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

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-HMETRO