Tafara Makopa, a Zimbabwean-born director and producer, has launched a new creative studio in the United Kingdom that is changing the way brands tell stories online. The move was marked by the high-profile premiere of BoohooMan’s YouTube relaunch at Vue Cinema in Leicester Square, London. Known for his work in shaping the UK’s Black digital entertainment scene, Makopa used the event to introduce Mako Studios, his latest venture aimed at producing authentic, culture-driven content. The relaunch drew wide attention for how it gave creative control to underrepresented voices, with Makopa leading a fresh slate of shows set to redefine online youth entertainment.
Makopa has spent more than a decade behind the camera helping others find their spotlight. From early viral sketches at Wall of Comedy to the rise of personalities like Nella Rose, Chunkz and Konan, he has consistently helped build platforms that centre Black British voices. But 2025 marked a turning point. After years of helping others tell their stories, Makopa decided it was time to tell his own. Mako Studios was born from that decision, a production house focused not on fitting into existing moulds, but creating space for culture to grow without constraint.
“Sometimes you realise you’ve helped tell so many other people’s stories, it’s time to create a home where culture can breathe freely,” Makopa told The Southern African Times.
“Mako Studios is that home, a space to push boundaries, offer first chances, and make sure Black creativity isn’t boxed in or diluted.”
That ethos was front and centre in the BoohooMan collaboration. Rather than chasing trends or copying what already works, Makopa insisted on giving creative power to the people who live the culture every day. And to the brand’s credit, they agreed. They handed Makopa full control—over direction, casting, tone and execution. The result was a project that felt grounded, original and deeply in tune with its audience.
The event introduced three new shows. You’re Lying, a high-energy game show hosted by King Kenny in his first presenting role, brought together Amanda Charlotte, Castillo, Stevo The Madman, MK, Deji Adeniyi, SV2, Danielsdunia, A1 2 Funny and Cecil Jee Thomas.
Home Turf, featuring Angry Ginge and Luke Littler, blended sports, banter and local storytelling.
Are You Even Real?, a dating show led by Chip, Grace Ajilore, Michael Hamilton and Chan Reynolds, fused humour, music and social conversation into something fresh and watchable.
More than the format or production, it was the casting choices that stood out. King Kenny and Chip were both making their hosting debuts. For Makopa, giving space to emerging talent was not just a creative decision, it was a principle. “I believe in first chances,” he said. “You grow the industry by supporting raw talent and giving them space to develop.”
For those in attendance, the night was more than a launch. It was a recognition of Makopa’s impact as a Zimbabwean creative whose work has helped shape a generation of internet culture in Britain. He has long been one of the forces behind the scenes, quietly helping others shine. Now, with Mako Studios, he is stepping forward, on his own terms.
“We’ve been proving ourselves for years,” Makopa said as the credits rolled. “Now, it’s about building something that stands the test of time.”
The first show, Are You Even Real?, premieres on Sunday 3 August on BoohooMan’s YouTube channel, with new episodes released weekly for three weeks. It offers a glimpse into the kind of storytelling that is possible when culture is not just referenced, but respected, and when creators are given the freedom to lead.
