Chati Butao a gem from Mabvuku

APART from the gap-toothed footie ace (Evans) Gwekwerere, the film industry has its own.

This particular actor also acquired the name owing to his missing front teeth and film enthusiasts have been calling him Gwekwerere.

While some call him godobori, he remains a gem to emerge from the little known Hollywood of Mabvuku-Tafara.

His name is Chati Butao (CB) and he has been in the film industry for more than 20 years.

H-Metro’s Latwell Nyangu (LN) caught up with the comedian and he opened up on his career. Read on…

LN: When and where did you start acting?

CB: I started acting in the early “80s whilst I was at primary school. I was inspired by the then playwright Ben Sibenge.

During that time, he was in charge of the drama club at the school. Later on at secondary school, we then came up with a drama group called Zimbabwe Muslim Youth Acrobatic Club (ZIMYAC) which was sponsored by Muslims.

In the group, we would perform clowning acts which I then specialised in. From there onwards, I joined Yamaguchi Art Theatre Productions in the early 90s where I met Lazarus “Gringo” Boora.

LN: How did you end up at Yamaguchi?

 CB: I quit ZIMYAC after realising that Yamaguchi was a serious drama club.

LN: When exactly did you attend primary school?

CB: I did my Grade One in 1980 at Batanai Primary school in Mabvuku.

LN: How long did you work with Yamaguchi?

CB: It was close to a year before the group disbanded due to some internal squabbles.

LN: After Yamaguchi, what else did you do?

CB: I then partnered Gringo and we started performing in schools after we had secured a letter from National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.

We entertained children in schools and we held a series of performances in Manicaland and Harare.

LN: For how long did you perform in schools?

CB: From 2005 to 2007.

LN: When did you make your breakthrough?

CB: My break-through came in 2010 when I met Agnes Gwatiringa, in a ZTV production called Simuka Upenye. She was the writer and director of the production.

LN: After Simuka Upenye, which plays did you take part in?

CB: The Gentleman, in which I had a minor role. I then did Gringo Troublemaker and Saloon.com directed by Joe Njagu. At the moment, we are working on Dust and Fortunes.

LN: Your inspiration?

CB: acting is in the blood and that’s why i managed to make it in a number of productions.

LN: From the roles you played, can you point out the one you enjoyed most?

CB: godobori in Gringo Troublemaker.

LN: Who came up with that role?

CB: A script writer had written his script but I went an extra mile and delivered what I knew was the best.

LN: Auditions are always a regular thing in this industry, did you at one point attend one?

CB: Yes I have been auditioned in the past. At one point I had a problem with my frame when we were doing Gringo Troublemaker since the role of godobori required someone who was old and looked like a real sangoma.

We argued for a while but we later realised today’s witch-doctors are very young as is the case with that 24-year-old old Chitungwiza sangoma who was killed in that blast. He was only 24 and I am 42 (laughing).

LN: Besides this amazing role, what are some of the roles you played?

CB: In other roles, I am a responsible person.

LN: Which roles do you prefer most?

CB: I am a comedian and I am discovering it just now. If you ask me to be a headmaster or a pastor, it won’t come out.

LN: Who actually shaped you to become a refined actor you are today?

CB: I give credit to Ben Sibenge, Lazarus Boora and Gwatiringa.

LN: Are there any legends on your list you worked with?

CB: Mai Sorobhi, Gladys Tsikwa-Mai Chibataura, and Gringo only but to mention just a few.

LN: Have you rubbed shoulders with any international film-makers?

CB: Yes, I had a chance to act alongside Presley Chweneyegae of the Tsotsi film.

LN: Did you go to any school of acting or film?

CB: No, I didn’t?

LN: Besides acting what else do you do?

CB: I am a proxy master behind the camera and currently I am a brand ambassador for Saints Marketing.

LN: Any awards or accolades you have own?

CB: I was nominated in 2011 for outstanding actor for film and television.

