Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
DO you still remember Bustop TV actress Sharon “Maggie Magirazi” Chideu?
Do you still miss the satire and humour that made her a household name alongside Gonyeti (Samantha Kureya) and Lucky Aaroni back in the day?
Well, the inimitable actress, who excelled in skit-making, stand-up comedy, and even the demanding theatre, still has it in her tank.
Maggie will reconnect with international comedy lovers on March 19 at Alliance Francaise in Harare after securing a slot at the ongoing Zimbabwe Francophone Week.
The versatile actress will be shaking off the rust at this annual multicultural jamboree, which seeks to promote collaboration, exchange programs, and the French language.
Maggie, along with Cde Fatso (Sam Munro), will take the stage alongside Vincent Kucholl and Vincent Veillon from Switzerland.
As two Zimbabwean representatives at this year’s cultural fete, a lot is expected from them, especially Maggie. Surprise local and foreign guests are also expected to be part of this huge celebration of humour and laughter, which is expected to add another spark to Francophone Week.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Maggie expressed her excitement about reuniting with comedy lovers.
“I am looking forward to this performance at the Alliance Francaise after a long time off stage,” Maggie said. “The last time I held a public performance was in 2022 at Moto Republik before I took a break to concentrate on my new babies (business) and family.
“I am back and ready for the Francophone Week performance.”
She said she had missed the stage but revealed that stand-up comedy was not for everybody.
“Of course, I had missed this, but stand-up comedy is an intelligent genre; it’s a special task that needs brains.
“I can’t wait to be back again and I am happy for my supportive partner who has been there for me.”
Maggie’s return will also be good news for comedy lovers at a time when stand-up comedy appears to have been eclipsed by skits.
Gonyeti has also disappeared from the public domain, which has left this sector poorer.
Nigel “Tha Slick Pastor” Maritinyu, Victor “Doc Vikela,” Admire “Bhutisi” Kuzhangaira, and King Kandoro, born Mukudzei Kandoro Majoni, are some of the top comedians who have not given up despite the popularity of skits.
Jasen Mphepo, who runs an arts space in Harare, has also been giving the new crop of comedians exposure in recent weeks.
David Chimusoro, Josh Mukahanana, Mike Chipere, Munya Guramatunhu, and Tinotenda Kurwaisimba have benefited immensely, although many anticipate the participation of more ladies in stand-up comedy. With Women’s Month in full throttle, Maggie will surely turn heads as she represents her gender at the Zimbabwe Francophone Week.
After all, humour is a therapy that is needed all the time to ease stress and reclaim self-esteem.
Being a rich cultural fête that promotes various genres – such as spoken word, comedy, film, visual arts, dance, and of course, music — this event has become a permanent feature on the local showbiz calendar with high expectations each year.
The inclusion of stand-up comedians is a game-changer that will not only give attendees variety but also hope to the creative community that has been yearning for such opportunities.
For Maggie and Cde Fatso, they have been afforded yet another opportunity to represent Zimbabwe on an international platform hosted on home turf.
Many stand-up comedians have been yearning for such opportunities, which are hard to come by in recent years.
