I won’t leave Epworth: Kapfupi

supplies, security and good roads, among other things.
And just about everyone aspires to live in such a place, which is why just about every one wakes up every morning and goes out to make a living.
But for comedian-cum-musician, Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima, the little fortune he has made so far has not tempted him to leave Epworth for Harare’s leafier suburbs.
Kapfupi – who is up for a National Arts Merit Award tonight – says there is nothing that will take him out of Epworth; a suburb where people “sleep with one eye open” to watch their property against thieving fingers.
“I won’t go anywhere, if it means owning a house I will build a mansion here. I am still growing and new in the music industry.
“Most of my fans are from Epworth so why should I move out?” asked Kapfupi yesterday with the smile of a contented man.
“I won’t move out of Epworth, Alick Macheso made his name in Chitungwiza and never dumped the town because he had made it.
“People think that when a person becomes famous, he should cut ties with his roots, but that is not the case with me.
“I want to make sure I contribute to development of the place that gave me this fame.”
The artiste’s rise to fame is like the proverbial “rags to riches story”, starting off as a street theatre actor and becoming a musician of repute and a celebrity in his own right.
The peri-urban settlement of Epworth is the butt of many derisory comments by people who can never imagine living there.
Kapfupi responds, “My parents are here and this is where our family home is situated.
“The area is referred to as a dark place because it does not have electricity but if you visit this place you will see people have generators because we love our place and will always be there, come what may.”
Kapfupi lives in a single room with his wife, Amai Nga, a stone’s throw from his parents’ place.
To get to his place, one branches from Chiremba Road towards Over Spill.
Just after the Solani bus stop, one turns into a bumpy “road” leading to the Epworth Local Board built houses.
Further down, there is a settlement on the banks of Ruwa River and this is where Kapfupi’s home is.
An ordinary sedan cannot get to this place easily and a 4×4 is advisable.
This means Kapfupi parks his three vehicles at his parents’ place, a short distance away.
He is the proud owner of a Nissan Bassara, a BMW 280 saloon, and a pick-up truck to ferry his instruments to music shows.
Kapfupi made his name in music with the success of his album “Juice Card”, which carries the popular song named after his wife, “Mai Nga”.
He says it is unfortunate that people expect a lot from him, because all he is seeking is career development while enjoying himself.
“I can sell one of my cars and buy a stand, but it’s not yet time for me to do that.
“The best is for me to invest in my business.
“If it means buying properties I will do it later.
“I am comfortable with my life.”
He adds: “There is no difference in renting a room in Borrowdale and renting a room in Epworth.
“What we need in life is to survive.”
Kapfupi says he has worked for all his property and received just US$1 500 from NAMA despite bigger promises.
“I didn’t get a car from them. It’s true I was awarded a car and a stand as prize.
“A rumour even circulated around during the ceremony last year that the car was outside and I was so excited.
“I thought I would be driving home that night but to my surprise I was handed US$1 500 in cash and later I asked for the car.
“I don’t want to get into details of the story because they will say I am now talking politics.
“Right now I am staying here and I never complained about the car and stand.
“I will continue to work until I can buy my own. Maybe I will try and lodge in Borrowdale to cover up because you journalists are always on my heels.”
He says he bought his cars for business reasons as he needs to move with convenience to shows.
“You have to invest in business before seeking comfort.”
Kapfupi is not the only person with a strong bond with Epworth.
His neighbours share his sentiments and vow to do their best to develop the settlement.
Simon Musonza says, “I am used to the area.
“The houses are not expensive and water is for free. We hope the board will soon service the area.”