Lasizwe Danbuse, known for his bold interview style on the series Awkward Dates, is now trying something completely new—culinary arts—by participating in the program Celebrity Come Dine With Me South Africa. Instead of asking celebrities awkward questions or going on difficult dates, he opens his home to other participants, showcasing his cooking skills which they will judge.
Danbuse himself admits that the kitchen might not be his strongest suit. He stated: 'Listen, I won't lie to you. I actually don't know how to cook! But I follow recipes very well. And I ask for help even better!' However, his concept of help in the kitchen raises doubts, as he notes: 'The problem is that as soon as I ask you to help me, I somehow end up watching YOU cook instead of actually helping.'
He describes himself as a 'kitchen assistant with excellent delegation skills,' setting the tone for the upcoming evening. Despite the humor, Danbuse is an artist who is increasingly conscious about the spaces and stories he tells. After years of building his digital presence, he views his participation in Come Dine With Me South Africa as an opportunity to introduce his audience to another side of him.
'I like Awkward Dates, but I also want people to experience Lasizwe in different settings,' he shared. In the culinary show, he gives up the control inherent in creating his own content, allowing others to form their own opinions of him. He noted that 'the biggest challenge was not having complete control over how people perceive me.'
For someone accustomed to understanding the atmosphere, pace, and narrative in his own projects, this transition has been refreshing. 'It forced me to be here and now, instead of constantly thinking like a content creator.'
Being present in the moment apparently also means dealing with inevitable culinary mishaps at dinner parties. During filming, Lasizwe and his brother almost burned the meat during a barbecue, and their arguments threatened to distract them from the fire. He recalled: 'The meat was fighting for its life, and my brother was busy fighting with me!' This chaotic, familiar moment reflects the personality that viewers love: dramatic, playful, and absolutely genuine.
Nevertheless, Lasizwe is aware of the vulnerability associated with being judged. 'I have been in the public eye for almost ten years, so I am definitely used to criticism. But I won't pretend that criticism doesn't affect me. I am human.'
Over the years, he has learned to separate external opinion from his own identity. 'You can tell me my food wasn't your favorite, and that's fine. But please, don't start questioning my existence because of potatoes.'
For him, the dinner party is more than just a dish on a plate; it is the atmosphere, the conversations, and the connections that arise when people share a table. 'I wanted people to leave feeling like they had experienced something unforgettable.'
He also aimed for his dinner party to reflect South African culture, bringing local flavor into the food and its presentation. 'I think South African cuisine has so much individuality, and I wanted that to show in my dinner party.'
This experience allowed him to see fellow participants beyond the images people might recognize on television or social media. 'We sometimes form opinions about people based on what we see online or hear about them. But sitting at a table, sharing food and having conversations, allows you to reveal a completely different side of a person.'
This feeling resonates with Lasizwe's career trajectory. While Awkward Dates remains an important part of his brand, the artist is looking beyond one format, exploring opportunities in television, entertainment, and business. 'I am at a point in my career where I am becoming very selective about the opportunities I take. I don't want to spend the next ten years just repeating what worked in the previous ten.'
A recent win in the YouTube Creator of the Year contest after ten years of creating content was an emotional moment that reminded him of his late parents. 'I remember sitting in the car afterward, closing my eyes, and reliving the moment with my late parents. I just wanted to tell them: 'Guys, we finally did it!' '
For Lasizwe, this recognition meant more than just an award; it was confirmation of many years of self-presentation, self-reassessment, and continuing creativity, even when results took longer than expected. Now, by participating in Come Dine With Me South Africa, he is embracing the unknown again.
'I want to grow as an artist, as a TV presenter, and as a businessman. And sometimes growth means being willing to look completely ridiculous while trying something new.'
As for whether fellow participants should worry about his cooking, Lasizwe leaves that decision to the viewers. 'All I'm saying is that I came to serve. Whether it's food, entertainment, or both, you'll have to tune in to find out!'
