Peter Tanyanyiwa
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
“MY name is Joseph Jayden Tembo and I believe that young Zimbabweans must become job creators, not just job-seekers.”
Joseph Jayden Tembo stands as a beacon of youthful ambition and entrepreneurial spirit in Harare’s fast-evolving creative sector.
As founder and managing director of Owlys Studios Private Limited, a video production company, Tembo’s journey is testament to the power of self-belief, resilience and opportunities emerging under President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030.
Tembo’s story begins in the corridors of Midlands State University (MSU), where he initially enrolled in Development Studies—a path his father encouraged, leveraging family connections and the promise of a stable future.
“There were a lot of links to go to MSU for Development Studies,” Tembo recalls.
“But two weeks into the programme, I just knew—this is not me. I felt it deep inside. I had to make a change, even if it meant going against my family’s wishes.”
Without informing his parents, Tempo switched to the Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Film and Theatre Arts Studies (AH33), a rigorous four-year programme blending theory and practice in film, theatre, and media production .
“I was drawn to the camera, to storytelling, to the magic of film. I wanted to create, to inspire, to show the world our stories,” he says.
Learning the Craft: From Classroom to Set
Tembo’s academic pivot was not without risk. The Film and Theatre Arts programme at MSU is known for its demanding curriculum, covering everything from cinematography and scriptwriting to production management and global film marketing. But for Tembo, the real education began during his industrial attachment at Slimaz Productions, a respected Harare-based media company.
“At Slimaz Productions, I learned the business side of media—the entrepreneurship, the hustle, the importance of quality and deadlines,” he explains.
“My mentor there showed me how to write, how to pitch, how to deliver for clients. It was a turning point. I realised I could make a living from my passion.”
Rising Through the Ranks: Awards, Recognition, and a Leap of Faith
Tembo’s talent quickly gained recognition. He worked as Director of Photography (DOP) on projects that won accolades at the Zimbabwe Film Festival and contributed to productions for Our Perfect Wedding South Africa.
“These experiences showed me that film is not just art—it’s a business, a way to make a living and create jobs,” he says.
After graduating in 2018, Tembo faced a choice: seek employment or build something of his own. Inspired by the trust and responsibility he had earned during his attachments, he chose the latter.
“I saw the impact I was making in other companies. I thought, if they trust me to deliver, why not do it for myself?”
On 14 February 2019, OWLYS STUDIOS PRIVATE LIMITED was born.
Building a Brand: OWLYS STUDIOS Blooms
The name “OWLYS” is symbolic. “Owlys is a flower that blooms all year round. It’s always visible, always growing, always fresh. That’s what I want my company to be—ever-blooming, ever-present, always delivering quality,” Tembo explains.
From humble beginnings, OWLYS STUDIOS has grown into a respected player in Zimbabwe’s film and media industry. The company offers a full suite of services—from pre-production (concept development, scriptwriting, location scouting) to production (video and sound recording, lighting, live streaming) and post-production (editing, animation, sound design, colour grading) .
Their client list is impressive: the Government of Zimbabwe, UN Women, Action Aid Zimbabwe, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Mobility for Africa, Oxfam in Zimbabwe, Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre, Weltihungerhilfe, First Mutual Holdings, the Korean and Nigerian Embassies, and more.
“We love what we do. We believe in working hard. Every new project excites us,” says Tembo.
Empowering the Next Generation: Jobs, Skills, and Vision 2030
Perhaps Tembo’s greatest pride is his team. “So far, I have eight young people working with me here in Harare. Six of them are MSU graduates, just like me. We are the same age, we understand each other, and we are all hungry to succeed. I always tell my team: let’s not wait for jobs—let’s create them. President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 is about transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy, and that starts with us, the youth. The opportunities are there if you’re willing to work hard and innovate,” he said.
Tembo is quick to credit the Government’s focus on youth empowerment.
“We are grateful to President Mnangagwa for opening doors for young people. The support for entrepreneurship, the push for digital skills, the encouragement to start our own businesses—it’s making a real difference. We’re not just surviving; we are thriving,” he says.
Harnessing Technology: The AI Advantage
The creative industry is changing fast, and Tempo is determined to stay ahead.
“We use artificial intelligence to simplify our work—editing, production, even marketing. It’s a game-changer. The quality of our products has improved, and we can take on more projects without being overwhelmed,” he explains.
They have also adventured into drone technology for GIS systems, mapping and surveying as they embrace AI technology to help mining and agriculture sectors.
Advice to Young Zimbabweans: “Be Bold, Be Creative, Be Employers”
Tembo’s message to fellow graduates is clear: “Don’t be afraid to follow your passion, even if it means going against the grain. The world is changing. With the right skills, the right attitude, and the right support, you can build something amazing. Be bold, be creative, and above all—be employers, not just employees.”
He adds, “If I had stuck to the safe path, I wouldn’t be here today. Sometimes you have to take a risk, trust your instincts, and work harder than anyone else. Zimbabwe needs young people who are willing to lead, to innovate, and to create opportunities for others.”
Looking Ahead: A Vision in Bloom
As OWLYS STUDIOS continues to grow—covering national and international events, producing content for major organizations, and training the next generation of filmmakers—Tembo remains committed to his vision.
“We are just getting started. The brand is growing, the trust is building, and the opportunities are endless. As long as we keep blooming, like the flower our company is named after, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.”
Online Reporter