LN: Did you win or it ended in the nominees?

CB: Zvakangoperera kumanominees ikoko because they were rigged.

LN: Why do you say they were rigged?

CB: I say because if it was film and television category while the eventual winner had come from a just a street movie. We even approached the police but all the efforts were in vain.

LN: Does the name piracy ring in your ears?

CB: Piracy mukono, yativigira pasi. If you look at Gringo Troublemaker, I doubt if the producers gained anything because they used a lot of money, and some were never paid.

We even tried to do some raids in Mbare but eish mahwani. Pirates are making a killing out of our sweat.

We hope the new Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Professor Jonathan Moyo will save.

LN: As an artist on the ground, what issues do you think need to be adequately addressed for this industry to move on?

CB: I think the issues of piracy need to be addressed very much because we need police force to be strict on it.

The government should also hear our grievances.

LN: Are you at liberty to give a comparison of the film industry which was there around the 80s and today?

CB: The film industry of that time was based on stage dramas and now the era has changed with a new style. It’s now real film, the trends have changed.

LN: What’s your take on ‘fly by night’ film-makers?

CB: The problems emanates from our audience because they don’t mind whatever they get. The major issue is that those film makers and actors do not have enough knowledge of film making.

LN: Is there transparency in this industry?

CB: There is something lacking in this industry because some of the producers are crooks.

Producers and directors work hard but they sometimes forget that they need to pay the cast. That on its own is lack of professionalism.

LN:  Hwat have you benefitted in this industry?

CB: It’s a long way to go but as an individual I have benefited quite a lot. Handizokumbira hangu mari yesalt or struggle to send my children to school. I am managing.

LN: Can we safely say you are now a celebrity?

CB: I am not a celebrity because a celebrity is someone who is celebrated every day. Everyone is calling me by names of the roles I played and it sounds good.

LN: I understand being a public figure is accompanied by some merits and demerits, would you mind giving us your own opinion?

CB: Wherever you are you are on the spotlight. People can start following you praising you in the streets.

LN: From the roles you have played what has been the response from fans?

CB: For all my roles, the response has been very positive and children seem to enjoy my roles.

LN: What challenges have you faced over the years in your career?

CB: For drama series, we had no challenges except for now where the film is no longer paying. We no longer have an option as we struggle to make ends meet but I won’t give up.

LN: Fame is always accompanied by some temptations and as one of the best actors did you experience this?

CB:  It happens and some can disturb you but they act in happiness, so at times it’s difficult to detect any.

LN: Would want to share advice with aspiring and other artist in this industry?

CB: To those upcoming acting is a good profession and one can build an empire out of if the cards are played well. And one thing schools and universities students should be taught filming.

LN: Where do you stay and are you married?

CB: I stay in Mabvuku and I am happily married.

LN: So can we say Mabvuku is indeed a little Hollywood since most celebrities hails from neighbourhood?

CB: Yes because several dramas and celebrities were groomed from the area.

LN: Thank you Chati, more time.

CB: You are welcome Latwell.

Feedback: nyangu.latwell27@gmail.com

0774186242

-HMETRO

Anne Nhira!

Vimbai Jari, her stage name, is more popular than her real name; Anne Nhira. She made waves as one of the main characters in Studio 263.

She started modelling at the age of 15 and acting when she was a year older.

Born in Chitungwiza, she became one of the youngest models and actresses.

She has been missing on the Zimbabwean film industry radar after quitting Studio 263.

H-Metro’s LATWELL NYANGU (LN) hooked up with ANNE NHIRA (AN) and she opened up on her whereabouts and so much more. Read on…

LN: You started off as a model if I’m not mistaken?

AN: I started modelling at 15 and won a few titles which were sponsored by Amina Patel (owner of the then Medussa Promotions). She paid for my Diploma and Post graduate in modelling. She spotted me when I won Miss Town Centre Chitungwiza in 1999 and was the youngest outclassing 24 others. Between 2000 and 2002, I performed for some of our best designers on fashion shows including Joyce Chimanya and Bester. I also worked for Medussa Promotions as a modelling coach in 2002 before I started acting.

