Mutore’s success story continues

HE believes art is life and insists he won’t give in to detractors.

Fifteen years into the industry, he has done well and has high hopes for Zollyhood.

The dedicated arts practitioner, TICHAONA MUTORE (TM) is determined to take Zollyhood to another level without shame.

H-Metro’s LATWELL NYANGU (LN) caught up with the actor-cum-director and he opened up on these and other issues. Read on…

LN: Tell us your brief background?

TM: I am a performing artist who can act, dance, direct and write but I mainly focus on acting. I joined the industry for the first time in 2000.

Then, I wasn't active because I was engaged by Irvine Chitehwe, who was running a theatre company called Masters of Dances and Theatre Company. 

After that experience, I then moved to Shooting Stars, which was operating fulltime and that's where I received most of my formal training including dances and acting.

 LN: How did you make your breakthrough?

TM: What happened was that at Shooting Stars there was Patrick Tembo who worked with my uncle John Banda (late) who starred in Gringo's series.  

Having worked with Irvine, I then engaged these guys where I received training and even went as far as Bulawayo.

Irvine was working with older people whilst Patrick dealt with youngsters so, I joined his trade at Shooting Stars. From there, I worked with Daniel Maposa, the director of Savanna Trust and there, I received intensive training on stage performance and directing.

During that time, that’s when I had my debut as a young artist in a first production called The Decades of Terror.

At Savanna, I was involved at professional level and I received training from Leonard Matsa who was helping me with the intellect side rather than the creative one.

LN: Explain further?

TM: I then left Savana in 2008 before I joined Patsime Trust and with all these organizations, it was value addition, I was growing.

I joined Patsime Trust as a student since they had a programme they were running together with MSU-Performing arts professional programme and I was part of the few youths who were selected for that programme, which was initiated by Jasen Mphepo and James Jingo

 At Patsime, that's where I dug into professional working and get to know all the nitty-gritties on what theatre is, writing, directing, acting is.

I got a certification of recognition from MSU for film and theatre and I was then employed by Patsime Trust in 2009 as a Field Officer who was in charge of creating productions and programming at a field offices level.

I was later promoted to Field Supervisor and further to a programmes officer.

Jasen Mphepo has been a mentor as he always say, the ‘seed has to be better than the fruit’ and up to now, it’s a challenge to me. When I was at Patsime I worked with Tawanda Maguze and he also mentored me where I learnt a lot in programming skills.

I then left Patsime in 2012 and up to now I am a freelancer.

LN: Tell us some of the projects you have done up to date?

TM: I have been doing stage and TV and my debut projects was The Decades of Terror followed by Silent words at HIFA 2008, The Maids last year and I was the best male theatre actor nominated by NAMA and then this year I did Water Games with Paradise Gardens Production based in Germany in partnership with ZGS.

 LN: Carry on?

TM: I started by doing bit parts for Studio 263 as a group since I was with Shooting Stars. I took part in Suburb D with Patsime, Paradzai, Pfuma of which some of these I was doing art directing.

I also did On The Money with Mighty Movies, Umguzi with ZBC, I also did a Ndebele production with ZBC again called Ezakomkaka.  We will also be shooting a production in August which is still in post-production

On radio, I worked with Mopane Junction in a project called Action Pals produced by the late King Dube and it was initiated by LoveJoy Maoneka.  I also worked with Rooftop Promotions where I did What they see What they got and it was taken on a tour in Mash Central.

I also did All Systems out of Order, Verses by Vettori Entertainment. I also did Midnight Conundru s and last month I was in a play No Good Friday

I think artistic wise that's it because I also worked as a programmes manager, artistic liaison, art director for films assisted on skills by Wilfred Chikiza.

LN: Apart from this industry what else do you do for a living?

TM: I am a community developer and project manager. I am starting my Masters degree in Project Management with the University of Salford in partnership with Property Kennedy College.

I have been working with kids in schools for example St Peters where I could discuss with them capacity buildings in theatre and life skills.

I also worked with Almasi Collaborative Arts and I was part of their stage readings

LN: What really drives you?

TM: I am passionate about art and my philosophy is art is life

LN: Did you take part in any related activities while at school?

TM: Yes, I was part of the traditional dancing group in Grade 3 and I was one of the best dancers at Kuwangira Primary School in Highfield.

LN: What kind of support did you get from your parents?

