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Kumbirayi Shonhai
Afro-contemporary jazz singer Thelma “Hearts” Kapisa has written a script for an upcoming TV series called “Ndarira” that will be produced by NAMA Award-winning film production house Nelned Pictures.
Directed by Sydney Taivavashe (“Gonarezhou” and “Poor Cousins”) and produced by Clemency Madyangove, the series focuses on pertinent themes affecting society, including abortion, gender-based violence, peer pressure, sexual abuse and children’s rights, among others.
“The story was initially a song and I got the idea from my late dad a while ago,” said Kapisa. “During the lockdown, I was forced to stop our weekly performances at Jazz 24, and staying home all day with nothing to do pushed me into writing.
“With the synopsis, I approached several production companies, but it was finally approved by Nelned Pictures. I’m happy because under the mentorship of Clemency Madyangove — who also co-scripts the series — we developed the script into a gripping screenplay which I’m sure the audience is going to enjoy.” The story, Kapisa revealed, was a portrayal of how decisions — whether forced or voluntary — always have consequences in the lives of everyone involved.
“Ndarira is the story of Rutendo and how her experiences during her childhood and early life eventually return to haunt her after some years,” she said. “Her daughter, Vimbai, is innocent and well-protected, but her mother’s dark past will creep into this blissful lifestyle and tear everything apart.
“As the series progresses, we will see how society is a major contributor to the harsh truths which happen around us. People need to view how selfishness, pride and peer pressure at all levels can negatively impact our children and those after them.”
Kapisa is a University of Zimbabwe Bachelor of Arts graduate who burst on the music scene with a collaboration featuring Ba Shupi in 2014 on her album titled “Fona.”
Since then, she has featured several prominent artistes including Ras Caleb and backing vocals on many Chillspot productions.
Kapisa regularly features at Jazz 24 as well as other suburban jazz joints around the capital with her sister Jo Hazeleyes as a backing singer.
Asked if it was an easy switch from behind the microphone to picking a pen, Kapisa said: “I’m still doing music because it is in my blood and I can’t imagine ever stopping. However, I believe that song-writing is also a form of storytelling.
“Whenever I write a song, I’m already picturing how the video would look like. So, yes, I definitely believe that music and film are interlinked somehow that’s why it was easy for me to venture into writing.”
Kapisa is working on new music projects as well as collaborating with a number of local and regional artistes.
“Lately, I have several singles in the oven,” she said. “Firstly, a love song which I featured a SAMA nominated artiste from South Africa called Ras Canly, called “Crazy,” and its a mixture of Venda, Shona and English.
“Then there is another song called “Pachibhoi” which I did with Eagle Sounds, a song that celebrates Zimbabwean original dances.
Additionally, there’s another called “Please” which was recorded by Sunshine studios, a song about seeking God’s forgiveness, then another one named “Yahweh’ which I did with Unique Studios with Mr Daniel Meki on the guitars, it is a patriotic song that is also a prayer for Zimbabwe.
“I also featured on a song by Ms. Cox, who is a School Head from Chingondo Primary School in Murehwa, called “Kodzero Dzevana” and the video will be aired on ZTV any time soon. I also want to make a special mention to my husband Ras Caleb for all the musical advice and support.”
Online Reporter