Online Reporter
Gift Moyo, [email protected]
One stage has always remained a dream: the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama), Zimbabwe’s premier showcase of artistic excellence.
This year, that dream came true in the most unexpected way. Madula’s team had initially reached out to the Nama organisers to pitch him as a host for the awards. Their request was politely declined, leaving Madula disappointed.
Little did he know, destiny had other plans. Unbeknown to him, his director had quietly submitted his name and Madula found himself on the 24th Nama nominees list. If all goes well on February 28, he will walk the red carpet at the Harare International Conference Centre as a first-time nominee and perhaps even take the stage at Zimbabwe’s most prestigious arts platform, a milestone he never anticipated so soon.
Madula is nominated for Outstanding Actor in the Nama Film and Television category for his role as Stan “SK” Khumalo in the Bulawayo production High School Diaries. He faces stiff competition from Charles Kamara (Nhai Maiguru) and Leroy Siyafa (God Sleeps on Sundays).
Sunday Life caught up with the multitalented Calvin Madula — actor, host, filmmaker, MC, model and passionate diabetes advocate — to hear about his acting journey, his reaction to this surprising recognition and what it means for his career.
Below are excerpts of the interview:
Q: How did your journey as an actor begin?
A: At school, I was never really interested in acting. I was called to perform often, but didn’t take it seriously at first.
Q: Was there a moment that sparked your interest in drama?
A: Yes. I used to write compositions, and one English teacher gave me a topic to write on. The next day, I discovered that my composition had been turned into a full drama for prize-giving. I was shocked but inspired and that’s when I joined the drama club full-time.
Q: How did your path continue after school?
A: After finishing school, I moved to Bulawayo and worked at Steward Bank. Growing up in a rural area with no electricity, I treasured the times I spent watching TV at a friend’s house. Later, I became a model with Fingers Modelling Academy, where I participated in fashion shows. I was always the guy introducing myself on stage, saying: “My name is Calvin Madula, I’m an aspiring actor.” That persistence kept the dream alive.
Q: How did you land your first acting opportunity?
A: I got my first acting gig through a photographer who attended the fashion shows I was modelling in. While shooting a short film, I met a producer who cast me in a drama series on ZBC, which earned me my first award. On set, I connected with a director who invited me to audition for my first lead role in an M-Net movie called Another Wedding, followed by Gold Diggers.
Q: When did acting become your full-time focus, and what drives your approach today?
A: After that, I left banking to focus fully on my creative work. I started as a model, but acting has always been my calling. Early on, I faced rejection and many auditions weren’t for me, but today my brand is multifaceted, with acting as the foundation. I’m an actor first. I don’t do it for fun; every project is intentional. For me, it’s not about appearing on TV, it’s about telling stories that matter.
Q: How did you land the role on High School Diaries, a production that has earned you a Nama nomination?
A: When the role of SK was recast for Season 2, I received a call from the creator and director while I was on another production in Zambia. What immediately drew me to the opportunity was the responsibility that came with stepping into a character audiences already knew and loved. SK is a Khumalo, which carries a strong cultural identity and a very distinct way of speaking. The previous actor had a solid linguistic background in Ndebele, so I knew I had to approach the role with deep respect, preparation and intention. Ndebele is not my strongest language, but that challenge excited me. I’m always drawn to work that stretches me and demands growth. I travelled back home to shoot and worked closely with the director and creative team to find an authentic rhythm for the character, while still bringing my own emotional truth to him. I’m grateful for the trust and creative freedom I was given to interpret SK in a way that honoured the story and allowed me to evolve as an actor.
Q: This being your first Nama nomination, how does it feel?
A: Honestly, it’s deeply affirming. I’ve been recognised regionally before, but to be acknowledged on Zimbabwe’s biggest stage, it’s huge.
It’s a testament to consistency and staying loyal to the craft. Funny story: my team had reached out to the Namas to see if we could host them and got rejected. A few days later, a colleague called to congratulate me on a nomination and I was stunned. My director had secretly submitted my name. I was shocked; I actually cried. Winning would be the icing on the cake, but even if I don’t, I’m grateful. God is good and that doesn’t change.
Q: How many awards do you have to your name?
A: I have received four awards since my professional inception. In 2019, I won the Roil Bulawayo Arts Award for Outstanding Television Actor for Ezakomatshelela (ZBC). In 2020, I was honoured with the Roil Bulawayo Arts Award for Outstanding Film Actor for Golddiggers (M-Net). In 2022, I received the Best Southern African Actor accolade at the Zambia International Film Festival (Sotambe) for Veza: The Unfolding. Most recently, in 2023, I won the Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Award for Best Feature Film Actor, again for Veza: The Unfolding.
Q: As a creative constantly in the spotlight, how do you feel knowing others are watching and aspiring to do what you do?
A: It’s all about being intentional with what we put out. Many people dream of being where you are, but often they only see the flashy side of success, not the work or the process behind it. If I share my world, I want to share something meaningful, so they understand that success isn’t an overnight sprint. It’s a marathon. You stumble, you fall, but with encouragement, guidance and people who believe in you, you keep moving forward and eventually succeed.
Q: You’ve spoken openly about being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2016. Has it affected your creative life?
A: Yes, I’m a Type 1 diabetic and have lived with it for nine years. That’s where the nickname “Certified Sweetheart” comes from – not a joke, just proof that I’m medically sweet. I use my platform to show people like me that diabetes isn’t a death sentence. It’s manageable and it doesn’t have to limit your life. My goal is to raise awareness because misinformation causes fear and unnecessary struggles. My life is testimony: I perform on big stages, host major events and lead productions. Diabetes hasn’t limited me; it’s strengthened my purpose. I own my story and speak about it proudly wherever I go.
Q: What advice would you give a younger Calvin Madula who hesitated to chase his dreams?
A: If you have a dream, connect with people who are halfway there or have already achieved it; never operate as an island. Most importantly, know your “why”. When you’re clear on why you’re doing something, no challenge can shake your determination. Your resilience stays intact because your “why” is the foundation of everything.
