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Saga. After missing in action for close to two years, he has resurfaced in Studio 263, where has become an instant hit. Entertai-nment Editor Ruth Butaumocho recently caught up with Tavonga (MT) to talk about his acting career.
RB: Tell us a bit about your yourself?
MT: Let me start by saying that I am 43, happily married and blessed with four children. I was born in Gokwe, where my dad was working, although I am originally from Masvingo in the Zimuto Area.
My family later moved to Chitungwiza in the late 70s, where my father who was a teacher had transferred. We later moved to Mabelreign, which is now my family home.
RB: You are no stranger to TV, how did you venture into acting?
MT: My passion for the arts started way back in the 1970s when I started school. One of my teachers in primary school, Mr Nare even nicknamed me, “Mfana Wechikiwa” because of the way I would converse eloquently in English. When I went to high school I took up drama and public speaking, and I really used to enjoy taking part in these. It also dawned to me that arts were in my blood and I could actually make a living out of it.
My passion for the arts continued to grow. While in high school, I began to write short stories and poems, and I still have a lot of unpublished stuff that I wrote years back.
Having matured in the arts sector, I also think it is high time I should pursue my interest in writing and have some of the works published.
My break into acting came in the mid 1990s when I bumped into a gentleman called Collins Mukosi at Greencroft Shopping Centre. He approached me and wanted to know if I was an actor. I told him I wasn’t, but of course I could act.
He later invited me for auditions and I could see that the panel of adjudicators who were present had been impressed by my “green acting skills”. But I must admit though it was not easy. I even auditioned with experienced people in the industry in the likes of Ivy Manana, but still I managed to impress.
A few weeks later, they called me, informing me that I had made it, and had landed a role of Cremio Chimedza (CC), who was a notorious womaniser in The Small House Saga. I am of course grateful to people like Nomhle Mutupa, an executive producer at the soap, who encouraged me a lot, even when the chips were down.
I remember there was a time when some of the casts complained that I was not matching up to the role of CC. She stood by me and actually told everyone that she would stand by me.
RB: In all the roles that you have played, you are the bad guy. How do you find yourself in these roles?
MT: When I started in the Small House Saga, it is the role that I was given.
The role was actually created for me, and I believe I executed it to the best of my ability. People began to identify me with it. So when I even went for the auditions at Eyefro Productions, I landed an almost similar role, where I am businessperson who owns a radio station and a womaniser.
RB: What is the real you Tavonga?
MT: Come Ruth! You know I am humble, kind and loving husband. I know the roles that I have been playing do not tally with who I am exactly, but that’s how it is. I would actually want to meet “the bad guy” that I am purported to be and just find out how he does his things.
RB: At one time, you featured in Small House Saga, and you have suddenly switched to Studio 263. Can you explain that move?
MT: Sometimes in life, there comes a time when you realise that you have to make a move or change the way you do things, or just revamp your strategy of life.
That’s exactly what happened when I joined Studio 263. Actually, I had been away from television for close to two years and was involved in a number of projects, until I met Godwin Mawuru and we talked about a role in Studio 263, and the rest is history.
I am also playing the bad guy character.
RB: Have your roles affected your social life in any way?
MT: Big time. Sometimes, people do have a perception of the role that you play on TV, such that when they meet you, they actually want to admonish and chide you for the “misdeeds” that you would have done in the soap. Fans, always try to associate you with the character you play on television. I am used to it though, and I just laugh it off when that happens.
RB: How does your family, or your wife in particular handle your role, of a womaniser?
MT: I don’t have problems with my family. They do appreciate that it’s just a job.
RB: You featured in the feature movie, The Zimbabwe I Know, which I believe did not do well. What did you learn from working with your counterparts from Nigeria?
MT: Nigerians don’t waste time when they are shooting, like what we do here, and I am sure that is one of the reasons why their film industry is quite huge.
RB: In terms of talent and creativity, how would you compare local artists with those from the region?
MT: Zimbabwe is endowed with a lot of talent. I have been scouting for talent myself and I have realised that there is a lot. Our biggest challenge of course is that of resources, and I would really appreciate if the corporate sector and the Government would chip in and assist the arts sector.
RB: Two years ago, you appeared in court on allegations of domestic violence after attacking your brother- in-law to be. How did that affect your career?
MT: People are quick to believe what they read in the paper. There were so many inaccuracies in that story, but that was never corrected.
It was one of the most difficult times in my life and I am glad for the support that I got from my family. Anyway, ironically enough the story also opened a lot of opportunities for me, I don’t know whether I should be grateful or what.
RB: I am sure your life does not evolve around acting, what else do you do?
MT: I have an arts company called Chikandamina Arts Production and I am involved in assisting disadvantaged but talented youths in rural areas, keen on taking up the arts to another level.
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