Zammy's '90 Days to Falling in Love with Durban' will transform your travel experience

In the heart of Durban, South Africa, a vibrant new voice is weaving tales of adventure, creativity and self-discovery.

Meet Zam Semuyaba, affectionately known as Zammy, a dynamic lifestyle and travel content creator who is making waves in the digital realm.

Born and raised in Pretoria, this spirited storyteller originally set her sights on a career in radio and television after studying Media Practices at Boston Media House in Sandton.

However, it was her appreciation for storytelling, recognised initially by her sister, that redirected her ambitions towards digital marketing.

“That was the moment I realised digital was where my heart was,” Zammy recalls. “I decided to major in digital marketing to help brands tell their stories effectively.”

Zammy's career journey began as a social media manager and graphic designer, eventually evolving into the role of marketing manager.

“I help brands show up well online through storytelling, visuals, and strategy,” she explains. “I’ve learned how powerful it is to build a voice that people can relate to, both visually and emotionally.”

These lessons became the foundation for her subsequent personal projects, where she began to carve her path as a content creator.

However, the pivotal moment in her journey came when she made the brave decision to move to Durban.

“Honestly? I needed to take a bet on myself,” she explains. “I was comfortable but not growing, and that didn’t sit well with me.”

With the unwavering support of her mother and a new job offer, she took the plunge.

“It felt like the push I needed and the sign that I was stepping into a new season of my life.”

Her rollercoaster experience in Durban has been nothing short of enlightening.

“Life here is much slower compared to Johannesburg, which forced me to slow down and actually feel again,” Zammy shares.

Despite placing herself in an unfamiliar environment with little support, she admits, “Durban has honestly stolen my heart. It’s a city that teaches you how to breathe, how to be present, and how to rediscover yourself when life feels loud.”

It’s in this new setting that Zammy birthed her ambitious vlogging series titled 90 Days to Falling in Love with Durban.

Initially, this was simply an outlet to document her experiences, but it quickly transformed into a personal journey of rediscovery.

“I genuinely believe God moved me here to restore my spark,” she states. “What inspired me to create my platform was really a mix of curiosity, storytelling and wanting to express myself.”

The budding content creator has a knack for connecting with her audience.

“I love taking people on a journey, whether it's showing them a new place, sharing a moment, or capturing beauty in simplicity,” she says.

Her captivating storytelling style allows viewers to feel seen and inspired, compounding the significance of each shared experience.

Her favourite local destination, Cape Town, reflects her sentiment of discovering beauty in simplicity.

“There’s something magical about the atmosphere there,” she enthuses.

“I love everything about Cape Town, from the wine farms to the beach promenade.”

Conversely, her international favourite, Zanzibar, paints a stark contrast.

While she appreciates its idyllic beaches and rich culture, she candidly speaks of its complexities.

“Visiting Zanzibar opened my eyes and reminded me to appreciate the reality behind the beauty,” she shares thoughtfully. “It’s still a developing country, and its economy thrives on tourism.”

Starting as a hair influencer, Zammy's initial venture into content creation came as a blend of fun and creativity.

As she transitioned into the broader world of lifestyle and travel content creation, she found inspiration through influential figures like Nikita Fortman, who urged her to embrace confidence in front of the camera.

“Watching her create without overthinking inspired me so much,” Zammy explains.

“That’s when I started the 90 Days to Falling in Love with Durban series.” However, Zammy faces challenges typical of female digital creators in a competitive landscape.

“There’s pressure to look a certain way and to constantly produce content,” she admits. “But I’ve learned to stay grounded in my ‘why’. I remind myself that I’m not here to impress; I’m here to express.”

Beyond her travels and creations, she draws inspiration from notable figures in her community, particularly Lebo Lion, a powerhouse in marketing.

“She’s authentic, bold, and strategic,” Zammy admires, while also acknowledging that her mother is her biggest inspiration: “Watching her navigate life with grace and courage has shaped the woman I’m becoming.”

For aspiring lifestyle content creators, Zammy offers invaluable wisdom: “Opportunities are everywhere; you just need to discern which ones are meant for you. And honestly, just start. Don’t wait until you have everything figured out or the perfect setup.”

Ultimately, Zammy encourages South Africans to explore their own country.

“There’s so much beauty right here at home,” she urges.

“Travelling opens your eyes to different ways of living. Our culture, our food, our people - it’s all something to be proud of.”