Man B: From rags to riches and empowering young artists in East London

Mlindelwa Sipho Tyekana famously known as Man B, has a typical rags to riches story, without a shadow of doubt. 

He is known and loved by many as a social media influencer, security and construction mogul, record label owner and philanthropist.

The Eastern Cape entertainer is a Kaizer Chiefs die-hard supporter, who is not one to mince his words. 

In March this year, ManB trended thanks to a clash with former “Idols SA” judge Somizi Mhlongo, who he had booked for his big birthday celebration in East London. Words were exchanged by the two but they managed to resolve the matter in an Instagram Live.

In an interview with IOL, ManB shed light on who he is, growing up with nothing and making a name for himself off social media. He owns a record label ManB Entertainment, which he launched after award winning musician Zahara’s passing.

ManB explained that seeing the musician’s funeral being paid for by the government and her home being taken away, made him want to help educate artists from the Eastern Cape who want to make it big in the industry.

“The record label is focused on young artists who have talent but don't have funds to record. We give them chances to record, train them and provide them with contracts that allow them to record and nurture their talent until they find their footing within the industry.”

Through his record label ManB has released his own music under the name Man B Isilo samakhosi. He wants the young artists under his record label to own the rights to their music, to prevent exploitation.

Under ManB Entertainment, there are 38 artists in Buffalo City and soon he is preparing to celebrate their achievements.

Man B recently signed with Sandton-based clothing label Bogart Man as a friend of the family. He is an avid lover of the brand, always seen dressed in their latest offerings.

Through his social media presence he has been afforded the opportunity to be well-known this all began with his love for Kaizer Chiefs.

Having grown up not knowing his father, Man B, through his philanthropy has projects aimed at uplifting the boy child. ManB explained that he noticed that boys growing up with anger often turned to crime and with most awareness campaigns aimed at girls, boys get left out and he wants to bridge that gap.

Through the Man B Foundation, an organisation he founded in 2021, he has campaigns such as; Boys Too Need the Love to support underprivileged boys with toiletries and built toilets at his former school. 

“I know how it feels to have nothing, and that’s why I do my best to help others escape poverty whenever I can.”

ManB hopes to continue making an impact not only in East London but across the country.

IOL Entertainment