LN: Have you not earned a name from the society or fans from the roles you have played, what have been your responses?

AN: I definitely have and it still surprises me how much people know about my work, it’s very humbling. You can never get used to being known everywhere you go, it’s always overwhelming but I wouldn’t trade that for anything. It has become a part of me.

LN: Let’s trace how you got involved into acting?

 AN: In 2002, I was invited by a friend to be part of an audience for a TV show "This is life". Executive Producer of the TV show (Shoumitro Gosh) was also producing the new TV soapie Studio 263.I was asked to stay for an audition and I did a one minute audition and two of the three girls who had been shortlisted 3 weeks back were dropped immediately. After a week of gruesome auditioning and rehearsing, I got the main actress part.

LN: For how long have you been into acting?

AN: I have been acting for 11 years.

LN: How many plays and films have you done so far?

AN: I have done a few plays (theatre) and short films in South Africa to broaden my acting skills and I still want to do more.

LN: Besides acting what else keeps you busy, are you working on any projects?

AN: I have been building  other areas of my life besides acting, starting a business, working for some of  the biggest companies in South Africa including Pan African Parliament  and  I’m also studying for my Business Management Degree. That has taken my time out of acting full time .Education and Business is fundamental tools for self empowerment in any country.

I am busy with a movie script that I created and wrote, I got tremendous support and assistance from a number of   award winning writers, directors and actors to sharpen my writing skills e.g.  Tongai Arnold Chirisa who is in Hollywood.  I can not reveal much at the moment but we already have interested film makers and business executives and companies who are excited to come on board as we create a new era in the local film industry in Zimbabwe. It will be my first solo project and I will also be featuring in it.

 LN: What kind of roles have you performed throughout your career? Are you satisfied with them?

 AN: I have played mostly "Good', professional woman roles and I have worked hard to make them authentic and make them my own.

I believe I have succeeded in doing that and now I want to take more risks and play different roles like a female villain for a change or a married woman with children, a homeless woman in rags with no make -up on my face, or fighting physically in a scene.

I don’t mind looking beautiful in a cat suit and pretty clothes as well it’s all about diversity for me. I'm quite comfortable with myself and I want to get lost in different roles, to me that's real acting.

LN: How different is it to act in a movie and to act in a theatre play?

AN: Theatre is more involved, physically, mentally and you also have a live audience, so there is no room for mistakes, if you make a mistake you just have to keep going. In a movie you get a chance to re-do a scene if you are not happy and it gets edited as well. Every mistake is picked by the camera, so your body language has to be right and your facial expressions are vital. Your tool in front of the camera is your face so you can't fake emotions because it can be picked up by your viewers easily.

LN: Tell me about an area in which you would like to improve as an actor?

AN: I would like to play more challenging roles definitely and do as many productions as I can in the next couple of years.

 LN: Do you ever think that you could have done a bit better in any particular role?  

AN: Every time I watch myself I feel I could have done more, I still learn new skills every day. Each role I play is different and it demands its own emotions and characteristics. I'm challenged to do better and mostly make it as natural and believable as I can for viewers.

LN: Which has been your favorite character that you have performed?

AN: All the characters I have played so far have been great. I played a bad character in a Zimbabwean movie “No matter what”, I enjoyed it as much as the bigger roles because it was a bit different and funny. In Studio 263 I enjoyed playing Vimbai Jari character and the character had different faces and I loved playing her when she was more mature and a business woman who could speak out. 

LN: What have you learnt from the directors that you have worked with throughout your career?

AN: I have worked with some of the best directors in Zimbabwe and SA, each director brings a different flare and skills. I embraced all the directing skills from all of them spending more than 16 hours a day on set for 11 years.

LN: Did you go to any school of acting?