TM: When I was young, I had no challenges but when I said I wanted to do this professionally, I started to face hurdles like my mother wanted me to be an IT expert and my father had hopes of me being an economist since  I did economics at O Level just for a term and I passed it.

LN: And you did not follow your parents’ dreams to pursue yours?

TM: Yes, I pursued what I wanted to do because I believe art is my life. Just look at me, do I look poor, or someone who is suffering. I know a lot of people say ma artists anoshaya but I beg to differ on that, our job is unique although some are driven by ego that we are stars.

For instance, my young brother is a chartered accountant and if he finishes an audit there is no need for him to go around telling me all what he had done.

So as for me, there is no need to be pompous, it’s just like any other job, stay humble and do away with the diva mentality.

LN: So how can you describe your experience in as far as professional art is concerned?

TM: Professional art is challenging considering that we have economic challenges and our industry is still growing.

But all those challenges do not mean you have to stand down, you face a temporary defeat you have to stand up, that’s not failure, and you keep going. For you, to get somewhere you start from somewhere.

LN: Was there any moment that you contemplated quitting?

TM: Yes, and quitting is a testing period. Like I said, this is still a growing industry and not anything is rosy and you will not get anything on a silver platter.

You have to prove yourself on stage and at the same time you have to be grateful with the attitude you carry with others around you.

LN: How have you managed to surpass your competitors?

TM: Attitude is what make you grow and make people want to work with you, no matter how good you are but if you have an attitude that sucks, they would prefer to work with someone who has a good attitude.

Personally, I don’t compete with anyone, I believe in creativity and I operate at a creative level rather than a competitive level. Through the creative realm you tend to integrate with others instead of getting scared of someone.

LN: From your point of view how would you describe the art industry in Zimbabwe?

TM: This is still a growing industry since we are starting from a different point compared to other countries.

I wouldn’t want to compare our industry with Hollywood but it’s up to us to really keep this passion and always envy for greatness.

It also should come with proper legislation so that we get better recognition but we are getting there. A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step and it should be known that it’s a growing industry.

LN: Looking at status quos, are we in the right track?

TM: I believe we are in the right track, off course we make mistakes here and there, sometimes we get lost along the way and sometimes the cake is so small to an extend we scramble for it but as we grow we are learning to create opportunities for ourselves.

LN: How would you want to market Zimbabwe’s film industry beyond the borders?

TM: It speaks for itself that’s the beauty about the industry because Zimbabweans have plenty of artistic talent. Look at me, I am currently working on a production that is Germany based and they emulate the local talent, they are actually amazed by us.

LN: Are there any loopholes that you think need urgent attention to boost the industry?

TM: Looking at a global level, we need specific policies and legislation that guides the industry. And by so doing, we will have people flocking to colleges who would have the focus to venture into the industry.

We will also have an industry that will employ real professionals and people will be taking us seriously as important people. Arts people are crucial in society because they speak, reflect on the community issues.

LN: It seems, the donor community has turned its back on this industry of late, what could be the reasons behind that?

TM: Some of these reasons are beyond the theatre industry, but I think it’s the economy and some issues. Donors’ desertion has nothing to do with the fact that we are not good artists but it’s beyond our control.

LN: Would you recommend anyone to join you in this industry despite the challenges?

TM: Yes, especially the young and enthusiastic, they only need to add with academics.

LN: How have you managed to do away with the notions that artists marombe?

TM: They used to be those sayings that actors are poor but if I am to push it, actors are on top of the chain because I have been everywhere to interrogate issues that affect the societies. So we are link of every sector.

LN: Is it worth it to be a public figure In Zimbabwe?

TM: Yeah, sort of it’s worth it. You only have to be a role model, be humble.

I don’t mind what people say when they see me walking, I am who I am and I love my job.

An artist is also a unique teacher but the problem only comes when you have a diva mentality but do your job and live your life.

LN: Being on screens leaves a lot to be desired, temptations to be specific, have you faced any?

TM: There are lots of temptations some of them you will overcome and others you can fail because we are humans.

LN: What’s your advice on handling fame?

TM: I believe in what I do and some would want to disagree but when I speak of fame let me bring the word life, just live your life and don’t try to be someone else.

The best thing just be you and there are many guys who have made it but they are just humble. Surprisingly someone who is still yet to make it do make noise. We just need to control ourselves.

LN: How do you see yourself in the next five years?

