Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
In a thrilling start to the Trabablas Skit Challenge, content creator Panashe “Moojaya” Gurende has taken the top spot in Week 1, winning a cash prize of US$1,200.
The competition aims to showcase creative and innovative storytelling through skits and Ritz scooped the runner up award, winning a cash prize of US$800.
Moojaya’s victory has cemented his place as a rising star to watch.
He was handed his prize during a live Capitalk radio show this week.
When asked about his experience, the young artist expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.
“I’m overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for this incredible opportunity. This win is a dream come true, and I’m thrilled to have been given the chance to showcase my talent on such a big platform,” he said.
Talking about his career, Moojaya said the name came as a result of his appreciation of Holy Ten’s art. “The Moojaya nickname was taken from Holy Ten, who is called Mujaya by his fans, because I have been his fan for a long time” he said.
He added:
“Balancing my content and other aspects of life is hard but creating content is benefiting me more than any other things happening in my life so it comes first.
“Personally I cannot say my content relates to how I was raised but some of the things I saw growing up and thought why not make it content
“Content creation has become a job for me so I have to write scripts all the time.
“I spend more time trying to create my own content, I am still building and growing so most of my time it’s me making sure that my content is good. Yes, I come through other people’s skits and like their content, I even follow some of them.
“The name Elvis is my best friend’s name so growing up me and him we would tease each other about who has a nice name. So when I introduced the character I said to myself why not use his name.
The Chitungwiza-based comedian started developing interest in content creation after following a few TikTok challenges.
At first he would re-do other peoples voices and later realised that he was capable of creating his own content.
“When I introduced the ‘Baba Ewu’ character I had no female figure to fill in, that is when I asked my mother to portray the role of ‘Mai Mhomho’, she has been supporting me ever since then.
For him, making content at first was more fun and less about a job. With time he learnt to appreciate what it brought to the table and all the benefits.
Moojaya has also been living his best life; he won his first award at the National Arts Music Awards in Outstanding Social Media Skits category.
“When I won the award it was a surprise for me I didn’t expect it. Winning that award made me realise that people love my content. Having that award is big for me.”
Besides content creation, Moojaya has mad love for football.
“Football is, my true passion. I’m very good at it, and growing up. Besides all the things I do I enjoy playing football and FIFA. I also enjoy going to work,” he said.
Moojaya said he has no trick in making successful skits but his true self has helped him.
“For those who are trying to make a living in this career they should just try to make good content and everything will be good.
