From prank calls to Prime Time: The rise of ‘Wally Jay’

Tafadzwa Zimoyo

Lifestyle Editor

The art of voice acting has long been one of the most powerful yet invisible forces in global entertainment.

Long before audiences were dazzled by the moving images of Hollywood blockbusters, the unseen but deeply felt voices of radio actors stirred imagination, comforted homes and gave life to characters who never physically existed.

Even today, in an era dominated by streaming platforms, the craft remains indispensable — from animated films to commercials and audiobooks.

One of the finest examples of how far voice acting can take an artist is James Earl Jones, the man whose deep, resonant voice brought Darth Vader to life in Star Wars and became the iconic sound of The Lion King’s Mufasa.

Jones built an empire not from his face but from his vocal presence, proving that the human voice, properly trained and delivered, can be more memorable than the body it belongs to.

Cartoons such as, The Smurfs, The Simpsons, SpongeBob SquarePants and Frozen are proof of how entire global cultures can be shaped by unseen actors behind microphones.

Characters that have lived in children’s imaginations for decades are the handiwork of skilled voice artists who often go uncelebrated. And yet, their contribution is vast — they create alternate realities, sell products with conviction and evoke emotions that visuals alone cannot achieve.

Today, the power of voice-over stretches beyond cartoons and Hollywood classics — it lives right in our pockets.

Think of Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant; these voices have become household companions, guiding us through daily routines, answering questions and even cracking jokes.

They are proof that the human voice, when digitised and stylised, can shape culture and consumer habits on a massive scale. In many ways, the voices of our devices have become just as recognisable as celebrities, reminding us how voice artistry continues to evolve with technology.

In Zimbabwe, one young man is daring to carry this torch forward. Walter Otis Jnr Tapfumaneyi, affectionately known as Wally Jay, is not only producing shows at Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN Prime) but is also redefining what it means to be a voice artist in a country where the discipline is still misunderstood and underappreciated.

The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle caught up with the 25-year-old lanky young man, who said he has lent his voice to countless brands, narrated shows and become the “invisible star” behind adverts, campaigns and productions that millions of Zimbabweans consume daily.

Probably you have heard this deep voice, a line, from one of the popular shows on television, “Welcome to Cinema Buzz..”

“My journey started way back in primary school,” Wally Jay reflects.

“At Lendy Park in Marondera, I was already standing in front of crowds doing poetry and public speaking. It was like the stage chose me, not the other way around.”

Those early sparks became flames when he enrolled at Prince Edward School (2014–2019).

He joined the drama club, bagged prestigious accolades such as the NIAA Speech Teacher’s Cup in 2019, and rose to become deputy head boy.

“Prince Edward taught me discipline, responsibility, but also how to channel my energy into art,” he says.

His education did not stop there.

Wally Jay went on to study film, radio and television Production at the University of Zimbabwe (2020–2024), where he immersed himself in student productions.

He even co-founded Pachikomo FM, a community radio station.

“It was at the University of Zimbabwe where my voice-over journey truly began,” he says with a smile.

“We had an assignment to produce a short radio slot. I played around with my voice — changed the tone, added character — and suddenly my lecturer said, ‘You’ve got something special.’

That moment changed everything.”

Today, Wally Jay’s résumé is staggering for someone so young.

He has worked with brands such as KFC Zimbabwe, Old Mutual, NSSA, POTRAZ, InnBucks, ZINARA, ZERA, ZTN Prime, Celebration Ministries International, and the Parliament of Zimbabwe, among dozens of others.

Surprisingly, you might have heard of him few years ago or now and you thought that was artificial intelligence (AI), no that was or is Wally Jay.

“When people hear my voice on radio or TV and don’t even realise it’s me, that’s the magic. Voice-over is not about fame; it’s about impact,” he insists.

At ZTN Prime, where he has been for nearly four years, Wally Jay has produced and presented shows like SWIPE, New Age Gaming, Cinema Buzz, Farmers Connect, The Weekend Startup, and Legit.

His versatility allows him to glide between genres — from narrating a documentary to injecting energy into a youth programme.

“Being on both sides of production has been a blessing. I know what a director expects, but I also understand the performer’s pressure,” he explains.

Yet, like many young Zimbabwean creatives, his road has not been without challenges.

“The truth is, Zimbabwe doesn’t yet fully appreciate voice-over as a craft,” Wally Jay admits candidly.

“In countries like the United States or the United Kingdom, voice actors make millions. Here, most opportunities are limited to adverts.

We don’t yet have a thriving animation industry that demands full-time voice artists. But my dream is to build that stage instead of leaving. If I go, who will stay and plant the seeds?”

Wally Jay speaks with conviction, echoing the grit of pioneers who believe in creating rather than waiting.

“I want the next generation of voice actors to grow up knowing they can build a career here. Imagine a Zimbabwean animated series that competes globally. That’s the dream.”

His personal inspirations keep him grounded. “Pastor Tom Deuschle has been a role model for me. He sees the best in people, and he believes in Zimbabwe.

“That’s how I want to live — to see light in others and amplify it through my work,” he shares.

While his ambitions are global — voicing animated films, narrating audiobooks, and eventually running a production company — Wally Jay still carries a playful side.

“I’ve pranked people before using different voices. Sometimes, when speaking to clients, I switch to an older, more authoritative voice so they take me seriously. It’s fun, but it also shows the power of adapting your vocal presence,” he chuckles.

Ask him what brand he dreams of voicing, and his answer comes instantly: “Mercedes Benz. Absolutely Mercedes Benz. There’s something about the elegance and class of that brand that I think my voice could embody perfectly.”

Behind the microphone, however, lies discipline. Wally Jay maintains his voice with constant exercises — tongue twisters, facial workouts, and controlled breathing techniques.

To stay fit physically, he jogs and takes long walks. “Your body is the vessel that carries your voice. If you don’t take care of it, you can’t perform at your best,” he says.

His vision for the next five years is as ambitious as it is inspiring.

“I see myself voicing full-length animated films, both local and international. I want to narrate the works of some of the greatest authors in the world.

‘‘And beyond that, I want to start an academy for performance arts and run a large-scale production company here in Zimbabwe — alongside my wife. But through it all, I’ll still be your favourite presenter on ZTN Prime.”

For Wally Jay, voice-over is more than just speaking into a microphone — it’s an art form deserving of the same respect as acting, singing, or dancing.

“Voice-over should be taught as a discipline in the arts sector,” he insists, “because it builds confidence, sharpens communication, and unlocks a performer’s ability to connect with audiences in powerful, unforgettable ways.”