Meet Nkululeko Dlamini: The 'King of Squats' who took Kenya by storm
Features
By
Molly Chebet
| Sep 23, 2024
This action-packed weekend was one for the fitness fraternity’s books. Fitness sensation and the ‘King of Squats’, Nkululeko Dlamini, was in Kenya and hosted a showdown at an event dubbed the King Fitness Explosion Challenge, held at the Waterfront Mall, Karen, on Saturday, 21st September.
The enthusiastic fitness instructor shared tips on growing bigger glutes, and attendees had a great time. Dlamini expressed his love for Kenya during the event and even quizzed the crowd with trivia questions about himself for a prize. “I just want to thank you, Kenya, for your love and hospitality. I love Kenya,” he said.
Some of the interesting questions included, “What is my age? Which football team did I play for? And what does this sign mean in my fitness training?” (crosses his fingers). While some attendees attempted to answer, only a few got the answers right.
Nkululeko Zane Dlamini is 40 years old and a former football player from South Africa. His initial passion was professional football, but when that didn’t work out, he ventured into fitness.
However, the ‘King of Squats’ pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Education at the University of the Free State and graduated in 2008. He noted that teaching runs in his family, as both his mother and sister are teachers.
Nyawolomshini, as he is also known, said his passion for football outweighed his interest in teaching. Speaking to Drum, he explained, “I am from Ladysmith, and after I graduated, I told my mum that I had a passion for football and wanted to pursue it professionally, and she agreed.”
He joined Jomo Cosmos and played for them during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. The ‘King of Squats’ was then loaned to various teams in Swaziland, often travelling between Swaziland and South Africa. He eventually returned to South Africa and decided to focus on his other passion, fitness.
“I was doing well in football, but I grew tired of the constant travel. Also, I was performing and scoring goals, but no one noticed because there wasn’t much media coverage from Swaziland. I wanted to coach a football team and be their fitness trainer. As a former player, I knew what athletes needed, particularly in quad and calf training. Since I didn’t have a team to train, I decided to focus on the general public instead,” the ‘King of Squats’ told South Africa’s Drum.
Dlamini is also known for his signature gesture, which involves crossing his fingers while training his clients. In many of his pictures, he can be seen with his fingers crossed. He explained that this sign means, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
He emphasised the importance of relying on God for everything, including fitness and achieving a strong body. He encouraged the fitness lovers at the event to have faith in God and always put Him first.
The Fitfluencer has become a trending topic on social media in Kenya, with netizens reacting to his impressive physique and profession. He thanked everyone who supported him and followed his fitness lessons.
For those who criticised him, he told Drum, “They don’t realise it, but they’re helping me. Some insult me, but I use those insults to motivate myself. I can’t help that I have a big bum; it’s in my genes. Everyone in my family has one. It’s not an issue for me, and I know that exercising enhances my God-given genes. I’m not bothered by the insults.”
The event attracted both men and women, despite the stereotype surrounding men training to grow bigger glutes. Nkululeko acknowledged the criticism aimed at men attending his classes.
“I know some people mock the men who attend my classes, claiming they also want big bums, but they’re missing the point. These men are working on their thighs and strengthening their cores, but people are fixated on their bums,” he said.
When Pulse asked about his wife and family, Dlamini declined to share any details. The ‘King of Squats’ calmly stated, “I think that’s a private matter.”
Nevertheless, a viral video of him and his alleged wife dancing to a South African gospel song has been circulating on his TikTok page. The video suggests they are either going to or returning from church. However, no one has confirmed whether she is his wife.
The ‘King of Squats’ plans to visit other African countries, including Nigeria, where he will continue sharing his fitness knowledge and tips on growing bigger glutes.