University of Zambia student Ronald Mwale, popularly known as Ronald Expensive elaborates his side of a story in terms education and content creation.
Ronald Expensive, is a Zambian content creator known for his vox pop-style TikTok videos, where he moves around town engaging people in conversations about what they are wearing and how much their outfits cost. His humorous and relatable content has resonated strongly with a Gen Z audience, earning him growing popularity on social media.
“What I study does not align with the kind of content I do, like interviewing people,” Ronald Expensive said.
He explained that despite his growing recognition, content creation in Zambia remains difficult to sustain financially.
“I am disadvantaged because in Zambia content is not monetized,” he said.
Ronald added that fame often comes with pressure, as people assume he is financially stable.
“Being famous, people mistakenly think you have money, and when you fail to give them, they look down on you,” he said.
However, he acknowledged the benefits that come with visibility.
“There are opportunities that come with content creation where great people reach out offering opportunities,” he said.
On mental health, Ronald maintains a strong mindset, saying he chooses to stay positive.
“When it comes to mental health, I feel myself as a gangster. I do not dwell much. I’m optimistic that something good will come out of content,” he said.
Despite his optimism, he admitted that the lack of income can be discouraging.
“Sometimes it is a bit depressing because money does not come the way it is supposed to, because out there people are getting paid for content,” he said.
Meanwhile, fellow student content creator Unza Tyla says fame should not replace education.
“I will study and do content at the same time, even if content was to be monetized,” she said.
She emphasized the unpredictable nature of social media fame.
“You can’t focus on content only because fame sometimes changes. Today someone is famous, tomorrow it is someone else,” she said.
However, she noted that success in content creation is still possible with the right mindset.
“You can focus on content only if you are confident enough in your creation and consistent,” she added.
Reflecting on her experience, Tyla admitted to mixed feelings about fame were sometimes she regrets being famous.
University of Zambia student Ronald Mwale, popularly known as Ronald Expensive elaborates his side of a story in terms education and content creation.
“What I study does not align with the kind of content I do, like interviewing people,” Ronald Expensive said.
He explained that despite his growing recognition, content creation in Zambia remains difficult to sustain financially.
“I am disadvantaged because in Zambia content is not monetized,” he said.
Ronald added that fame often comes with pressure, as people assume he is financially stable.
“Being famous, people mistakenly think you have money, and when you fail to give them, they look down on you,” he said.
However, he acknowledged the benefits that come with visibility.
“There are opportunities that come with content creation where great people reach out offering opportunities,” he said.
On mental health, Ronald maintains a strong mindset, saying he chooses to stay positive.
“When it comes to mental health, I feel myself as a gangster. I do not dwell much. I’m optimistic that something good will come out of content,” he said.
Despite his optimism, he admitted that the lack of income can be discouraging.
“Sometimes it is a bit depressing because money does not come the way it is supposed to, because out there people are getting paid for content,” he said.
Meanwhile, fellow student content creator Unza Tyla says fame should not replace education.
“I will study and do content at the same time, even if content was to be monetized,” she said.
She emphasized the unpredictable nature of social media fame.
“You can’t focus on content only because fame sometimes changes. Today someone is famous, tomorrow it is someone else,” she said.
However, she noted that success in content creation is still possible with the right mindset.
“You can focus on content only if you are confident enough in your creation and consistent,” she added.
Reflecting on her experience, Tyla admitted to mixed feelings about fame were sometimes she regrets being famous.