we dive into the journey of a filmmaker whose lens captures the heartbeat of communities, the resilience of culture, and the power of purpose.

Passion with Purpose

“I don’t just document moments; I craft narratives that reflect the soul of a community, a person, or a cause.”

Owen’s passion is storytelling, expressed through videography, filmmaking, photography, and editing. His work captures emotion, truth, and transformation, giving voice to the voiceless and preserving memories that matter.

A Passion That Found Him

Owen’s journey wasn’t a sudden revelation—it was a slow awakening nurtured by three key mentors:

• Dr. Tu Nokwe introduced him to Isihlahla Sobuntu in 2017, planting the seed of storytelling through the lens.
• Emma showed him the power of mobile filmmaking in 2018.
• Jonathan revealed the technical side of videography in 2019.

At 26, Owen made a life-altering decision: to stop chasing jobs in other industries and fully commit to his art. “My passion had always been there,” he says, “it was just sleeping.”

The Legacy of Storytelling

What draws Owen most is the permanence of his craft. “Even when I’m no longer here, my work will live on,” he reflects. Storytelling is, to him, a divine inheritance, an act of creating something timeless that can inspire generations.

Inspiration and Impact

Meeting creatives like Dr. Tu Nokwe showed Owen that it’s possible to earn a living doing what you love. Though the journey between Cape Town and Johannesburg was filled with challenges, the hope of sustaining his spirit through art kept him going.

His first paid experience came in 2017 during Isihlahla Sobuntu. After a tough audition, Owen realized his strength wasn’t in performing—it was in capturing.

Isihlahla Sobuntu

That night, he began studying editing software, transitioning from Filmora to more advanced tools, and embracing his identity as a visual storyteller.

What Keeps Him Going

“The people. Their reactions, their bookings, their questions—those moments keep me going.”

Even in tough times, Owen finds motivation in the impact his work has on others. Success, for him, is measured not in millions, but in moments.

To the Doubters

“A dog urinates on a parked car, but barks at a moving one.”

Owen’s message to those who doubted him is clear: keep moving. Let the noise fuel your fire. He’s living proof that perseverance pays off.

Advice to Upcoming Artists

“Put God first and last. Don’t chase flashy gear. Be confident. Be respectful. Be humble.”

Owen encourages emerging creatives to start with what they have even a cellphoneand to trust the journey. Passion will wait for you. Just don’t give up.