Online Reporter
Trust Khosa,
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FREDDY “Kapfupi” Manjalima’s camp is on cloud nine as the seasoned comedian gains recognition from top influencers and creatives.
The versatile actor-cum-musician is on the verge of shooting a blockbuster movie with Zimbabwe-born, Ireland-based filmmaker Caroline Nyaka-Chana, who recently returned home for vacation.
Nyaka-Chana, a quintuple threat, is a creative woman of many talents who has excelled overseas.
For our readers, a “quintuple threat” refers to a creative individual who excels in five distinct fields, building upon the concept of a “triple threat,” which denotes proficiency in three areas.
Nyaka-Chana’s strengths encompass dance, film and television, music, theatre, and television presenting. She has not only excelled in these areas but has also offered her services as an arts consultant.
In an interview, Kapfupi’s manager and elder brother, Sam Manjalima, expressed gratitude for Nyaka-Chana’s appreciation of the comedian’s talent.
“We know Carol Nyaka-Chana, and we are humbled that she still values my brother’s talent when others have already written him off.
“It’s very rare for someone of her caliber to fly all the way from overseas to be with us and express her desire to work together,” he stated.
The manager provided insight into the project they are currently working on to keep Kapfupi engaged.
“We are going to shoot a blockbuster film with her, and we have accepted the offer.
“Of course, it will take some time, but this is crucial because we want to keep Kapfupi busy.
“As his manager, I believe Kapfupi’s strength lies in drama and acting, so we want him to return to where he belongs to win back the hearts of many,” he said.
He added:
“Of course, he is also a talented musician, but we realized he was underutilizing his talent.
“He excelled as a musician and was actually surprised by his own abilities.
“At the moment, we are gearing up for the biggest project with Nyaka-Chana, and it’s a plus for us that we still have people who appreciate us.”
Nyaka-Chana, who made history in recent years as one of six candidates selected for year-long film and television production training in the United Kingdom under Screen Skills, vowed to empower locals.
“I am one lucky person who has been given exposure to shine at an international level.
‘‘Now that I am back home, I have met some of the people I started with.
“You will be surprised to know that I once managed Kapfupi (Freddy Kapfupi Manjalima), and we are working on something together. He is someone I am constantly in touch with, and his management is aware of our collaboration,” she added.
Nyaka-Chana, who met Kapfupi and his team last week, hailed the comedian as a creative genius with nothing to prove.
“Kapfupi was one of the pioneers of street theatre, along with the late Marabha (Charles Mapalum), when it was difficult to penetrate the market.
“I once managed them before I moved overseas, but I always stay in touch with him.
“Although we lost Marabha, we can only celebrate what he achieved. We are certainly working on a film with Kapfupi, and you can confirm this with his management,” she said.
Creatives like Nyaka-Chana, who completed an intensive stunts course with the British Action Academy (BAA) to enhance her knowledge in film, deserve special mention for keeping Zimbabwe at heart.
She also appreciates arts practitioners who have excelled in their journeys despite facing challenges.
Nyaka-Chana is one of the revered creatives who have praised Kapfupi, three months after Jah Prayzah endorsed the comedian.
She believes in teamwork, collaboration, and powerful networking, which have led her to work with European and American producers.
Raised in Avondale, Harare, and having spent over 20 years overseas, her journey has been one of evolution and reinvention.
Despite her many accomplishments, she attributes much of her success to the late mbira queen, Mbuya Stella Chiweshe, who passed away from a brain tumor on June 20, 2023, at the age of 76.
Nyaka-Chana, who made history by performing at Jamaica’s Independence Day celebrations at Victoria Square, Birmingham, last year, believes she has a calling to be counted among the country’s finest artists.