AN: I started acting in my teens and I had not gone to a film school at that time, the directors were very patient with all of us but couldn't also ignore the fact that we had deadlines. At times getting home at 3am and waking up at 6am and expected to know all my lines from the top of my head, it taught me to work extremely hard.

LN: Have you worked under pressure since?

AN: On set they have always pushed for more from me, that inspired me to do my research, work harder and do more than I thought I had in me. After a while  it became easy, I could switch from laughing my heart out to crying in a split second when the cameras started  rolling ,I  could do 7 scenes or more back to back and I would know all my lines and the other character's lines too.

LN: Did you learn something from acting?

AN: Yes the importance of team work. I got to understand each person's responsibilities and how important everyone's contribution is, especially the crew behind the scenes. I still feel they should get more recognition.

LN: How do you think film stars handle their popularity and how do you do it yourself?

AN: I decided years ago to maintain myself as a brand and I was fortunate to have mentors in my life, successful business and entertainment gurus I would get advice from. They advised me to handle public and some personal situations, each move I made mattered to me. I'm also a very private person and I keep my private life. I have supportive family and friends. They are my reality check.

People handle popularity differently depending mostly on background, influence and self valuation. It’s a challenge because it comes with a lot of responsibilities. However there is need for artists especially in Zimbabwe to have managers and mentors in the film industry to teach them basic public or social etiquette, how to carry yourself as a public personality, career planning, film roles and how to handle personal or public issues. There are also the risks of   drugs and alcohol abuse and diseases that could ruin your life and career at an early age, guidance and education on all this is required. It’s very easy to lose focus, popularity can be overwhelming.

LN: Do you think that you have the potential to carry a film on your shoulders?

AN: Definitely I can and I will. I'm looking forward to showing how much as a young Zimbabwean woman in the film industry and inject my own flair into the industry. Its hard work but I've worked hard all my life and I'm all for it since I have more than what it takes. It’s a male dominated industry especially in Zimbabwe but we have had amazing female film makers who have done exceptionally well, Rumbi Katedza, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Nakai Matema,Yeukai Ndarimani and Marian Kunonga.

LN: Did you cry foul at one point?

AN:  I have been taken for granted a few times despite my hard work and input on the film producing level, and some have refused to look at me beyond my acting but that has not deterred me. I didn't just rock up from nowhere I have worked to get here and we all have equal opportunities to create world class film projects. I'm a Winner.

LN: What has been your biggest achievement in the field of acting?

AN: I'm still to get the biggest achievements, I’m not done yet! So far I won a youth Achievement award as best actress in 2005.

Through my acting I have had the chance to do more outside of my work as well, have been guest of honour at several big functions in Zimbabwe, including ZIMA, NAMA awards.

LN: What kind of roles do you prefer?

AN: I prefer any role that is challenging, physically, emotional and intellectually. That challenges me as Anne and also as an artist.

LN:  What is the hardest part of being a celebrity?

 AN: For me it has been the responsibility that comes with it. Women have been telling me that they named their children after me, because I was humbled. I have someone out there, young or old who believes I’m a representative of what they want to be. Indirectly I have the responsibility of giving hope and a future to someone. That is huge for me and quite sensitive.

LN: Give me a few tips to be a successful actress or actor?

AN: Firstly you need the passion and drive to keep you going. Pray, do as much research as possible, watch a lot of international movies, read books (it shapes your sense of imagination), exercise for physical and mental health, take good care of your body and skin (looks are essential),go for acting lessons if you can, train your voice, stay humble-everyone is important in shaping your career, be confident, be teachable, be prepared to work, very hard, never compromise yourself for anything or anyone, know what you are worth as an Artist and never settle for less and most importantly know who you are to avoid pressure to do what you don't believe in. 

LN: Who is your favorite actress?

AN:  Angela Basset, Keri Washington, Chalize Theron, Thandie Newton, Zoe Saldana.

LN: What are some of the difficulties you have faced in the acting business?

