Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Award-winning filmmaker Lenni “MDawini” Sibanda is swapping silver screens for sizzling pans, vibrant plates, and the digital storytellers redefining Bulawayo’s culinary culture.
Four years after creating the hit Foodie Lovers Dating Show, where romance met recipes, Sibanda is back with another mouth-watering project: a digital series showcasing Bulawayo’s booming food scene through the eyes of its most influential content creators.
Teaming up with KwaBulawayo, the city’s fast-growing online food guide, Sibanda is crafting a visually rich series that goes beyond recipes. It is a cinematic journey into the personalities and platforms shaping how Bulawayo cooks, shares, and celebrates its unique food heritage.
Through his company, Ya-sibo? Media, Sibanda has already profiled five standout culinary trendsetters who are spicing up the digital food space – Prince Sivalo Mahlangu (Magriza Made Me Cook), bringing relatable cooking vibes to YouTube; Natasha Chiedza Moyo, an Instagram sensation blending flavour and flair; Jennifer Chiveya, the TikTok queen of quick-fire food magic; Ashley Ganyanhewe, an influencer merging taste with lifestyle; and Rato, a vibrant TikTok voice celebrating food and wholesome living.
Filmed at Indaba Book Café in Bulawayo’s CBD, the series uses the café’s cozy backdrop to host intimate conversations and creative showcases, turning the space into a stage for culinary storytelling.
“The shoots have been fun and eye-opening. We’re spotlighting people who’re using new-age media to document and share Bulawayo’s food culture. These creators are capturing an integral part of our heritage for future generations. This series is about giving them their flowers and celebrating their contributions now,” said Sibanda.
This fusion of food and film is a natural progression for Sibanda, whose decorated career includes winning the National Arts Merit Award (Nama) for Best Short Film Director in 2016 for Jane the Ghost. His works have graced the Zimbabwe International Film Festival and screened at international festivals in Germany and Italy.
Now, that same cinematic artistry is bringing Bulawayo’s kitchens, markets, and foodie feeds to life.
The first episode is already live, streaming across KwaBulawayo’s platforms, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and their official website. And this is just the beginning. Sibanda plans to continue profiling Bulawayo’s finest culinary voices, ensuring the city’s food story, its heritage, evolution, and creativity are documented with the respect and artistry it deserves. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
