admin
Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
EVERYONE needs a paying job to sustain themselves and their families. And when a job becomes worthless, people often move to greener pastures for survival. That is what former Isithembu actor; Peter Owen Ndlovu did when the economic challenges in the country left arts producers struggling to pay artistes.
When the going got tough in the industry, Ndlovu left his passion for acting behind to become a motor mechanic. He now operates at his home at Sunninghill Flat in Bulawayo.
Ndlovu is popularly known for his character as Mfaniseni Mbatha in the renowned polygamous drama, Isithembu that portrayed African traditions.
The breathtaking drama kept the audience captivated with its twist and turns.
Ndlovu said he decided to drop his acting career with a heavy heart when the arts industry failed to thrive under harsh economic situations.
“It’s true that a majority of artistes are quite passionate about the arts but there comes a time when you have to separate passion with reality. At that time the reality is that we were no longer benefiting from our artistic talent despite being passionate. Artistes have families to look after and that is the most factor that has forced several artistes to leave their careers to pursue non-arts projects,” he said.
Now a well-known motor mechanic, he said being a mechanic was very challenging and it was not that profitable as things were yet to settle down in the country.
“Zimbabwe is in the new era since Cde Mnangagwa came in as State President. We are all hoping for a fruitful era that will have a sustainable economic status. Being self-employed is a very tough job, many people believe it’s very profitable but that is not the case. We are struggling but Zimbabwe has taught us to be patient, that is the reason we keep going with high hopes of winning in the end,” he said.
There are many artistes who have left the arts industry but are willing to return when things settle down, and Babu Mbatha as he is popularly known is not an exception. He said it was very possible that in future he will return to the silver screens when the Zimbabwe arts industry has financial support that will help artistes profit from their artistic work.
“I cannot rule out the possibility of returning to the arts. I love acting very much, it’s my God given talent that no one can steal. If Zimbabwe becomes the country it was when we got our Independence I am very much positive that fans will once again enjoy my acting skills on television,” he said.
It’s very common that children of artistes are inspired by their parents to pursue arts as a profession. Many artistes have children who have grown to become good actors and actresses like their parents with tremendous success. Ndlovu said he had three children; two girls and a boy in which one of them was determined to have a breakthrough to the arts industry.
“My first daughter Laura Ndlovu graduated last year at Nust after finishing her first degree in Journalism and the other one, Nicole Ndlovu is doing Public Administration at the University of Zimbabwe. My first born and son is Brightwell Ndlovu who is now 32 years old but he is not into arts. Nicole is determined to get an acting role in the future and she is hoping to get support from arts producers,” he said.
@NcubeBhekumuzi
derick.khumalo