Harare – Remember Brighton “Elliot” Moyo, the Zimbabwean man who seemingly “rose from the dead” in a staged resurrection orchestrated by South African Pastor Alph Lukau back in 2019? Well, Elliot is back – in a manner of speaking. This time, he’s not being raised from a coffin, but rather resurrected through the power of social media likes, shares, and monetised content.
The original incident, which saw Pastor Lukau of Alleluia Ministries in South Africa making global headlines for allegedly resurrecting Elliot, whose real name was Thabiso Proud Mlanje, became an instant internet sensation. Memes of Elliot dancing and enjoying rice and salad at his own funeral went viral. Tragically, the real Elliot passed away just two months later and was buried in his home village of Dandanda, Lupane.
But, in a bizarre twist worthy of a gripping documentary, a social media content creator named Tanaka Dube, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the late Elliot, has become an overnight sensation. Fans are now asking, “Is Elliot back?”
Dube, originally from the Midlands region of Zimbabwe but now based in Johannesburg, has expertly capitalised on the viral wave. His most iconic skit involves a hilarious recreation of Elliot’s post-resurrection rice and salad feast – a performance that nearly broke the internet.
With a rapidly growing following of over 217,000, Dube is monetising his resemblance to Elliot, with fans across the globe lapping it up like, well, rice and salad.
“At first, I didn’t like it,” Dube admits. “People kept calling me Elliot and I felt like I was losing my identity. But I decided, if you can’t fight it, monetise it!”
And monetise he has. Dube’s comedic timing, striking facial resemblance, and surprisingly similar body structure to the late Elliot have made him a sought-after creator across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
While the original Elliot died in tragic circumstances in April 2019 – reportedly vomiting blood and hounded by South African authorities for his role in the resurrection hoax – this new-age Elliot is rewriting the script, armed with skits, satire, and digital cash.
Dube, however, is keen to move beyond the resurrection jokes and focus on building his own brand. “I’m not just the Elliot guy,” he insists. “I’m a brand strategist, a music writer, and I run a hair business too.”
Dead or alive, Elliot remains a legend. And now, thanks to Tanaka Dube, the myth lives on, albeit in a very 21st-century fashion.
The saga also brings renewed attention to Pastor Alph Lukau, the headline-grabbing spiritual leader of Alleluia Ministries International (AMI) – a church often more known for its theatrics than its theological depth.
According to the AMI website, Lukau is an “accomplished businessman” and a shining “icon in the marketplace” – a far cry from the image of a traditional, humble preacher. He is also promoted as a Bible scholar and a renowned motivational speaker, although critics argue that he is more showman than scripture.
Lukau launched his ministry in 2002 and has built a substantial following since. He operates alongside his wife, Celestine Lukau, who co-pilots the ministry’s operations.
Lukau has faced numerous controversies throughout his career. He once claimed to heal HIV, TB, and other life-threatening diseases, a claim that drew widespread condemnation.
His empire spans tens of thousands of followers from South Africa to Europe and even South America, demonstrating the global appeal of his brand of “miracles” (or perhaps, effective marketing).
Lukau has also been involved in high-profile events, such as officiating the lavish wedding of Duduzile Zuma, daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.
His social media presence showcases a life of luxury, filled with expensive suits, top-of-the-range vehicles, and first-class travel – a lifestyle that stands in stark contrast to the image of humble servitude often associated with religious leaders.
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