 AN: The biggest challenge in the film industry in Zimbabwe has been lack of funding and also lack of training for actors. The industry is very small as compared to other countries; it’s disheartening because we have amazing talent that is not being harnessed. That has made it difficult for actors to survive sorely on acting because the productions are few and seasonal. Generally the acting business is hard to get into because it’s very competitive and you have to prove your worth and it goes beyond good looks. You have to be talented. Once you are in, you also need to keep reinventing yourself to stay on top of your game, and it’s not a walk in the park.

LN:  Is it true that you have to change yourself in order to be accepted into the entertainment business?

 AN: Speaking from experience, I never changed myself or my attitude to be accepted. When I started acting at, I was told I was not pretty enough, didn't dress well enough but I made it. If you have talent and work hard  no one can take that away from you .The only changes you can  make is to educate, emancipate  yourself and dress better but your heart or attitude has to stay the same and remember where you come from  otherwise  you can easily become arrogant. The entertainment industry is competitive you have to be original. I have been around very influential successful business and entertainment people, politicians, actors and actresses like Sophie Ndaba (Generations), Gabriel (Muvhango) and a lot more and they are still the same in every way, humble people.

 LN: What is a good age to begin to pursue your acting career?

 AN: The sooner you start the better and there is no specific age to start living your dream. Parents should pick up what their children are good at, at an early stage and nurture it. There are film roles for as young as one year old babies. Anyone can give it a try, young or old.

LN: What is some advice that you would give to someone aspiring to become an actor/actress?

AN: If you believe acting is for you and start researching on film schools and productions and it’s never too early or too late. Block your ears from negative words because everyone will tell you why you can’t do it. Keep your eyes on your prize and pray! I wish you all the best!

 LN: And you have relocated to SA, can you tell me some of the reasons why you have moved there?

 AN: I moved to South Africa in 2008 and now I'm in Zimbabwe every time. I believe it’s time to give back to my country where I started off. I had reached the peak of my career in as far as the Zimbabwean film industry was concerned. At that time there was nothing bigger than the soapie I was acting in as a main actress at the time. It was more of a business decision to pursue my acting career, go to a film school and get my degree. Initially I wanted to go to Germany and I took up German (Deutshe) lessons but decided to go to SA instead, closer to home. I'm travelling to Zimbabwe frequently; I have a lot to do in Zimbabwe.

LN: If you were to address loopholes in the film industry in Zimbabwe, where exactly would you start and end?

AN: There are a lot of loopholes in the Film Industry in Zimbabwe as compared to other countries like SA that takes the Film Industry and Film Actors as professionals in the respective industry. Most countries have a proper strategic plan for funding for Film projects from Organisations, broadcasters and Executives that are always available. Also most countries have Broadcasting and advertising systems that profits and sustains the projects especially TV Soapies, shows and Series that are ongoing. Some film Makers in Zimbabwe for the past few years have resorted to injecting  their own personal funds to Produce their own Films and movies because of lack of funding, I applaud them for their great passion and they have done great in sustaining our industry. This however at times compromises on quality because there is a lot of cost cutting involved. The absence of professional Film schools has compromised on talent and there is need for skills development for aspiring actors and film makers in Zimbabwe.

The first step is to get our country involved, Ministry of Arts and Culture, individual companies and NGOs  to promote and Fund Film production  in Zimbabwe. Secondly initiating professional Film schools in Zimbabwe and thirdly to have film actors and crew management companies that represents the actors and crew, negotiate on their behalf.

 LN: Have you benefited from the acting industry?

AN: I definitely benefited in more ways than one and my acting career has opened big doors for me in all aspects of my life.

LN: What are some of the dramas or soapies you have starred in?

AN:  Studio 263 was my major break, then movies, short films and theatre in South Africa, The Rapist and many more.

LN: Are you taken?
AN: I’m still single.

LN: Thanks Anne!

AN: Cheers!

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-HMETRO