Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
HAILING from Mabvuku-Tafara — a vibrant hub for actors, filmmakers and directors — Kizito Mawoko, who was known as Dread Welly in the popular soap opera “Studio 263”, proudly shares his roots with many television stars.
He, however, started being famous in his community long before appearing on the small screen.
Known for his easy-going nature, charm and humility, the artiste remains content with the life he leads, even though many expected his fame to come with fortune.
Having adapted to the harsh realities of the ghetto, Dread Welly avoids the pressure of living like a superstar.
Instead, he confesses he has learnt to focus on running his own race.
Many of his peers have struggled with depression and mental breakdowns after finding out how treacherous and thankless their chosen career paths often were.
Regardless of this, he continues to hustle for his family and maintains a modest lifestyle within his community.
The multi-talented Mawoko always had a passion for acting since his schooldays.
He thrived in large crowds, where entertaining the masses remained his forte.
In “Studio 263”, he was popular for his frequent confrontations with fellow actors such as Mr Shereni (real name Ben Sibenke), as well as his unholy alliance with Jabu (Denzel Burutsa).
Musically, he is reported to have released albums including “Another Plan” (2005) and “Plan B” (2012), with some claiming he established a music label called DWP Studios in 2011.
After starring in “Studio 263” for over a decade and then disappearing from the public eye for years, many have wondered about his whereabouts.
Last week, he told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that he will always remain humble and never let fame distract him.
“I was born and raised in the ghetto, where I learnt about life and respect for one another,” he said.
“Fame has always been my middle name, but many of you got to know me better after my stint on ‘Studio 263’, the country’s first-ever soap opera. I am a man of many talents, who has always enjoyed acting and I have no regrets. I have never faked my lifestyle because I was taught humility at a young age.”
Before gracing the small screen, Mawoko was an auto electrician and mechanic — a profession he has never abandoned.
“I was always an auto electrician and motor mechanic, and I am still doing that job. It is a profession I have always loved and enjoyed. I still fix cars, and I am in love with the work.”
During the interview, Mawoko, who was busy looking for spare parts in the city centre, revealed that he received on-the-job training to become a motor mechanic.
“Growing up in the ghetto, you had to be versatile. Many people do not bother looking for jobs and rely on their parents for support. As the eldest in a family of three — two girls and a boy — I had to work hard and be different from those spoiled lads who want a soft life. Before I was a household name on television, I was already popular for fixing cars. That job has always made my life easier, even though acting was in me.”
His passion for acting began in primary school.
“I was one of those kids who enjoyed music and participating in school plays during parent gatherings. I easily fit into the roles I was given and by high school, I had formed my own group called the Tafara Arts Group. I included actors and martial arts enthusiasts, as karate was popular in many ghettos,” he said.
With time, he left martial arts to pursue the performing arts, eventually joining the Dance Trust of Zimbabwe.
He trained in multimedia, dance, editing and scriptwriting, which led to his recruitment by the late Godwin Mawuru when “Studio 263” was launched.
When asked if his stint in “Studio 263” brought him fortune, Mawoko was candid.
“To be honest, my biggest achievement was gaining popularity. Financially, I would be lying if I said it paid well. The exposure opened new doors — we are still hired as MCs at weddings, birthdays and corporate events because of our fame on ZTV.
“Another highlight was meeting important people, including the late President Robert Mugabe, who once invited us to State House. Touring ZBC studios was also a plus. I have been interviewed by the mainstream media, including Zimpapers publications, and that was a milestone.
“You may not see the value in being interviewed by a national paper, but for some of us, that was history made.”
However, his greatest heartache came from losing many fellow cast members.
“At ‘Studio 263’, we were a solid, united family. Many thought we were not just acting but living that life on and off screen. Over the years, many actors died under difficult conditions, and it pains me to think of all the talent we have lost.
“Of course, we cannot stop death, but it still hurts that I will never joke or meet some of my peers again,” he said.
The notable names who passed away include Anne Nhira, Nevernay Chinyanga, Pretty Xaba and Charmaine Mangwende.
“With the talent we had, I believe we could have achieved great things. But the soap opera was discontinued and we were scattered. Life after ‘Studio 263’ was tough for some — they could not handle the fame or its aftermath. Those of us raised in the ghetto were not bothered. We simply carried on.”
Mawoko said he was surviving through multitasking.
“Yes, I am a motor mechanic, but I am not shy to do anything that puts food on the table. In life, you should not be ashamed of being mocked — you cannot please everyone. I have faced ridicule for living modestly, but I do not care. I can look after my two children and that is what matters,” he said.
The actor also spoke about the stigma local celebrities face.
“Zimbabweans tend to despise celebrities and celebrate their struggles. I have experienced this many times, but those who laugh at me never offer help. That is why I focus on my own business — I have a family to feed.”
Mawoko has also been conducting anti-drug abuse awareness campaigns.
“Drug and substance abuse is rampant in my ghetto. If you walk around, you will shed a tear. The people who introduced this monster came from hell. Many are dying from this new cancer. I am doing my best to fight it, but I am limited. Still, I talk to young lads about quitting drugs — they are destroying future generations,” he noted.
Mawoko, whose rise to prominence began in Mabvuku-Tafara, is content with fame without fortune.
“I might be content with the life I lead, but honestly, I am praying for some money one day — just to spoil myself,” he joked.
Good article there.