Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
POPULAR dancer Beverly “Bev” Sibanda says she enjoys interacting with her fans on social media, which she believes should be a friendly platform that promotes love and care.
The award-winning dancer prefers sharing jokes on social media for relaxation rather than engaging in hate speech, which she says has a negative impact on many people’s mental well-being.
She also laughed off a recent social media post by Manica Diamonds Football Club official Taurai Kandishaya, who jokingly vowed to marry her if his club lost to Scottland FC.
Manica Diamonds went on to lose 5-0 to the reigning Premier Soccer League champions, prompting social media users to circulate humorous memes depicting the pair at a wedding ceremony. “It was all in good fun when I saw the post and the pictures that flooded social media,” she said with a chuckle.
“The guy called me a few days later and we laughed about it. “I simply told him there was nothing wrong because it was all meant for us to have fun on the social media streets.
“I like those kinds of jokes and nothing more.”
Reflecting on her 15-year career in the entertainment industry, Bev said she had matured significantly from being a rowdy young woman to becoming a responsible lady.
“I have been in this industry since 2011, and it is no joke because I am not getting any younger.
“I am now the mother of a grown-up son and that alone reminds me that I need to behave like a mature person.
“I no longer have time for drama or fights as I used to when I was still immature.”
She added:
“I used to be very active on social media, picking fights with people, but I no longer do that.
“I have realised that social media trolls thrive on drama, so I have stopped posting unnecessary things online.
“In our case, we are often ridiculed because of the nature of our jobs, but there is nothing we can do because this work puts food on our tables.”
On the showbiz front, she said she remains as active as ever.
“I can’t stop dancing because it has given me everything I have today,” she said.
“I know some critics are now calling us spent forces, but those who support us will tell you that we still have plenty to offer.
“As a torch-bearer in club dancing, I don’t see myself giving up on music.
“I have always loved music and everything I do as an entertainer.
“I have a family to look after, and the dancers in my group also depend on me for their livelihood.”
She urged fellow dancers to remain original and embrace creativity.
“I have also noticed that we have a lot of copycats who are not creative at all.
“This has turned the profession into something of a joke because I don’t see much creativity or growth in some groups.
“However, I will continue focusing on my brand because that is what I have always wanted to achieve.
“Those who copy me are actually doing me a favour because they are promoting my brand at their own expense.”
She also urged dancers to embrace professionalism and technology.
“The way we carry ourselves as dancers has a bearing on what this industry can offer us.
“We need to be responsible people and role models to the upcoming generation.”
