Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts & Entertainment Hub
FROM a small village in Beitbridge with no television to starring in a chilling psychological thriller, Emory Nare’s journey is a story of grit, talent, and unshakable ambition.
Today, the Bulawayo-based actor and voice-over artiste is making waves in Zimbabwe’s film industry, with his latest role in the locally-produced short film, Silent Screams, marking a defining moment in his career.
Growing up in Tongwe Village, Beitbridge, Nare had no access to television. His earliest encounters with acting came during holiday visits when he got glimpses of South African sitcom, Emzini Wezinsizwa, where Jerry Phele’s Mofokeng became a personal favourite. Action icons like Sylvester Stallone and Jackie Chan also left an indelible mark.
But acting was not always the plan. After completing his O-levels in Bulawayo, Nare dreamt of becoming an electrical engineer.
“I started acting in 2019, but the journey began long before that. I moved to Bulawayo from Beitbridge in 2013. In 2014 and 2015, I was doing my O-levels, but I failed Mathematics. I later rewrote it in 2017 because I had dreams of going to a Polytechnic to study Electrical Engineering. At that time, I was living with my elder sister, who was a nurse at Mpilo Hospital.
“When I finally got my Maths results in 2018, I told my sister about my plan to go to school, but she explained that it wouldn’t be possible financially. She had two kids of her own in school, and we were also paying rent, so sending me to college was out of the question.
“Towards the end of 2018, around November or December, I had a long conversation with myself and decided to explore other options. That’s when Amakhosi came to mind,” he narrated.
“I used to live in Barbourfields, and back in school, my friend and I would often walk from town and pass by Amakhosi. He was the one who first showed me the place. So after realising I couldn’t further my education, I thought, ‘Why not try acting?’
That decision changed his life.
“I went to Amakhosi to find out if they offered acting lessons, and luckily, they did. The people there were very welcoming. In 2019, I officially began my three-year diploma in acting at Amakhosi Cultural Centre,” he shared.
Today, Nare is celebrated for his slim frame, magnetic presence, and uncanny ability to embody diverse roles. His fluency in multiple accents has earned him varied opportunities, from Shakespeare’s Othello (despite not being dark-skinned) to a ruthless Russian gangster.
“Being multi-faceted has helped me a lot because I can play different roles and characters.”
His film credits include Thula (Rawsoot Studios) and Drunk Bible Teacher, where he starred alongside Luthuli
Dlamini, a South Africa-based Zimbabwean acting heavyweight.
“Before meeting him, I only knew Luthuli Dlamini as a legend from a different generation. Working with him was inspiring. He’s featured in films that impacted communities, and that’s my dream too — to create work that changes lives.”
Nare’s journey has been punctuated by challenges, the most painful being the death of his mentor, Cont Mdladla Mhlanga, founder of Amakhosi.
“It was heartbreaking. I wanted to build something like Amakhosi in Beitbridge to give others the same opportunities, so losing him felt like losing a guide.”
Financial struggles also weighed heavily. In 2023, Nare auditioned in South Africa with 33 & Me Talent Agency, earning a shot at a second audition in New York. But he could not afford the flight, accommodation, or registration fees.
“I couldn’t go. Acting here doesn’t always pay well, so most of us juggle jobs and acting gigs. That leaves little time for rehearsals or productions. My dream is to make a living solely from acting,” he said.
In his latest role on Silent Screams, Nare plays Tawanda, a university student battling severe mental illness. The film, directed by Prayer Tafara and produced by Royal Lens Entertainment, was shot in Bulawayo and is already being hailed as a powerful mirror of society’s silent battles with mental health.
“Silent Screams speaks for those who suffer quietly,” Nare said.
Nare is not just an actor; he is a storyteller with purpose. His short film, The Chef, encouraged citizens to vote and support local cinema. On social media, he fuses poetry, music, and performance to inspire young artistes.
Looking ahead, Nare dreams of international recognition, but his heart remains tied to Zimbabwe.
“If I can impact my community and the world through film, nothing would be greater than that,” he said.
As the curtains rise on Silent Screams, audiences are set to witness a haunting performance from an actor whose silent determination speaks louder than words. From the dust roads of Beitbridge to the big screen, Emery Nare is proof that no dream is too distant —even if it starts in a village without a television set.
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