Sengezo Dlodlo : A Visionary Storyteller Shaping Africa’s Creative Future

Sengezo Dlodlo, professionally known in music as Jed Psalms, is a bold, multidisciplinary storyteller and founder of the creative brand Black Is Black. Born in Magaya Village under Chief Marupi in Ward 17, Zimbabwe and partly raised in South Africa, his journey from “village boy” to creative powerhouse is a testament to the power of passion, resilience and purpose.

His artistic spark ignited early in life. As a child, Sengezo was already acting in school plays in Johannesburg, inspired by his father’s work in local theatre. At home, art was a family affair, with Christmas performances and dance routines shared among siblings. When his mother gifted the family a Kodak camera, he captured his first photograph in Grade 4, an unforgettable moment that planted the seed for his future in visual storytelling.

His creative fire only intensified over the years. At Manama High School in Zimbabwe, he immersed himself in drama, music, dance, debate and literature, eventually co-founding the school’s drama club. With guidance from his beloved literature teacher, Ms. L. Maphosa, he chose to pursue the arts instead of the more expected path of law. This pivotal decision led him to the College of Creative Arts-Africa after visa complications halted his admission to the University of Witwatersrand. Frustrated by the lack of progress in formal education, he took matters into his own hands and began teaching himself film and visual arts.

Through his company Black Is Black, Sengezo channels his talents into film directing, cinematography, acting, photography and music, creating authentic, visually compelling content that resonates deeply. His musical persona, Jed Psalms, blends lyrical storytelling with African soundscapes and gospel roots. While his core focus remains filmmaking, he often integrates his other artistic skills into unified creative experiences that explore themes of hope, unity, love and resilience.

Influenced by local talents such as Zie The Artist, Natasha Dlamini, Danny Lasker and Dumie Manyathela, as well as international icons like Mandla N, Donald Glover, Mark Tonderai and Christopher Nolan, Sengezo brings a rare blend of African authenticity and global ambition to every project. His visual style reflects real-life experiences and stories from his community, always with a message of hope.

Among his most notable projects is “Malawi,” a music video that highlighted the transformative power of creative collaboration. Another project, Abaseleyo, allowed him to direct, act and use his own music in one piece, showcasing his range and commitment to deeply personal storytelling. He has also developed three powerful documentary concepts that center African identity, challenge global stereotypes and promote cultural diversity.

In addition to creating, Sengezo is passionately invested in youth empowerment and mentorship. He teaches creative skills through workshops and community programs, helping young people access opportunities he once dreamed of. His long-term vision includes establishing a permanent creative academy and production space where artists can learn, grow and collaborate.

Despite challenges such as cyber threats, equipment theft and financial strain, Sengezo remains grounded. His Christian faith, close family ties and strong sense of purpose fuel him through setbacks. He continues to rebuild and rise, always looking ahead.

Sengezo envisions a future where Black Is Black stands as a hub of artistic excellence, producing award-winning films, offering mentorship and employment to creatives and representing Zimbabwe and Africa on global stages. With the right funding, he would launch his documentary series immediately, capturing stories that uplift African pride and humanity.

When he’s not creating, Sengezo devotes his time to church, youth advocacy, family life and rural retreats that reconnect him to his roots. He works for the family he has now, and the one he dreams of in the future.

Authentic, visionary and impact-driven, Sengezo Dlodlo is one of Zimbabwe’s most exciting creative voices. Through Black Is Black and his musical identity as Jed Psalms, he continues to tell stories that matter, stories that inspire, educate and transform.

For partnerships, creative commissions, bookings, or speaking engagements, Sengezo is open to collaboration that moves the arts forward, nurtures talent and reflects the richness of the African spirit.