adminIndeed, it is just like — “Girl on Fire” as alluded to in Alicia Keys’ song.
She is destined for greater heights; her name is Monica Mtekesa aged 19.
The name though does not ring a bell to some, but believe you me, give her time as a television presenter, she will be a force to reckon with, just like Alice Makaya, Cindy Crawford and Anna Belle among others.
Monica, who is popularly known by ZBC’s Channel 2 viewing audiences as Moniquee, the host for the show “It’s Mytyme” has seen many teens glued to our local station being entertained and educated on teen lifestyle.
Moniquee, who is waiting for her Advanced Level results, said television presenting was her passion.
“I began this career in 2011 after I was spotted by the Kidznet producer Augustine Sillah during the speech and prize-giving day at Girls High School.
“I was reciting my poem and speech which later then captured the minds of many on the day.
“I liked television so much to the extent that I used to imitate what former presenters like Makanaka Wakatama and Shabhano Shah while at primary school,” she said.
Moniquee said her programme has empowered her.
“Being on television is one thing that I cherish the most.
“‘Mytyme’ has made me to look at life positively; it has also enabled me to consider others around me and the lessons they have imparted to me.
The teenager is fluent in all three of Zimbabwe’s major languages — English, Shona and Ndebele.
She said as presenters, there are some challenges which come within and it takes courage and passion in order for you to sail through.
“I have to tolerate some things, I have to be a good listener”, she said.
She further goes on to say: “It is also disappointing that some people like you for your status and not for who you are and as a result I am paranoid when it comes to having friends I can confide in,” she said.
Moniquee also lamented the negative labelling that comes with a being a teen on television.
She said some people were saying that she will fail since she is devoting her energies on trivial things.
The soft-spoken television personality had this to say to her critics and prophets of doom: “The entire water in the sea can’t sink a ship unless it gets inside the ship; by extension the negativity of the world can’t put you down unless you allow it to get inside you.”
The teenager, who lives in Avondale, has been master of ceremonies on different events including the recent Miss Harare Junior held at Pandari Lodge said her role model is her uncle.
“One thing people don’t know about me is, my uncle Douglas Mombeshora — Deputy Minister of Health and Child Welfare — is my role model.
“He challenges me to do better and inspires me to be the best,” she said.
Apart from presenting, Moniquee is also a basketball player and loves reading.
“I like travelling a lot, but when I am not on trips I love reading and playing basketball.
“I am a member of the Ladies Association (LA) basketball team.
“I think it runs in the genes as mother was once a basketball player, and my other uncle Gideon played for the national team,” said Moniquee.
It is a fact that she is academically gifted.
“I wrote my A-Level exams last year and hope to go to university this year to pursue a career in Mass Communication.
“I love Media Studies and wish to be a news reader with time,” she noted.
“It’s Mytym” is an hour-long programme which targets young audience dealing with issues affecting children as well as matters to do with the environment.
She is being assisted by Timothy Hogo and Maxine Sibanda.
Online Reporter