The rise of ‘Bra Zulu’
WHAT was supposed to be a drinking escapade turned out to be a life-changing occasion for former “Wenera” actor, Richmond Nyanguwo (pictured).
Nyanguwo, whose role as Bra Zulu in “Wenera” endeared him to many, explained how he ended up being incorporated into the “Wenera” cast.
“I had friends who were part of the ‘Wenera’ cast. One day, my friends told me that they were taking me out for a drink. I was surprised when I was taken to the ‘Wenera’ set, where I was incorporated as one of the actors,” the towering Nyanguwo said.
Without any acting credentials and experience, Nyanguwo naturally fitted into the “Wenera” cast. He played Bra Zulu, a thug who does all the dirty work for Tawanda “Boss T-One” Musodza, a diamond dealer.
He still recalls his first day on set, starring alongside the already established Takura “Bongani” Murape.
“In that episode, I was not comfortable, but Bongani took me through the basics. To my surprise, everyone liked me and things just fell in place,” Nyanguwo recalled.
Within a short period, Nyanguwo was already getting offers for more acting jobs.
Although he lacked confidence and often thought of abandoning the “Wenera” set, he felt indebted to his fellow actors for embracing him and thrusting him into the spotlight.
However, with the passage of time, the Mbare-born actor got used to acting and eventually fell in love with the small screen.
Nyanguwo, who was reserved and had never imagined himself being an actor, then became a celebrity.
Unlike other local celebrities, Bra Zulu leads a quiet life, is not active on social media platforms and does not frequent popular entertainment joints.
He keeps a very low profile.
When “Wenera” took a break in 2019, Nyanguwo had to explore other avenues for survival.
After getting some useful tips on directing during his stint at “Wenera”, he took up directing and acting roles in Zolile Makheleni’s talk show “Rock Bottom”.
Nyanguwo also featured in “Isithembu”.
In 2020, the Covid-19-induced lockdowns saw the actor spending more time on the internet, studying acting and researching on it.
He also worked on new concepts with his friend Makheleni.
Nyanguwo has had cameo appearances in many music videos, among them Enzo Ishall and Doubles wekwaMarange’s.
For Nyanguwo, fame has not yet turned into fortune.
Surviving largely on installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, he has nothing much to show for the fame he enjoys.
“There is need for the arts sector to be treated like any other business sector. Artistes are living and dying without anything to show for their fame,” Nyanguwo said.