Mkhululi Z. Mabija is a South African writer, director, producer, and educator whose work spans theatre, opera, musical theatre, and film. A graduate of Tshwane University of Technology and NYU Tisch School of the Arts, he became New York University's youngest adjunct professor at age 24, teaching South African Culture through History, Art, and Media.

His writing credits include the operas Bessie: The Blue-Eyed Xhosa, Bhekizizwe, and The Fisherman, and musicals including Goddess, The Road Between the Desert and the Ocean, and My Daughter/Son. A pioneer of South African dance musicals, his original works include Mwana Wa Mvula, Emathongeni, Umthombo, and Nomaphondo. As a director, he has led productions including Disney Theatricals' African premiere of The Lion King Jr., while his debut feature film, Poachers Moon, premiered in 2025.

Mkhululi's honors include the Yip Harburg Award for Best Lyricist, the Eugene O'Neill Award for Musical Theatre, the ImpACT Award for Theatre, and multiple National Arts Festival Ovation Awards, including Gold for Mwana Wa Mvula (2024). Named among the Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans and GQ's 20 Game Changers, he continues to shape South Africa's cultural landscape through bold storytelling and cross-cultural collaboration.