TM: Entities will be running because I have a lot of projects that I have outlined. Currently, I am a director of a developmental organisation which was founded by Tendai Maduwa called Awake Zimbabwe Trust and I also want to acknowledge Givemore Nyamuchiva who has been supporting me throughout.

LN: Thank you Tichaona for your time, all the best.

LN: You are welcome Latwell.

For feedback: nyangu.latwell27@gmail.com

0774186242

-HMETRO

LATTY NYANGU: I quit formal employment for acting-Charles Mzemba...

LATTY NYANGU: I quit formal employment for acting-Charles Mzemba...: IN 1968 at the age of 13, he had already started writing scripts. His dream and passion was to see a success story of Zollyhood....

‘Mine is fame without fortune’ – Zabron

AFTER starring in more than 10 drama series, prolific actor Zabron Kazani (ZK) confesses he has nothing to show for it.

His sad script is simply that of fame without fortune.

Despite being eluded by fortune, he says he won’t throw in the towel.

H-Metro’s Latwell Nyangu (LN) recently caught up with the actor (ZK) and he opened up on his trials and tribulations as well as future plans. Read on…

LN: Your brief background?

ZK: Zabron Kazani was born in 1980 and started acting for fun in 1992 while still doing primary education in Grade 5.

LN: How did the journey actually start?

ZK: It all started at home where I used to act alongside my siblings.

We could act for fun but real business came in 1997 when I took acting seriously.

My first radio drama was in 1997 titled Zvakabva Kwamuri, which was produced by veteran actor Aaron Chiundura-Moyo.

I used to watch some local dramas that were screened on ZBCTV with renowned actors in the dramas NdiGringo Chete, Mhosva Ndeyani with the late Peter Kampira but I was much inspired by Gringo.

LN: What was your next step afterwards?

ZK: I then went to ZBC studios where I approached Dorothy Chidzawo and she was shocked with the approach I used.

She even questioned me if I was eligible to act because ndainge ndakangodhibha dhibha imwe iya.

She then auditioned me for NdiGringo Chete where I had a minor role.

 LN: Were you satisfied with the role?

ZK: I was not at all because I actually wanted a crucial role and things changed when she brought in another local drama Zuku and I starred as Hoza. I did quite well in Zuku.

From then onwards, I began to follow Dorothy, asking her how I could get famous, ndanga ndakuda mbiri manje and she assisted me.

LN: Did she (Dorothy) further assist you?

ZK: She then gave me another in a drama from Kwekwe called Vana avo as Boss directed by the late Misheck Chidhuzu. It’s however sad because vanhu vese ava vakafa.  I was a street kid in the drama.

I further sought advice from Dorothy because I wanted fame, ndikati sei ndisiri kuita mbiri.

During that time Nzuda emerged with his script for a drama for streets kids but I discouraged him since we had just done a similar one.

He then brought another one, Togara Sei for landlords.

This one had Nzuda and his team and I was not part of the drama.

One day, I then tried my luck in the drama and people hailed what I did landing myself a role Mkoma Kenny.

LN: Which year was it?

ZK: In 1999 and that’s when I came on the spotlight tikaita mbiri kusvika zvino nhasi, I was the landlord in the drama as Mkoma Kenny who was a troublesome landlord.

LN: How did this drama propel you to acclaim?

ZK: Yes it was the drama that brought me from the dust zvikazondipawo manyemwe ekuita mamwe madrama.

I then starred in Nzungu Muriva as Chaka along with Nzuda from 2001-2.

 I then wrote my own drama Nyarai as Baba Peace before I briefly quit.

LN: What were the reasons for you to quit?

ZK: Things were not moving well, zvaitonetsa, I took two years on a hiatus.

Industry yagara yakaneta, we are only doing it because of passion and talent especially these days inongova njake njake in the streets.

 LN: After the two year-break, you made a ‘Lazarus’ moment?

ZK: Yes I came from the break after I was called by Lucia Konde-Kanyongo from ZBC the executive producer.

She called and advised me that they wanted to do a drama from a novel and there was a role that had troubled many characters.

I did well for the new role as a policeman in Akanga Nyimo Avangarara.

After that drama, I then wrote a drama that was called Street Theatre but it’s known as Sperire.

I was the house girl since I had looked for a job as man but there was no job for me and I had to dress like a woman to get the job.

LN: Funny enough (laughing), how did you adjust?

 ZK: Aaah ndaitorova basa sebasa, I even changed the voice and everything. It worked very well.

