Online Reporter
Fidelis Munyoro
Chief Court Reporter
IN a fairy-tale which reads like the ultimate underdog success story, Comedian Leeroy Tadiwanashe Zaware, better known by his stage name Comic Elder, has catapulted himself from stardom to grand heights.
His life took a dramatic twist when he made President Mnangagwa laugh.
That one moment, simple yet profound, planted the seeds of a fortune that would alter his destiny forever.
What started as an ordinary performance quickly spiralled into an extraordinary chain of events.
Just days after leaving the President in stitches, Comic Elder found himself receiving an unexpected and life-changing gift — a brand-new Ford Raptor handed to him personally by the Head of State.
The pristine, high-end beast of a vehicle symbolised more than just luxury.
It represented the weight of recognition, a stamp of approval from the most powerful man in the country.
Yet, the surprises did not end there.
Days later, businessman Wicknell Chivayo, known for his flamboyant lifestyle and philanthropy, upped the ante with a jaw-dropping cash gift of US$150,000.
Chivayo, no stranger to making headlines himself, showered Comic Elder with praise, calling the gift a “small token of appreciation” for his talent and ability to bring laughter to the nation’s most respected figure.
“For a young comedian to make the President of the Republic laugh is never a small achievement,” Chivayo declared in a lengthy social media post.
“His Excellency’s words —‘Ndafara newe mfana’ —set you apart.
“Ukafadza President, neniwo unenge wandifadza and wafadza nyika yese.”
The flamboyant businessman, famous for his wealth and penchant for showering public figures with extravagant gifts, instructed Comic Elder to collect the money from his lawyer Sikhumbuzo Mpofu.
“Buy a decent house,” Chivayo said, offering to facilitate the purchase of a property or transfer the funds directly to the comedian’s bank account.
For Comic Elder, this was not just a windfall. It was a transformative moment.
From a humble entertainer to a man now faced with the prospect of homeownership and financial security, his journey exemplifies the magic of hard work meeting serendipity.
Comic Elder has become a household name in the country, thanks to his unforgettable characters that mirror the humour, struggles and quirks of everyday life.
From the hilarious antics of Anna Mugwaku to the sharp wit of Obvious Mututu, and the eccentricities of Alfred Mweya, Nichodimas Chigovanyika, and Potipher Zvombo, his performances have struck a chord with audiences across the nation.
But while he has always been loved, it was not until he caught the attention of the President that his star truly began to soar.
That moment of laughter, a simple yet profound connection, was the spark that ignited a whirlwind of blessings.
The Ford Raptor, a gleaming symbol of his newfound status, has become more than just a mode of transportation.
It is a beacon of triumph, a reminder of how far he has come.
Driving through the streets of Harare, the once-humble comedian now commands attention not just with his jokes but with the roar of his new ride.
Comic Elder’s story is a testament of the power of laughter, talent, and being in the right place at the right time.
It is a reminder that even in a world where opportunities can seem scarce, the ripple effect of making someone smile, especially someone as influential as the President, can be profound.
From the stages of Harare to the corridors of State House, Comic Elder’s journey is one for the ages.
With a Ford Raptor in his driveway and the promise of a better tomorrow in his bank account, he stands as a beacon of hope for young dreamers everywhere.
In the end, it was a laugh — pure, unfiltered, and joyous — that changed everything.
And for Comic Elder, the road ahead shines as bright as the headlights on his brand-new ride, an aide-memoire that fortune truly favours the bold.
And the funny.
