Mavery Very: New rib tickler on the rise

In this three-man cast, Ndofeni Chindireki plays the pastor. His deep Ndau dialect and polished acting skills endear him to viewers.

Sarah Mandega, an equally gifted actress, features as Mavery Very’s wife.

Among some of Mavery Very’s popular productions are “Luggage”, “Sipo Yechikwereti’” ‘Varidzi Vevanhu” and “Mirror”, among other hilarious skits.

With over 80 skits to his credit, guest artistes also feature in Mavery Very’s productions.

Jiti musician Baba Harare (born Braveman Chizvino), occasionally features in some of his skits.

Born in Mashoko, Bikita, Masakadze now calls the eastern city of Mutare his home.

The comedian is not a fan of political productions.

“I will never attempt to dabble into skits that are charged with political connotations. I urge fellow actors to leave politics to politicians. As a comedian, my primary duty is to make people laugh and drown their sorrows,” Mavery Very said.

His skits are mostly centred on daily social experiences such as load-shedding, fuel shortages and family relationships, among other issues.

A former security guard, Masakadze said he first entertained thoughts of becoming an actor when he was on duty at a remote posting.

“I was guarding a telecommunications booster at a farm outside Mutare and was always by myself. I started writing comic skits as a way of whiling away the time. I later performed the skits at the farm compound and they were well received,” Masakadze said.

In 2012, Masakadze quit his job to become a full-time actor. Since then, he has not looked back.Now a popular figure, Masakadze says whenever he ventures into public places, people easily recognise him.

However, Masakadze, a father of three, said the popularity was not matched by financial rewards.

“Just like the other artistes, I am struggling financially. On average, we are hired once or twice a month to perform at private functions. We charge between $800 and $1 000 per show.