Kadder returns stronger after near-amputation scare

ABOUT a year ago, songstress and actress Kadder (real name Proficience Cadder) endured one of the worst days of her life when she missed a step and her foot was struck by a stone.

Initially feeling no pain, things quickly escalated as she developed intense swelling and immeasurable pain in the injured foot.

For months, she withdrew from the public eye and cancelled performances, all while battling to save her marriage and secure medical assistance. This took a significant toll on both her personal life and her career — but now, a year later, she has emerged stronger, determined to reclaim her place as one of the most sought-after creatives in Gwanda and beyond.

Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment caught up with Kadder, who opened up about the devastating moment that changed her life.

“A year ago, during Women’s Month, my life took an unexpected turn. Just a day before I was scheduled to perform at the Women’s Month commemorations organised by the late Honourable MP Desire Moyo, I missed a step and a stone rolled over and struck the top of my foot. What seemed like a small accident quickly turned into an eight-month-long struggle that changed my life completely.

“During that time, I faced the terrifying possibility of amputation. It was one of the hardest seasons of my life, but it was also a deeply spiritual journey that transformed my perspective on many things. By the grace of God, I emerged victorious. That experience forced me to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with my purpose,” she said.

Kadder said that for months, she retreated from the spotlight.

“I stepped away from the stage and focused on healing both physically and spiritually. I had to go to the hospital regularly and had been scheduled for amputation if I did not respond well to the medication I was prescribed. I prayed a lot and eventually the medication started working.

“When I finally regained my strength, I began to channel that healing into something meaningful. One of the first things I did was organise the third edition of Little Mr and Miss Gwanda during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, using the platform to empower children and raise awareness about important social issues.

“After spending some time away from performing, something interesting happened; the stage began calling me back. Soon, I found myself performing again and sharing the stage with artistes such as Scotts Maphuma, Kamo Mphela and LeeMcKrazy,” said Kadder.

She said during her “hibernation” period, she took time to acquire training in the creative sector.
“I was attending workshops designed to help artistes understand how to turn their creative work into sustainable businesses. By the grace of God, I was selected to join the Magitare Cohort 2026 and later completed the SoCreative e-Learning Programme run by the British Council.

“I graduated a fortnight ago during Economy Week. That experience was life-changing. It equipped me with practical skills to balance social impact with financial sustainability as an artiste. For the first time, I began to truly see myself not just as a performer, but as a creative entrepreneur,” said Kadder.

Kadder, who once starred in the ZBC TV soapie Amakorokoza, said listening to industry veterans has helped shape her journey.

“Listening to inspiring voices such as Simon Mambazo Phiri and sharing my prototype with the trailblazing Chief Dakamela helped reinforce what I had learned during the course. It helped me marry theory with practice.

Chief Dakamela emphasised the importance of cultural relevance — that we must package our culture in a way that makes people appreciate and consume it.

“I was deeply encouraged that my prototype, even though it was just a handwritten chart at that stage, resonated with that concept.

Mambazo also shared a powerful lesson with us: sometimes growth means learning to say no and having the courage to step off the train when something no longer serves you,” said Kadder.

She said she is now ready for international performances.

“After my recent performance at the Kamo Mphela show, I realised that I have outgrown certain spaces. I am now choosing to step off that train. My emotional and cultural intelligence no longer allows me to settle for the kind of treatment that artistes sometimes receive in those environments.

“I now see myself differently. I am a creative entrepreneur working towards addressing Sustainable Development Goal 4 and Sustainable Development Goal 13 through arts and education initiatives. I know my value now,” she said.

Kadder said she draws inspiration from American media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who transitioned from entertainment to using her platform for education and social transformation.

“That is the path I see for myself as well; using art not only to entertain, but to inspire, educate, and transform communities. My journey has taught me that healing can be the beginning of purpose. What once looked like a setback has actually positioned me for a greater mission,” said Kadder.
Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire