Since its inception Zim Influencers Magazine has played an exquisite role in educating, informing, supporting, empowering and entertaining its targeted audience. It has surpassed any human expectation in its growth and is quick to broaden its horizons. The fast-growing magazine has left no stone unturned in its quest to fulfil the interest of people from all works of life in terms of fashion, motivation, business, music, art, to mention but a few. The Magazine also features unique sections which gives a platform to many Zimbabwean influencers to retell their stories, entirely exposing the backbone of their success in order to inspire others. The Magazine has also been successful in creating a conducive platform for people from all age groups which has it receiving overwhelming response from the public. The brains behind the Magazine have an enormous passion in community building and development. Their continuous hunt for talent in a native’s child makes it clear that a man’s deeds lives forever and the good ones create stars in the dark.
Contact
Facebook : Zim Influencers Journal Instagram : Zim Influencers Magazine Website : journalforafrica.com Email : christinenhamo@gmail.com Whatsaap : +263772881055/ +79991371838
CONTENTS
Entreprenuership Music Charity
Ways to grow your skin African Politics Studying abroad Tips on relationships Interviews Mubako the cave Five places to visit in Zimbabwe Word game Advertise with us
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The African
Beauty
Lesson ”If you light a lamp for someone else, it will also brighten your path.” ~Buddha Changing other people’s lives will make your legacy live forever. Be willing to help, positively influence lives, impact your generation and keep
Shining
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February’s very own Crush
Lee Madyara
Chief Editor
The main motive of Zim Influencers Magazine is to ignite, empower and support the local inspiration. The power to change the future lays inside the palms of each one of us, lets stay awoke and help each other rise. Never underestimate the impact you have on others, just try to make it positive. Lets unite and together we will do anything...
Christine Nhamo +79991371838/ +263772881055/ christinenhamo@gmail.com
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Entrepreneurship
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Ruvheneko?
Who is
R
uvheneko Parirenyatwa is a Zimbabwean radio and TV talk show host, a Master of Ceremonies (MC), a voice over artist, a brand ambassador and a philanthropist. She is a talk show host for “Ruvheneko”; a current affairs talk show that airs on her online TV platform as well as on radio for Zimbabwe’s top media group, Zimpapers (Capitalk 100.4 FM and Star FM. She was ranked 2nd on the 2017 list of most influential Zimbabweans Under 40 compiled by a UK-based business magazine. Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa is the daughter of politician and medical doctor, David Parirenyatwa and Choice Parirenyatwa. She is also the granddaughter of the late Samuel Tichafa Parirenyatwa, the first black medical doctor in Rhodesia who the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals was named after. She
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is also former ZiFM Stereo Programming Manager. She briefly worked for Zimpapers as Projects Manager for the company’s Radio Broadcasting Division, a stint she later referred to as a mistake as she had chosen “security over destiny”. In her career, she has interviewed both local, international business, political and entertainment leaders. Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa is the daughter of politician and medical doctor, David Parirenyatwa and the grandchild of liberation war hero Tichafa Parirenyatwa. Ruvheneko has a different vibe that makes a girl child wants to do more. She is a mentor of many and a very well spoken woman in an African society.
S
Vibez
ound
C
hris Lionel James
K
nown as Chris James Hooking was born in Harare; Zimbabwe on the 3rd of January 1993 ; and music has been an instrument Chris has used to channel his many life experiences since he can remember. Like many other children from Zimbabwe ; parents always have a different path for their children which usually has to do with education and degree’s ; but for Chris he managed to break free from the tender age of 16 where he found himself in a studio setup and recorded his first ever song by the time he was 17. The single titled ‘Ndinokuda’ which means I love you; was the first song he recorded and featured an artist called Mukanya and that is basically how Chris James musical story began. Over the years Chris James has gone on to work with producers such as Anonzi XNDR ; Rayo beats ; Mc Clean and collaborated or featured on tracks with artists such as Mc Chita ; Mc Cut ; Mile & Marques to name a few. Chris James Hooking can be classed
as an RnB ; Neo soul and hip hop artist ; who takes advantage of his linguistic abilities as he writes / sings / raps in Nyanja ; Shona ; English and a bit of pigeon English which originates from Nigeria. Chris James is currently working on new music to be released from August 2019 where he plans to tell the African story through every song he writes and records with the main goal to become a global sensational artist.
Twitter:chrisjames_zw Facebook Fanpage www.facebook. com/chris james zw Instagram- chrisjames_zw_ Soundcloud- www.soundcloud.com/ chrisjames Genre: RnB / Neo Soul / Hip - Hop Booking Agent / Management: reapeleentertainment01@gmail.com
Things Successful People DO... 1. They Set GOALS.
Define exactly what you want to achieve and make smaller steps you’re required to do, in order to achieve that goal.
2. They Take Responsibility For Their Life.
Never allow people’s opinions over your life define you. You create and define your own identity
3. They Have Great Self Discipline
Once you run away from something, you will keep running away from everything. Once a quitter, forever will be a quitter.
4. They Are Obsessed With Self Development
You only have you and only this life to live, develop yourself and your personal skills everyday.
5. They Read. A LOT!
Reading books that changes your life will be the best decision ever.
6. They Manage Their Time Well
You have 86400 seconds in a day,make every second worth it. Use your time wisely.
7. They Take Risks!
You will never know how high you can fly until you jump. Take risks, or you will be stuck in mediocrity.
8. They Find A Way To Win
Always find a way to win. In each and every deal there is someone who benefits and someone who loses. Be the one on the winning side.
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A mmara
Brown
Titled the Most influential female artist of our DECADE & the Leading female artist of our year 2019.
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Photography story telling
E
nerst Muvunzi has always stood as my inspiration. He is so humble and amazing. His interpretation of art blows my mind away. His recent single which narated the direct love controversy amongst the diversity of religion made waves on social media and brought many to tears. Knowing so much that this young talented man is upto something else, I asked him what he is working on these days and he smiled and said, “ Well, so of late been working on digital storytelling through concept photography. I started the brand June 2019 and we have been creating content non-stop ever since. Our main thrust is to change the African narrative by telling the African story in an African way, a way that we Africans can relate to. Its so sad that for ages and decades we have entrusted other people with telling our story and that is a risky move because it tempers with our history as a people. Poverty, disease and corruption are vices we face here in Africa but we can not be characterized by that, amidst all the hardships we are a happy people, trendy and full of vibe...now thats the Africa i want to show the world�. I respect this young man and interviewing him was a mighty honor.
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C ynthia
B izure
S ithole JamJam
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An orphan needs love too. Help the fatherless and provide for the motherless. Love builds a society into a nation. We have all we don’t need just for the universe to see if we can spare for those without. Giving will open doors you never thought would open. Start your own movement #HelpAnOrphan #TawandaImbayarwo. Giving doesn.t really mean you have a lot, it simply means that you care about others. Give a hand and save a life.
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Tawanda Imbayarwo Tawanda Imbayarwo is a young man of 23 who is
big when it comes to Charity. Indeed he has a big heart that extend from family to the less privileged more particularly orphans. He leads a movement called Boka Renyasha, the name they were given by the Granny who runs Maunganidze Children’s home. The movement does not have like permanent members and Tawanda does not want to be called the leader since he says we are at par when we stretch our hands for the same cause. Despite the fact that he started it, he doesn’t accept any title of a leader or owner of the movement which uses the hash
Tags
#helpanorphan #livetomatter #noneedathousandtogiveadollar The movement is a wave to help orphans especially emotionally by making them feel remembered and therefore feel important. It also helps in education by teaching and providing for formal education. It focuses on the orphans, providing them food, clothing, stationary and school fees. It also helps with motivation and real life lessons on topics like sexual harassment, child abuse, HIV and aids amongst other topics. For Tawanda Imbayarwo, it started just as a childhood dream, wishing that when he grow up he would love to have a house to help the less privileged, the disabled, orphans and the old age. That wish and dream did not change but when he was in form 6, on the 25 of June 2014 his mother passed away leaving him an orphan with no mother nor father since his father died when he was just three. He experienced life as an orphan and he got a feeling, a feeling that as an orphan you are always 3rd or fourth in the line to anything you want. If you find someone to stay with, it’s just natural that everyone put
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their kids first, the kids of a richer relative 2nd and the orphan 3rd. As an orphan it becomes painful to dream or have hope. You feel forgotten, inferior and less important in the world, it might not be true to every orphan but to most. If school fees is not enough, parents pay for their children first then hustle to cover the orphan. Some end up dropping out of school, some falling victims to rape, verbal, sexual and or physical abuse. With that in mind Tawanda started a movement where by he arranges a date to visit any target orphanage to donate. He advertises the program and anyone willing can join to go and donate. For accountability reasons he doesn’t want to be the middle man. If you have stuff you want to give and maybe without transport he helps you with transport so that you hand over your staff to the children yourself. The first visit flopped as almost every one who had promised to go withdrew and he went with just one friend Tafadzwa Maina who has been so helpful and actively involved in every program from day one. For every visit he advertises and volunteers join in. Now the visits are drawing a lot of willing givers, teachers and motivational speakers.They work closely with Maunganidze Children’s home which was their first home to visit, though they visit other different children’s homes targeting the less popular ones since they are usually remembered by many. There are some people who have been so committed to the movement and with those he now pays school fees for orphaned but bright pupils at KUTAMA DAY PRIMARY SCHOOL in Zvimba Rural. Some of the people who have been so committed to make this movement making it a real force are: Mildred Mutize, Mazvita Makanda, ASHLYN MAKWARIMBA and Kudzai.
Novi Keys Victor Nondo is a Congolese Zimbabwean artist commonly known by his stage name Novi Keys. He was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and relocated to Zimbabwe at a young age of eight, fleeing from a war struck country and in search of greener pastures. Novi Keys discovered he had a passion for music back in the Congo when he was singing in a church choir and his musical career began in 2008. He released his first song which is titled bye bye, up to date he has managed to release three songs and he is releasing a new one very soon. The producers that he has worked with so far are DJ Tamuka, Rodney beatz
jamal and Gangstar.On some of these songs he featured local popular artists such as Exq, Shinsoman, Leonard Mapfumo and Sabastian Magacha to mention but a few. Last december he went to Kariba for a show to promote the gusheshe song which features shinsoman, the response was massive more than what was anticipated. The fans loved the new song and the show was a huge success. The 22year old artist enjoys spending time with family and friends when he is not in the studio recording or writing new tracks. He also plays the drums and piano which are also a hobby for him.
Who is Melissa Mwale
Melissa Messe Samantha Mwale Chiyangwa is an Entrepreneur, E-commerce & Blockchain Investor, Venture Capitalist and Philanthropist. Melissa Messe Mwale is making waves internationally as a thought provoking young business woman on solving economic challenges in Africa. Her passion and talents are in creating digital innovative solutions for Africa. She believes technology will bring empowerment & transparency to African communities and for this reason she has given birth to Internet, blockchain, Beauty and Fashion tech-enabled businesses. From a borrowed laptop and unpaid rent, Melissa Mwale Chiyangwa became one of the Zimbabwe’s successful entrepreneurs. Her journey was not all rosy, at one time she had There is nothing amazing like a young black woman to sell juice cards to survive. We congratulate with ambition. her once again for getting featured in Forbes Africa under #30 Technology Category.
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Beautiful would be an understatement, Lee Madyara is causing waves in the Zimbabwean Fashion industry. Her exotic and glamorous look has inspired many women to finally own their ‘closets’. After launching her trending talk show, where she interviews various people in the fashion industry in Zimbabwe {with a zeal to understand more about our local Fashion culture}, Hollywood Lee is planning on dropping an eyewear bomb. Stay awoke ladies, its almost time to glow.
IG : @hollywoodlee1_ Twitter : @HollywoodLee_ http://hollywoodlee.blogspot.com/ YouTube : HollywoodLee Zim
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Cherish Natasha Chiyangwa
She is a Star
Get to know
Cherish Natasha Chiyangwa Cherish Natasha Chiyangwa, graduated from UAL in London with a degree in Fashion P.R and communications in 2018. Upon returning to Zimbabwe she become the creative director behind the clothing brand ‘APA HAUNA CASH’. After getting her foot in the door she decided to put her love for animals to good use and began a piggery and fish farming projects which are located in Chinhoyi, as well as invested into farming which she’s managed to plant cabbages, maize, onions, butternuts to name a few. She has currently partnered with several local business aimed at creating as well as empowering different entrepreneurs to become their own bosses. Cherish is constantly pressed forward with donating to different charities and is hoping with to keep doing more this year.
What exactly defines you? Who do you aspire to be in life and which female star would you model yourself after?
- My drive for success, my desire to reach my goals through never giving up, taking each “L” as a learning point and growing through every set-back. Nothing comes easy you need to put 1000% into anything you decide to do. - I don’t personally fashion myself after any ‘female star’. I admire their work ethic. One thing my mothers also said is if you keep looking at what the next person is doing you’ll never get going. No one in this world starts at the same point, others are blessed with wealthily parents others are not. All I know is strive for success and set goals, when you reach the first goal set other goals eventually you’ll look to yourself and be so shocked by how much you’ve done and wars you’ve conquered.
On the contrary to what we already know, which personal advice would you give to young people who adore you. - The best advice I can give is, focus on yourself!
If you get caught up wondering and wanting what the next person has you’ll never gain the courage to move forward and become who God intended you to be. Secondly, I believe that no matter what happens in life take each thing and use it as a stepping stone to build your empire. Live your truth so nothing anyone can say to try derail you won’t affect you. Lastly, tomorrow is promised to no-one, no one can take what the Lord has proclaimed is yours so why waste time crying or staying in one place just because someone said no? Do not ever tilt your crown queen! Show them your light shines even brighter on the darkest of days.
What are the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs, and what has been your best motivation to stay on track? - The current economic situation makes it very dif-
ficult for young entrepreneurs to venture into the market. What I have learnt is keep a good circle around you. If you don’t you’ll end up never moving forward. Keep calling that company if you want that job, show up, follow up. Take advantage of any person you have on your social media, make connections, have a great business plan, be honest, be prepared, be organised. Always be on top of your game.
How best can one save money, and how were you able to keep and maintain disciple in money saving.
- I’m still struggling with money saving cause I love food, but after living in the United Kingdom for so long I realised I loved cooking. So I’d rather come up with new recipes than go out to eat these days. Also I’ve found saving money is easier when you get a reward at the end of the day, so do I want to go out and spend money or do I want to pay for my mushroom project to start which in turn means that every month I’ll be getting money from that project to be able to go out. Stop thinking about right now and think about next week and you’ll know and when to spend your money.
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Ways to glow your
Skin 1. Never ever go to bed with makeup on. 2. Use a ton of TLC to remove your eye makeup. 3. Drink plenty of water morning to night. 4. Add an antioxidant serum to your daily routine. 5. Use a face cream and sunscreen combo every day. 6. Always sleep on a clean pillowcase. 7. Never lay in a tanning bed. 8. Don’t pick at your skin. 9. Drink a lot of lemon water, stay hydrated. 21
Showbiz is her passion and Engineering is her profession
Lyrue Mazerenganwa
M
edia has always been part of her. She first spoke in front of a crowd was when she gave a poem at an event in pre-school. However, throughout her primary and secondary school, she was the most brightest student in her classes hence the need to pursue media was far from her mind. She used to write scripts ,and give speeches here and there but never took it seriously to transform it into a career. She finished high school and pursued an engineering degree like most bright minds would do. Destiny cannot be denied, it can only be delayed. Hilarious, she was made to be serious with her media career through a heartbreak. As any other young girl, she met her college sweetheart and things were flowing. They promised each other marriage and even kids. However, Mr. right had other thoughts at the back of his mind. “we never fought in our relationship, things where smooth “,she said. They had their first fight on New Year’s Eve and 4 seconds into the year, the guy had moved on and seemed very happy with his new love. It was because of this heartbreak she decided to boss up and create her own path. She said it took her more than a year to get over that guy which made her reflect why exactly she was failing to let go only to find out that it was because the guy was a visionalist, he had promised to buy a car, house and own a garage in 2 years to come and she was seeing herself becoming a wife of a garage, car and house owner. So when the guy left ,he left with her vision and worst still he went on to own
those things with the new girl. “I looked at myself in the mirror and said if someone’s vision can be this good, that if they leave you can’t heal ,how will it feel to have mine”, she said. From there she went on to create her own individual brand.LyRue has become one of the most influential Zimbabweans through her talkshows,films and motivational videos. She host Friday Night Debates each and every Friday and she continuously host motivational personels on her other talkshow called Motivational Talk.How she is able to able to balance between sciences and media is not a mystery for she had this to say,”I am able to balance between media and engineering by studying both,of course Showbiz was a gift from God but if you are ever going to take a gift to a professional level,you got to study it.It is wrong to assume that a person is created to pursue just one carrier for the rest of their life,You are equally good in one field as you are in anything else you are passionate about.The trick is allow yourself to reach full potential, don’t be limited by the system which is designed to make you believe that you should have only one source of income and you can only specialize in one field.”.
When life gives you lemons, make a lemonade and smile.
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Simbarashe
Muchero
Power /Political analyst/ Consultant/
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A talk with
Simbarashe Muchero
I
n an exclusive interview he said, “Passion for politics grew so much in me at a tender age and it became attractive to me due to many factors in my society. I had seen the scarcity of youthful leaders in terms of politics and this has led to the millennium generational interests relegated to the back bench. However, growing up in the township of tafara it never seemed possible to achieve certain heights that I have achieved today. I made sure that focus was one of my key driving forces. I made sure that building a network with politics related people would be a stepping stone because the world has since migrated to a who do you know arena. I went to Tafara 1 high school and later moved to Herentals college in Mabvuku, we were actually the first A level students there in 2009. This was a hard time for most students because financially not many families where well to do. I come from a middleclass family, I wrote my ‘O’ levels in June 2008 and the same year went A level and did my ‘A’ level the following year. All the hell broke loose if I might say when I wanted to go to University. At first, I got a scholarship to study in Japan in 2011 and two weeks before we left there was a heavy tsunami in Japan and the deal was cancelled. I got another school in India and when I went to confirm with the recruiting agency about the dates, they were even surprised to see me I was not on their list and students had long gone. What now, I thought the world is just crushing my father was a lecturer at the University of Botswana so he later arranged for me to go there, we arrived and then I got admission into Canadian university. I was super excited but just a month before my departure for studies in Canada the worst happened, my father passed away. At this moment I the world crumbling down on me. I questioned my existence and why everything was just not working well for me. Losing a parent and the breadwinner is one of the toughest and ruthless situations to come
out of. The struggle got more real and I had to abandon all plans and start to make ends meet for my mom and siblings who were all unemployed. I had to go to South Africa where my uncle was (may his soul rest in peace). I arrived in Johannesburg with only R10 in my pocket, sleeping in a tiny room with my uncle and sometimes if his girlfriend is around, I would just sleep in the garage outside. This was supposed to break me but I refused to let it win. Deep down I knew I was created for something more than what life was presenting to me. I kept having a zeal in me to awaken the political passion I had for years. They say knowledge is power, therefore I started enrolling on any online courses I would come across that were political related. To cut the long story short, I had a big break into politics when I met Dr Maxwell Shumba who launched Zimfirst party in 2016 and I was privileged to be the youth chairman. I would be interviewed by almost all TV stations across Africa, my analysis would get big people and influential giants look for me. I started to be invited even by Heads of States after seeing the pan Africanism in me. I would visit Presidents, sit, chat and share ideas with them. In 2018 I then became one of the youngest Member of Parliament candidate in Zimbabwe, I was the youngest male candidate. Whenever you try to do something important in life, there will always be naysayers to pull you down. There were people who tried to demotivate me and undermined my abilities. No one thought that I could change political views and I almost got demotivated. Life taught me that you shouldn’t for resources before you unleash your potential, go for what you desire resources and the people will start to follow you. Your current condition is not the end of the world, believe in yourself and people around you will start believing in you. I almost became a school dropout but not a vision drop out. Today I boast of several business interests and I’ve become one of the most celebrated young political analysts in Africa.”
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Meet Millicent Tatenda Masakwa
Student Journalist/ Blogger/ Comedian/ Motivational Speaker/ Writer/ TV Presenter
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Experiences: Studying in Algeria Ropafadzo Munikwa
S
tudying abroad was one of the most beneficial experience in my life, I had the opportunity to study in a foreign nation and take the allure and culture of a new nation. However, the road was not all roses but however the overall experience is invaluable. Studying in Algeria, I had the opportunity to see the other side of the world, and experience a brand-new country with incredible new outlook, customs and culture. The country was completely different cultural wise, landmarks and natural wonders. I had the priceless moment of visiting the Sahara Desert and experience the beauty of the place. I had an opportunity to visit many historical sites in the country.
I had the opportunity to experience a different style of education which has enriched me to be a confident and proud engineer having been trained in Algeria. Immersing myself in the education system of Algeria was a great way to really experience and understand the Marghreb traditions and its Arabic culture. To be honest I was fascinated by the distinct cultural perspectives. Algeria provided me with the ability to study a foreign language (French and Arabic) due to the practice I got just in day to day life. Above one of the biggest benefits was the opportunity to meet new lifelong friends from different backgrounds.
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Tips on
Relationships
Taking steps in the course to strengthen your relationship is a vital commitment which one needs to do as a deed for a long and strong relation. That act will make you a powerful mother or father as you become an amazing parent to your children. We have a plethora of keys that make relationships sweet and strong, only to mention few in this paragraph.
By Energy Matsengarwodzi Foundations If I may to ask, why are you in a relationship so many reasons people will tell. But today I argue with your thoughts to bring the truth that you hide behind the phrase I LOVE YOU. Most of people built relations based on lust caused by the first impression. I warn you first date (this is a qualification) is not a platform and a guarantee that the person is good for you, people pretend fake whom they are. Evaluate!! Vision and Goals Have an inner spirit that is active to predict the future for both of you. Visualise and dream big, together we can achieve. Believe in your partner that one day we will be. Plan together set goals for the future. Communication This is a powerful tool which can built up or destroy your relationship. Communication it’s not just talking to each other but making a vibe that creates bond between two people who are in a relationship. It’s about knowing how, what and when to communicate your issues. Complain without blaming your partner have an open discussion that yield good fruits than attacking. Develop good habits after an argument do not wait for apologies everyone has pride what if your partner is also waiting for you. Learn to express positive feelings to your partner frequently.
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Intimacy It’s very easy to relax and to be too comfortable in a relationship. You need to keep showing interest to your partner. Make he or she feel special each and every day. Have an emotional bond knowing each other daily. Love has powers that you really need to look for in your partner. Word power and feeling power. If he or she is deep into word power make sure you are a person of his words, to keep your promises this means your communication needs to be strong. Studies shows that there is a hormone called oxytocin in social circles they now name it love drug. This is another power of feeling through sexual activities hugging, kissing and touching, this hormone influences social interaction it creates bond. In conclusion not to be called a person of many words there is a degree of effort and a highest level of commitment to make an intense feeling of affection and care towards each other not to dematerialize.
Authored
The way to greatness, my destiny and eros adoration perspectives.
Get to know Monica chanda
M
onica Chanda is an analyst, social activist, philanthropist as well as a Producer Presenter with one of the national broadcasters, ZBC radio stations. Most of her work revolves around current affairs, programming tackling issues of a socio-economic and political nature . She is also a host on one of the leading radio current affairs programme called, “The Grill” that broadcasts weekdays 7.15am to 8am. This amazing lady also present other current affairs programming on television Face The Nation and used to present on Zimbabwe Today. She is without doubt an inspiration to many.
In an exclusive interview she mentioned about how she is an avid reader and deeply passionate about politics, art, travelling and music. Whenever she gets a chance, she works with charity organizations to help welfare of disadvantaged families, volunteering and assisting in resistance plans especially for children’s welfare. In response to how she tackles her days she laughed and said, “On the light side I love wine tasting, sport, the outdoors, puzzles and anything that spells adrenaline. Pretty much a private person calls me a “social outcast” but tend to bring my extroverted side on social media I guess twitter to be precise suppose that’s me in a nutshell”.
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Tinashe Mtetwa
Connect with Luminous Twitter, I.G : @MeetLuminous FB : @Luminous516
Tinashe Mtetwa also known as Luminous is a rapper, spoken word artist, battle rapper, song-writer who is also working on his first book. Luminous was born the youngest of 6 kids and he recalls feeling like a misfit amongst his siblings, he was the kid no one wanted to babysit and the desire to be heard drove him to pick up the pen and express himself that was of course after being inspired by American Rapper Lecare. What Luminous did not know was how all his gifts were a stepping for the work that together with his friends would later do. In a restaurant in Bulawayo, the Driven movement was birthed. Driven is simply, love God and do what you want in that order. Luminous believes a lot of people wrestle with the pressure of figuring life out at a certain age or doing things in a way that the masses approve of.
But for the 24year old people’s paths are just as different as their finger prints so with Driven he seeks to let people know that no one has it all figured out, the most important thing is to love God and then do what you were put on this earth to do. This initiative goes beyond the art, Luminous and his friends have engaged schools and gave out reading books one of the things that inspires him is a remark made by iconic rapper Tupac who in an interview said I might not change the world but I’ll inspire the mind that will change the world. This is why Luminous believes in acquiring and sharing knowledge. On a normal day, he is just a food lover who draws inspiration from life and the world around him.
Interview with
Millicent Tatenda Masakwa...
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n an exclusive interview, Millicent said, “Growing up was not that easy. I grew up with my mum ,dad ,little brother but we were privileged enough to have all we wished for. I was not a brilliant student at school maybe l should say l was an average student. I only had faith that one day l will find a way to be a better person in life. My family could not always afford to buy me and my little brother new clothes so my cousins used to give us their second hand clothes for us to wear. After finishing my ordinary level , l spent almost 3 years at home doing nothing seeking help from relatives to assist me to go to study even a short course. I remember one day begging a relative to process my papers so that l could go and study nursing. I had to stop bothering him because l realized that he could not help me but l just wasting my bus fare every weekend. Family gatherings added salt to my wounds and stress l could feel out of place every time we gathered because all my cousins were at Colleges and Universities . Just when l thought that mercy was upon me ,a relative whom had promised to pay my school fees turned me down. She turned me down after l had passed my enrollment interview. All she could say was she could not afford to pay the school fees anymore . I lost hope. Judging from the city l live in (Kadoma),l could have been impregnated by a gold digger or buyer since it is a city of Gold. Unlike some girls ,l knew what l wanted in life and that is to make my parents proud one day. I looked for a job in supermarkets but unfortunately l could not get one. Just when l lost hope ,my cousin (Candice) came to inform me that she had found a job for me. Guess what, it was an Ecocash agent and selling small cellphones job. Many people laughed at me when they realized the kind of job l did. They used to call me with this nickname “Musikana wepaEcocash” in a mockery way. I remember my ex boyfriend of that time dumped me because of that ecocash issue, he was ashamed that l worked there. Despite all these people who laughed at me ,l never looked back because l knew what l wanted in life .My goal was to live a better life from my previous life. I
worked there for 1 and half year and managed to raise money to go to College for the whole year. I applied for Mass Communication (Journalism and Media studies) at Harare Polytechnic and thanks to the God in heaven l got enrolled.I managed to pay my school fees for the whole of National Certificate level and fortunately passed all subjects. My parents saw the passion l had for journalism and strived to look for money so that l could continue with my national diploma. In 2018 when l was in my second year l was introduced to an organization called the Journalism Students network of Zimbabwe by a classmate (Farai Matiashe).I met influential people in the organization who pushed me to become a better person. I also managed to practice few journalism work with includes covering one of the biggest Art festival in Zimbabwe called The Shoko Festival and many festivals In 2019 l got an attachment at ZBC Radio Zimbabwe. I tell you, God did wonders during my attachment period.I was the first attaché to host 5 programs and 4 shifts as a result of excellency approved by the Bosses. I hosted programs which include “Nyaya Dzerudo” which made the listeners fall in love with Radio Zimbabwe more, “Zvevechidiki” which captured and drew the youths closer to Radio Zimbabwe , “Usandikanganwe” which made the title l was given by the listeners “tete Millicent” including “Ruoko Runopa” and “Tipeiwo Mukana”. I also managed to drew many listeners closer to listening to Radio Zimbabwe through Radio Zimbabwe social media.I was their social media manager and we gained more followers during my attachment period. Through that same social media platform we also managed to raise 53 000RTGS for an operation of a baby brain tumor and it was successful. Radio Zimbabwe also won a digital advertising award which was also supported by the social media platforms which l was managing.
My message to all of you guys is never give up .Imagine if l had given up where will l have been today? Remember it is never too late to try again. Do not quit, work hard to achieve your goals in life.. Follow me on Instagram @miss_j_mimmz ,on Twitter @Iam_missJ_Mimmz
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Matilda Tinashe Borerwe
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atilda Tinashe Borerwe known me as ‘Bacon’ is a one of the Zimbabwean female comedians currently based in Japan. She has a BSc degree in Land and Water Resources Management from MSU. Her facial expressions make everything super hilarious and brings Zimbabwean comedy to a whole new level. She started making videos on a small scale in 2017. In an interview in response to her intentions with comedy she said, “I do it to make myself happy and to entertain my followers. My inspiration is the YouTube Zim reality show that left us wanting which is ZWAGs.
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I want to be different from all the other type of comedy that is popular in Zim. My kinda comedy is a little different and thank God my Facebook friends and Instagram followers understand it too. I hope to just keep doing this and to bring laughter to everyone. I want the country to move at the same speed as the others internationally in terms of what we consider funny. I am also trying to be funny not just to Zimbos but to anybody. Due to Data problems I have been using Tiktok to make my 60second videos so that everyone can enjoy without data restrictions.” Follow her on Fb for more info.
Interview with
Tinaye Edwell
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y name is Tinaye Edwell “Musisinyani” and I was born and bred in a small town Masvingo in a small southern country of Africa called Zimbabwe. According to my late dad’s diary, I was born around 06:01am on 15 January 1995 and it was on a Sunday at a town’s general public hospital. I grew up in a family of four and being the third child with our single mom. My dad passed on 1999 and I later knew my dad was late when I was in my primary school final year. Education I did my primary and High School in Masvingo and later went on to do my first degree at a local state university called Midlands State University in a small town called Gweru. Remember I’m the third born in a family of four but I’m the first to go to a tertiary institution. After my sister failed her high school examinations and my elder brother failed also now it was obvious for me that I was going to fail. I’m not one of those kids who are inspired by their elder siblings or cousins to perform better in school. In my family it’s different because even my cousins didn’t manage to, I had to look outside and be inspired. All I know up to now is one day I wrote in my small book that one day I will go to university that is when I was in my primary. You know growing up as an orphan its something that is not easy and to be frank with you no scholarship paid my fees. Thumps up to my mom who is a vegetable vendor, she stood by me and did all she could to make my dream come true. To cut the long story short, on the 12 of July 2019 I was conferred with a bachelor of commerce honors degree in Economics.
I remember in primary I was in a school choir and I used to write poems for my friends who did well in many competitions. That time I was just a good writer and not a speaker, them were good speakers but not good writers. During my secondary school I was never involved in all that until one day during my high school when we travelled as a school for debate and public speaking competition. The guy who was supposed to represent us on public speaking disappeared and the teacher asked if there was anyone who wanted to replace. Everyone went quiet and when they were about to go to inform the authorities that our school was out of competition I just said let me try. I don’t know how I did it but I was elected the junior councillor in the junior council of Zimbabwe of the ward where our school was situated. That’s the time I realized my leadership capacity and from that time I have always believed in youth leadership. That’s the time I realized I was a good speaker as well. So I had a good leadership skill, speaking ability and writing skill. I can say this is what I realized that I wanted in my life. Though due t lack of career guidance somewhere somehow I think I made a mistake in choosing a field to study from high school to university but all again a believe all things work together for good. Now I know my path. In 2019 January I launched an on TV show called Real Life Talk Show that release episodes every Saturday. Though due to some economic hardship and some commitments beyond my control I have stopped and thinking to resume as soon as things seen to be a bit stable. I wrote my first book called Mindset To Conquer The World which I was looking forward to public on my birthday this year 15 January but some changes came. In this book I used my experience to inspire some people out there that anything you want to achieve in life is achievable as long as it is registered in your mind that you can want to do it. I’m also running an online inspirational platform called Mindset Clinic where I do daily posts to inspire others. You know growing up in a ghetto where there is no inspiration and motivation takes requires much discipline, determination and focus.
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M ub ak o Th e Ca ve 33
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ubako The Cave is a podcast show produced by Disrapt TV a division of Velron Media. Mubako the Cave started after the socialisation that men are brave and remain in their own cocoon ,not to share their deepest fears,hurts and struggles.The podcast is a platform which allows men to express diverse issues such as depression,marriage,sex issues,monetary challenges and everything that evolves and what it is to be a man.The aim of the show is to help men express their struggles and be able
to get advice and also allow women to appreciate men. Mubako The Cave is hosted by Ronald Ngwerume a married man and Jasper Mhishi a bachelor so as to explore the two worlds of living as a married man and as a man trying to settle down.The podcast airs every Tuesday and is found on various platforms such as Apple Podcast,Podbean, Buzzsprout, Sound Cloud,YouTube and Whatsapp. The hosts have a passion of putting out men’s issues and love to help boys and young men who still are looking to make it in life.
Get to Know Anna Chibaby Honde How do you cope with dominating in a tough male-dominated environment like comedy as a young female? To be honest it comes with creativity, its all about what you’re bringing on the table. In this industry gender doesn’t define anything,its all about how you convey your talent. I also think this industry offers room to everyone. What inspired you to get into Comedy? Umm well, I would say seeing people happy really inspired me to get into comedy. There is a lot of problems in the world already and everyone deserves a little laugh. Humor is a necessity. How do you come up with the stories for your skits, is it mandatory that you have to make every skit educative or it just happens. To be honest I dont write any script , I just wake up feeling the need to make a video and I go for it. I just create my art based onwhats on the ground. I think art just reviews itself. I am actuially glad that you find them educa-
tive. As a role model to many whats your advise to a girl child? Well, girl child know when to say NO. Know your rights and educate yourself. Education gives you the indipendence you need in our society. What else do you do other than comedy? Um, I am a dancer, I am a traditional dancer. I can also perform on special events like weddings, graduations, etc. Having me around will just improve the atmosphere, trust me. How can Zimbabwe assist you in expanding your carreer? Oh yes about that, I think the support will be more appreciated. Share my content and help spread the news. Also, endorsements are needed for me to have more impact. Currently I am self-sponsoring which is really hard because of the expense. I need things like cameras, lighting, etc. Your help will mean a lot.
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Munashe Chirisa is set to start this decade with a romantic tale called Chido. This lovers’ story is to drop on the 14th of February 2020. Over the years, Made in Zwe has made an amazing impact in the Zimbabwean media Industry and I must confess, non of Munashe’s realeases have been a disappointment so far. In a world where humor has become an everyday necessity, Munashe has managed to bring out his art coated with humor and a lot of lessons to learn. Chido was filmed in Zimbabwe in an effort to collaborate with Zimbabwean actors, filmmakers, designers and makeup artists. He hopes to promote cross-border collaborations with African creatives in a bid to create employment within the arts in Africa, however little it may be. Munashe’s passion to innovate and empower fellow Africans has made a huge impact in our native society. He shall forever be ‘A man of an amazing Art’.
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5 Best places to visit in Zimbabwe Victoria Falls has the largest sheet of falling water on the planet, and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. In peak flood season (February to May), the spray thrown up by the plunging water can be seen from 30 miles/48 kilometers away. This magnificent spectacle gives the falls its indigenous name — Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke That Thunders”. Kariba is renowned as one of the best places in the world to catch tiger fish, a ferocious freshwater species prized by sport fishermen for its strength and tenacity. The lake’s islands also offer ample opportunities for game viewing. Perhaps the most rewarding wildlife area is Matusadona National Park, located on Kariba’s southern shore. In Chinhoyi Caves top attraction is the Wonder Hole, a collapsed cavern with sheer walls that drop into the crystalline Sleeping Pool. The glacial blue color of the lake’s water makes for impressive photographs, and from here, visitors can enter the illuminated Dark Cave.
Chimanimani National Park is a place of stunning natural beauty. The perfect destination for those wishing to hike, camp and lose themselves in the Zimbabwean wilderness, the park is defined by plunging gorges, lush valleys and soaring peaks. Walking through the wide, jacaranda-lined streets feels a lot like stepping back in time, top attractions in Bulawayo include the Natural History Museum, home of taxidermied safari animals and rarities including a dodo egg and a prehistoric coelacanth fish. It is possible to encounter living African animals at Chipangali Widlife Orphanage, located a short drive southeast of the city.
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