Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Senior Lifestyle Writer
IN Zimbabwe, there exists a longstanding belief that couples struggle to work together in the same field without experiencing discord.
This notion has persisted for generations, fuelled by the perception that workplace romance can be toxic, especially when couples are striving to provide for their families.
However, the creative community in Zimbabwe has defied these odds, showcasing numerous successful partnerships.
In the realm of music, notable couples such as Pastor Charles Charamba and his wife Olivia, the Cherayis (Ellard and Sharon Manyonganise), Tendai Manatsa and Selmor Mtukudzi, Zex Manatsa and Stella demonstrate the possibility of harmonious collaboration.
The same can be said of esteemed sculptors Colleen and Fabian Madamombe, who met at Chapungu Sculpture Park in Harare during the 1980s and eventually married, thriving together in their profession.
Another exemplary couple is Locardia and Joseph Ndandarika, who worked successfully together.
Locardia married the prominent first-generation stone sculptor Joseph Ndandarika in 1964.
During their marriage, she evolved into a phenomenal artist in her own right.
The list would be incomplete without mentioning Grace and Nicholas Mukomberanwa, who gained acclaim working as a couple.
Additionally, Tracy Charamba and sculptor Jealous Chatsama have made a name for themselves at Chitungwiza Arts Centre.
In film and comedy, Kumbirai Chikonye (Mbuya Mai John) and Wellington “Chairman” Chindara from the Vharazipi series work together under the Ziya Arts Cultural Trust.
Yet, there are also creatives who have supportive spouses who prefer to remain in the background.
For example, Ngonidzashe Munetsiwa manages the business affairs of his wife, Tarisai “Madam Boss” Chikocho, while Janet Manyowa and her husband Munyaradzi, as well as Emmanuel Thomas, who supports his equally talented wife City Thomas, also epitomise this dynamic.
Despite these positive examples, some couples have struggled to work together throughout their careers.
The late Andy Brown and Chiwoniso Maraire each had to pursue solo careers after collaborating, and similarly, Rockford Josphats and Pauline Gundidza found it difficult to work together over the years, despite sharing a vision.
Several celebrities interviewed by Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub have affirmed that it is indeed possible for couples to work together successfully as husband and wife, proving that love and creativity can coexist harmoniously.
Pastor Charamba, who has been working with his wife from the outset, shared that God’s grace has made it easier for them to collaborate on several projects.
“There is a principal element of grace to that effect,” he stressed.
“God’s grace is behind all that you see on stage and what we have managed to pull through to this day because we give each other roles to carry. What you see in the public space is the same as what we do in our private space.
“We don’t usually do things to impress; it’s a calling that we both have as a couple. On that note, we are simply following the calling we have as a couple, which has taken us this far.”
The Fishers of Men founder firmly believes that authenticity and prayer have also contributed to their “chemistry” on stage. “We are a modest couple and don’t dramatise what we do in both public and private spaces. This has made our job easier, as we are simply doing what God has called us to do and serve Him,” he stressed.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Chikonye, who stars as Mbuya Mai John in Vharazipi. She has been married to Chindara, better known as Chairman, who is also part of the Vharazipi series.
“My husband has been my pillar and best friend, making it easier for us to work together as a couple,” she stated. “We live here in Mashava, and people in the community have embraced us well long before we touched the hearts of millions across Zimbabwe and beyond.
“Our modest life and the chemistry you see in those productions show how we complement each other effortlessly.”
Mbuya Mai John revealed that they also share ideas before going on set.
“We have come a long way in acting and have been through a lot before we became household names. My husband and David Mubaiwa (Vharazipi) also take my advice seriously because we have travelled this journey together, making our job easier,” asserted the actress.
She also shared that trust has strengthened their bond.
“The other thing that has made it easier for us to work together for such a long time is that I knew Chairman was an actor before we got married. I was also born an actress, and we simply clicked by the grace of God.
“This is the only secret behind our success and everything we have accomplished in our careers. My dream is to pass on this legacy to our children, who are equally talented, and to our fans who enjoy our skits.
“I assure them that more is coming between me, Chairman, and Vharazipi.”
She also believes she was not an actress by default.
“Another thing that has made us a perfect match is our natural talent, which has earned us respect both in our community and nationwide,” she pointed out.
Selmor Mtukudzi and her husband, Tendai Manatsa, have captivated many of their followers with their public displays of affection, leading them to believe that their union is a match made in heaven.
At home, in public, and during live shows, they have been showcasing their romance. Manatsa expressed that it is easy for them to work and live together, having known each other for years.
“We are now best friends, and we simply click,” he noted. “By the way, we have known each other even before we became husband and wife. When we started working together, everything felt magical.”
He added that despite their strong connection, they each have specific roles they adhere to.
“It’s all about understanding your roles as a couple for everything to flow, although challenges will always arise. When we are making music, I know my role in the group, and she plays hers as well. At home, we maintain this division, where she takes authority as the mother and I do the same as the father, which has strengthened our union,” he explained.
Selmor also expressed her agreement with her husband in a light-hearted manner, saying, “Zvataurwa nababa ndizvozvo chaizvo. (What my husband said is true.)”
As for Madam Boss, whose affairs are managed by her husband, she revealed the secret that has helped them make a mark in the creative community.
“First of all, we separate business and family, which has allowed us to go this far and make an impression,” Munetsiwa shared.
“It wasn’t easy in the beginning, but we have reached a point where we can’t do without each other in showbiz.
“She now understands that acting or skits have become business and that there’s a time to be serious on stage.”
The manager, who is also part of Madam Boss’s production team and sometimes acts alongside her, noted that sharing the same vision has made them stronger than before. “Like I always say, people should know their roles, and we do the same when Madam Boss is doing her skits or promotions.
“I also respect her nature of the job, giving her room to express herself freely. At home, we follow a hierarchy because we need to separate these roles,” he noted.
He also praised their fans and family for supporting them, which has strengthened their bond.
“In my case, I can safely say that we have close people who have been rallying behind us and we can’t afford to let them down since they stand by us. Sometimes unruly bloggers spread lies about us, but the first people who support us are the fans who have always been there from day one. Our fans urge us to concentrate on our jobs and not pay attention to those who want to rise on the Madam Boss brand by picking unnecessary fights for attention,” he explained.
He also mentioned that professionalism has made it easier for them to work hard.
“I believe in professionalism and adhering to the goals we set for each other. When it comes to work, we put aside our differences, if any, and focus on our job,” he added.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Manyowa’s husband, who has been working with his wife for the past 11 years.
“I had to buy into her vision after realising that she was talented,” he noted.
“Janet and I share the same vision, which has made it easier for us to work together for so long.”
The manager also revealed that his deep-seated passion for music has made it easier for him to complement his wife.
“In my life, I have always loved music, although I have primarily been on the production side. Assisting her has been fulfilling, and God’s grace has made our job easier,” he stressed.
Not to be outdone, Thomas, who has been working with his wife City, said, “We are best friends, and I believe God has seen it fit to bless us as we continue working together. We complement each other in the studio and at home, and by separating business from family, we make our lives easier.”
On a sad note, comedian-turned-musician Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima has been working with his wife, Mai Ngaa, whose real name is Precious Kabrito.
The estranged couple is no longer getting along well after their recent marital issues, which have now become public.
It was remarkable to see them together as they complemented each other for most of their careers.
With all these examples, it has become clear to many that couples can still work together and produce desired results.
