Action-packed 40
ZIMBABWE has produced thousands of drama thespians in the last four decades.
However, it is with little or no doubt that local actors that graced the small screen before the turn of the new millennium remain the most dominant and outstanding in most viewers’ minds.
Names that easily come to mind include Mukadota, Amai Rwizi, Mai and Baba Gweshegweshe, Paraffin, Mai Sorobhi, Mutirowafanza, Gringo, Mbudziyadhura and Silandulo. Kapfupi, Timmy and the late Mudhara Bonzo, Mabla 10, Skoro and Mzambane are some of the outstanding performers that came after the year 2000.
Below we do a recap of some of the country’s outstanding productions over the past 40 years:
Mukadota Family
The affable and multi-talented Safirio “Mukadota” Madzikatire probably set the bar high in the drama category with his “Mukadota Family”, shot from around 1982 up to 1996. Many viewers still rate the production as one of the best television shows to have been produced in the country. Mukadota, aka Baba Rwizi, had a few cast members, with Mai Rwizi being one of the major supporting acts.
Sinjalo
It featured two main characters —
Sakhamuzi, real name Macky Tickeys; and Fortune Ruzungunde acting as Foromani. “Sinjalo”literally took the country by squall in 2002. The production tactically touched on the sensitive tribal issues pertaining the two main ethnic groups — the Shona and Ndebele
Timmy naBonzo
The late Lawrence“Bhonzo”Simbarashe and Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima are testimony of the power and influence of Mukadota’s productions on later generations.
Kapfupi rose to fame around the year 2000 through street theatre productions like “Magariro” that were moulded along the “Mukadota Family” set-up. It was also the same case with Timmy na Bonzo’s skits that mirrored Mukadota’s work.
Amakorokoza
Produced in 2004, the production was themed around gold panning. A breath of fresh air, the series, with a cast that included Aleck Zulu (Skoro), Sarah Mpofu (Tashi) and Zenzo Nyathi (Mzambane), received critical acclaim around the country.
Paraffin
Phillip Gadzikwa Mushangwe, aka Paraffin, remains one of the best actors to emerge after Mukadota. His combination with Mai Sorobhi, real name Rhoda Mtembe, was out of this world. Paraffin rose to prominence in the early 1990s with the drama series “Paraffin”.
Mutirowafanza
The late Simon Shumba aka Mutirowafanza’s productions captured many in the late 90s. The actor was popular for his humour that was delivered in a deep “Wasu” accent.
Gringo Series
Gringo was initially Enock Chihombori’s cartoon character, which was later on adopted by ZTV. In 1999, “Gringo” became an instant hit with viewers due to its uniqueness. The production centred on mysterious plots and sub-plots, mainly created by Gringo, real name Lazarus Boora. Gringo’s character appealed across the generation divide.
Studio 263
It was Zimbabwe’s first soap opera and started screening in 2002. Now defunct, the Aaron Chiundura Moyo creation initially had a genius touch that helped it secure a spot in greatest productions of all time in the country. The late Pretty Xaba (Mai Muwengwa), Nevernay Chinyanga (Muwengwa), Charmaine Mangwende (Mai Huni) Stephen Chigorimbo (John Huni), Ben Mahaka (Tom Mbambo) and Joe Pike (Jacob Huni) gave stability. to the soap.
Zviri Mudendere
Powered by a watertight script, the 1993 drama touched on issues of greed, corruption, murder and witchcraft. The cast comprised an assortment of talented and then-youthful actors, among them Lovewell Chisango (Njaravaza), Chiundura Moyo (Matanda) and Daniel Tapera (Kanyemba).