S’bo Gyre

S’bo Gyre, 30, is a multitalented person in South Africa’s entertainment industry. As a PR lead at Writersbloc, he spearheaded campaigns such as SuperSport’s Rugby World Cup. He also writes marketing scripts, TV content and digital advertisements — balancing creativity and strategy. Beyond the 9-to-5, S’bo is an independent musician under his label, KwaSthenjwa, releasing work such as Queernomics and Altar Call, which champion queer visibility and self-expression. His voice extends into journalism, with bylines in the Mail & Guardian, OkayAfrica and Daily Maverick in which he blends entertainment, iden- tity and socio-political commentary. He was the first openly gay rapper to perform on the Back to the City main stage and co-wrote Nkoli: Vogue Opera, a genre-defying cultural moment. Now credited on Shaka iLembe season two, S’bo continues shaping South African storytelling. With studies in law, digital marketing and arts business, he embodies the harmony of intellect and artistry. His biggest teachers? “Failure, intuition and my younger self.” He believes young leaders must centre humanity, community and accountability, challenging toxic systems with compassion. S’bo would call for free education and curricula that would dismantle gender-based violence.

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of the Witwatersrand (2014-2017) (*incomplete, completed three years of study over four years, including the final-year research paper, before choosing to pursue an alternative career path)
• Digital Marketing Certificate of Completion, University of Cape Town, GetSmarter (2021)
• Certificate in Artist Business Studies, Hope School of Arts (2021)

• Completing the debut musical project, Queernomics (2017), was a defining highlight. Touring Switzerland as part of the Shap Shap Tour as an independent artist was equally significant, with the critical and academic acclaim that followed demonstrating how art can instigate, facilitate and platform social change — particularly around queer issues.
• The sophomore project, Altar Call, holds personal significance for the determination it required to bring to life while balancing a full-time job and an evolving sense of identity. The success of Nkoli: Vogue Opera, both its creation and showcase, reinforced the belief that impact is immeasurable and personal potential should never be confined.
• Becoming the first openly gay rapper to perform on the Back to the City main stage was a historic moment — both personally and for the community.
• From a corporate perspective, leading the Rugby World Cup PR campaign for SuperSport was an unparalleled achievement. The ambition was always to be part of a World Cup-winning team or campaign — though originally imagined as a technical manager for Bafana Bafana. While the path unfolded differently, that victory highlighted the transformative power of sport, teamwork and self-belief, made possible by the trust of employers and clients.

• My parents’ willpower to create the platform from which both professional and personal foundations were built remains admirable. Beyond them, Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta serves as a source of inspiration for his leadership and vision.
• Arsène Wenger demonstrated the same. Arsenal as an institution continues to reinforce the importance of remaining principled in methodology and approach — a reminder that while winning is important, how victory is achieved matters. Bozoma Saint John has also been a recent source of inspiration, known for her remarkable mindset. In earlier years, figures such as Oprah Winfrey and Debra Patta offered similar influence. Footballers Mesut Özil and Ricardo Kaká stand out not only for their sporting achievements but for the principles they embody.
• The type of professional and person I aspire to has always existed in my mind, shaped by experiences with individuals encountered along the way. The ethereal version of self has remained the greatest mentor. My intuition, the Holy Spirit — all interconnected. God and Jesus have been constant guides, even during moments of doubt or distance from faith.