The Solar-Powered Satire: The Story of Code Red Studios, Tokoloshi (Tokoloshe), and the End of Load Shedding Audits
In a nation plagued by persistent power cuts, Zimbabweans have long turned to humor as a way to cope with the daily frustrations of load shedding. At the center of this creative response stands Tokoloshi/ (Tokoloshe) — the witty “consequence auditor” brought to life by the talented team at Code Red Studios.
Through clever storytelling and cultural satire, Tokoloshi (Tokoloshe) became a beloved figure, using laughter to highlight the very real challenges of living without consistent electricity. His viral skits resonated with millions, transforming collective frustration into moments of national unity and comic relief. But when Sona Solar Zimbabwe entered the scene with reliable solar energy solutions, the very foundation of Tokoloshi’s audits began to crack — because light had finally conquered the darkness he thrived in.
The Architects of Viral Humor
Founded on a mission to amplify local voices, Code Red Studios has become a storytelling powerhouse. This dynamic two-person team is known for sharp editing and culturally resonant narratives, turning Zimbabwe’s everyday struggles into engaging content. While facing common hurdles like equipment and time constraints, their vision extends far beyond viral skits. They aim to produce high-quality, club-level movies for a global audience, using their current success as a stepping stone to build their brand and connect with collaborators like Comic Elder and Mai TT.
Their standout creation is Tokoloshi, the uninvited guest who serves as Zimbabwe's unofficial "consequence auditor." But the character's meaning runs deeper. Deliberately named to represent "every dark thing out there," Tokoloshi's purpose is to mock the devil and other principalities of darkness through comedy. By personifying these forces, the creators diminish their power and spread a positive message. With a signature black face paint and a humorous backstory as an angel who "fell from heaven," Tokoloshi embodies accountability while delivering the cold truth of cause and effect, making him a cultural phenomenon.
When Laughter Meets Clean Energy
For years, Zimbabwe's energy crisis provided Tokoloshi with endless material. Until Sona Solar Zimbabwe changed the script. By equipping homes with reliable solar systems, they created a new reality where power cuts no longer mean chaos. In a clever marketing campaign, Sona Solar teamed up with Tokoloshi and Code Red Studios to demonstrate this new reality.
The resulting skits were a strategic masterpiece. Tokoloshi arrives at a supposedly doomed, blacked-out location, only to find the lights on and the family relaxed. He is confused, frustrated, and out of work. That’s the punchline—and the pitch. The consequence auditor has been rendered obsolete by solar power, leaving viewers laughing and thinking: "What if I didn't have to deal with power cuts either?"
Code Red Studios & Tokoloshi Gallery:
Frequently Asked Questions
Tokoloshi is a popular Zimbabwean comedian and character created by Code Red Studios. The character is inspired by the folklore creature known in Southern African mythology as the “tokoloshe” — a mischievous spirit often blamed for strange occurrences.
However, in this modern reinterpretation, the comedian has transformed the concept into a humorous figure who serves as the country’s unofficial “consequence auditor.”
Code Red Studios is a Zimbabwean creative production company known for its original comedy, storytelling, and digital content that mirrors everyday life in the country. They specialize in satirical skits, short films, and brand collaborations that use humor to explore serious topics like morality, faith, and social issues.
Sona Solar Zimbabwe partnered with Code Red Studios in a clever marketing campaign that brought Tokoloshi into the world of renewable energy. The humorous scenario showed how solar energy can protect families from the frustrations of power outages — all while making audiences laugh and share the message organically on social media.
You can watch the full Tokoloshi skits and Sona Solar collaborations on the official Code Red Studios social media pages. Follow them on:
To learn more about how solar power can protect your home from load shedding, visit Sona Solar Zimbabwe for detailed information on solar packages and installation services.
David (Solar Sales)