Born in Joburg, built on real stories.
Unfiltered Media House is a Gen Z–led creative studio helping local and international brands say what they mean — in a way South Africa actually hears. Cultural intelligence isn’t a buzzword; it’s how we work: strategy, production, and storytelling that feel honest, look elevated, and land.
We’re here for founders, scale-ups, and brands who want more than pretty content. Production, social and brand storytelling, creative direction, and custom print — so the work builds connection, culture, and conversion.
Meet the founder
Leigh Zanah Thegwani
Creative entrepreneur, musician, and creative director.
Leigh founded Unfiltered Media House in Johannesburg in 2021 to build culturally intelligent stories for local and international brands — photography, video, social, and brand storytelling that feel honest and land with the people they’re meant for.
As a media entrepreneur and storyteller, Leigh is passionate about reshaping how African stories show up — bold, authentic, and built to land. She founded Unfiltered Media House and Unfiltered Africa TV to amplify voices that matter, helping brands grow impact and sales through content, social, PR, and experiential work. The studio began as The Unfiltered Talk podcast and grew into a full creative house for SMMEs and larger brands that need culturally intelligent storytelling.
Award-recognised through programmes including SoCreative, Nedbank Youth X, 54 Collective, Engen The Making Of, and the MTN Women in Digital Business Challenge.
Awards & recognition
54 Collective 2024 — investment and mentorship
SoCreative Summit 2022 — 1st place (a Business and Arts South Africa recognition)
MTN Women in Digital Business Challenge 2026 — in partnership with Datacomb and the NYDA
Engen The Making Of (TMO) 2024
Nedbank Youth X 2022