In the fast-paced world of digital entertainment, Prince Dube, famously known as Pd Jokes, has flown the South African flag high with some major moves on the content creation site TikTok. With his sharp humour and relatable content, Pd Jokes has turned TikTok into his stage, amassing millions of followers and cementing his place as one of SA’s top content creators.
Pd Jokes, 33, started his journey as a local musician in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal.
In addition to music, he explored poetry, dance, and comedy, before finding himself in content creation on TikTok.
But behind the viral videos and the laughter is a story of creativity, resilience, and smart branding.
“I’ve always been a creative from birth,” Pd Jokes told IOL recently.
“I have many outlets for expressing my creativity—through singing, dancing, poetry, or comedy. The rise of social media and YouTube inspired me to continue doing that on TikTok because I missed my mark then.”
@pd_jokes Reply to @fezeka393 I can’t stop singing guys 🙈🎧|| @lloyiso bless up 👌🏽#pdjokes #pdjokessings ♬ original sound - PD Jokes
Despite his success today, Pd Jokes didn’t always see himself as a top content creator.
“I didn’t imagine being one of SA’s top content creators, but I knew I could make something of myself more than anything. Through consistency and self-discovery, I was able to rise and be one of the names that are known in the country in terms of content creation.”
His name, Pd Jokes, holds personal significance. Initially aspiring to be a musician, he found that path did not work out. However, his love for comedy led him to create a memorable and unique stage name. He combined the ‘P’ from his first name, Prince, and the ‘D’ from his surname, Dube, forming Pd Jokes.
Reaching a million followers was a huge milestone for PD Jokes, but his real breakthrough moment was landing his first brand campaign, which earned him R50,000.
@pd_jokes Life update 🔔 it’s been a journey 😀#pdjokes ♬ Last Hope (Over Slowed + Reverb) - Steve Ralph
“My favourite brand to work with,” he recalls. “Over and above the numbers, securing that campaign proved to me that I could turn this into a career.”
When keeping his audience engaged, he follows one key principle: relatability. He focuses on creating content that resonates with people, using that connection as motivation to engage with his audience.
Different social media platforms also play different roles in his success.
“TikTok was my panel of growth in terms of social media. Instagram strengthens the brand a little bit, but each platform plays a huge role.”
Managing a brand of his size comes with challenges. While he collaborates with editors, he primarily runs everything himself. He also faces online criticism.
“People will always agree or disagree with you, sometimes making judgments without knowing you. I focus on the positives and understand the importance of PR.”
The unpredictable nature of content creation presents a significant challenge, with financial uncertainty and audience engagement requiring constant effort. However, PD Jokes has managed to turn his craft into a business, generating income through paid promotions, bookings, brand campaigns, and interviews.
For young creators hoping to land big deals, he has one key piece of advice: be original.
"Authenticity is your biggest currency," and staying true to yourself is essential. Learning from others without envy can help you grow faster. Surround yourself with those who uplift and inspire you. Most importantly, "If you don’t post content, you won’t be seen."
IOL