I went on to do Nzuda naKenny in 2011, before I did Beware-2012, from there ndanga ndakungorova. Councillor Papa Pee followed and with the latest one being Councillor Muward Mavo.

LN: Now that you are on the limelight, how is the industry?

ZK: Things are still not well my bro, hongu tiri kupara para zvekudya but we can’t sustain a residential stand through that. I have worked very hard and became famous but it has not put riches on my table.

LN: What is really wrong then and your opinion?

ZK: Every year, a musician wins an award or residential stand but to actors, I have not seen anything of that nature, no one is looking at us, that’s why we are ending up releasing music albums because hazvisi kufamba kuside kwedu. We are not even considered in this industry.

LN: What are the challenges you have faced along the way?

ZK: There are many but the issue of money is a thorn in the flesh, kubuda kwayo kuri kunetsa especially when we send our projects to organisations, inotozobuda waifambira chaizvo.

LN: Looking at this industry, where do you think urgent attention is needed to make things look better?

ZK: Yes we need help , we just need to be considered in this country, it seems musicians are the only ones on the limelight, why are we not called to national Galas, we also need to perform on stage, why not us. We can do much better, they can give us themes and we can perform accordingly just as these musicians.

Look at these musicians of today, they are no longer singing but they are now acting.

LN: Any best role?

ZK: Yes when I did Councillor Papa Pee.

LN: Do you have a drama group and where are you based?

ZK: I am based in Banket and the drama group is Kwauyiwa Arts Production.

LN: Who helped you to rise and shine?

ZK: Much respect goes to Dorothy Chidzawo because she is the one who picked me up when I was an orphan and I think by now I could have been a street kid. I stayed at her place of residence for seven years.

Major T also helped me, Roger (Levels) is also helping me in the process.

LN: Your plans in the next five years?

ZK: I want to come up with my own arts centre and I am crediting that to my manager Steven Mutangabende.

LN: How do you manage fame?

ZK: Haa miyedzo inouya and we overcome some and imwe ichitikunda.

I remember we divorced with my first wife after being blessed with two kids.

I later asked her why she dated me on the first place, and funny enough she said she wanted to experiment what happens when date a public figure.

I was surprised and I re-married and we are blessed with one child.

LN: Is your new wife comfortable with some of the roles you take in acting?

ZK: She is very comfortable and we are supporting each other because she wrote Councillor Mu Ward Mavo.

I even had a role where I was dating a woman in the drama and my wife is the one who was the camera person.

LN: Your message to the world regarding the current generation of actors?

ZK: It’s not different because these days munhu anongomuka achiti akuda kuactor and they just use phones and poor cameras.

Things have changed and they are just shooting. If you get equipment it doesn’t mean one can act, hazvidi dzungu.

Piracy has no problem but it’s coming from us musicians because they actually tell the pirates why they are not pirating.

LN: Tell us about your involvement in music?

ZK: Yeah I also sing, I have a new six track album that will be ready in the coming week.

I feature some upcoming musicians, and it’s called Chipo Changu, amongst them Ras Caleb, it’s traditional music  and pansula. Music has always been in the blood before acting because I used to dance with Taso zvakasimba.

LN: Any current projects so far?

ZK: Nzuda naKenny feauturing Marabha, and it has a lot of people including Vabati VaJehovha members.

LN: Besides acting what else do you do?

ZK: I have some businesses that I run and some are in Chitungwiza and I am afraid people will be following me, vanhu vanonetsa.

LN: Any awards in your name?

ZK: Yes I have two, I won an award whilst in Nyabira as best writer.

And in Sperire (Street Theatre) - I was called at Homefield centre and I won the award as best actor amongst other several groups.

LN: Do you catch the attention of fans when you walk in the streets?

ZK: Yeah people know me but some have forgotten because I have since gained weight unlike from the previous dramas.

LN: Which names have caught the attentions of fans?

ZK: Mkoma Kenny, Baba Peace, Sperire.

LN: Are you not provoked when people call you with the stage names?

ZK: I take no offence from fans but pane mamwe madeedzere ekudenha zvekuti unozongoramba wakatyora (laughing).

LN: Thank you Mkoma Kenny.

ZK: My pleasure Latwell hope my pleas will be heard.

Feedback: nyangu.latwell27@gmail.com, 0774186242

Twitter:  @nyanguz

Facebook: Latwell Nyangu

-H-METRO