Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
A BOY from Bocha in Marange, Mutare District, has once again put Manicaland on the map on African entertainment.
Admire Mushambi, popularly known as Mama Vee, is back in town from a recent trip to Nigeria, where he rubbed shoulders with some of Nollywood’s most celebrated actors and actresses, including the legendary Patience Ozokwor, fondly known as Mama Azuka.
For Mama Vee, the journey was a cultural and artistic awakening, an experience he described as “forever lingering in my blood.”
In an interview with Weekender Entertainment, the comedian and content creator struggled to contain his excitement as he recounted the hospitality, energy and lessons he received while in Nigeria.
Mama Vee is no stranger to acclaim.
His comic genius, creative storytelling, and use of the Bocha dialect have endeared him with thousands of fans across Zimbabwe and beyond.
With over 2,1 million followers on social media, his reach continues to grow, and his unique brand of humour, where he plays a well-built, domineering yet hilarious woman, has become his signature.
Yet, even with this success, he acknowledges that being in the heart of Africa’s entertainment powerhouse offered lessons that no amount of local recognition could replicate.
“It was a beautiful experience. I learnt to treat people and to value how they treat you. Mama Azuka is big, and she came to pick me up from the airport. Even at her age, she still goes to shoots like a teenager. Her energy is next to none, and her consistency is incredible. She wakes up at seven in the morning to prepare for the day. I also saw the houses she has acquired over the years from her career, and it inspired me to think about how art can build a legacy.
In Nigeria, they take art seriously. Everyone, whether upcoming or established, has respect for their craft. The professionalism is impressive. I learnt that you cannot relax and that maintaining energy, focus and discipline is just as important as talent. I went there for my birthday shoot, which I sponsored myself, and I am excited to say that something big is cooking. We will drop a lot of surprises in the coming days,” he said.
Beyond observing Mama Azuka’s work ethic, he said he absorbed the scale and seriousness with which Nigeria treats its entertainment industry.
He said it is impressive how even emerging actors are treated with respect and given opportunities to contribute meaningfully — a standard that left a deep impression on him.
“It is a milestone, not just for me personally, but for the arts in Mutare and Manicaland as a whole.
“We are part of a province that has produced incredible talent over the years. People like the late Lazarus ‘Gringo’ Boora, Safirio ‘Mukadota’ Madzikatire, Simon ‘Mutirowafanza’ Shumba and John ‘Chibhodhoro’ Muyambo put Manicaland on the artistic map. Now, I feel it is my turn to continue that legacy, not just locally, but beyond Zimbabwe,” he said.
Mama Vee’s success story is rooted in both his natural talent and work ethic.
Starting off with local comedy skits, he quickly became known for his unique character, transforming himself into a humorous, assertive female persona that has captivated audiences.
His energy off camera mirrors his performances, a factor that has helped him maintain consistency and relevance in a crowded entertainment industry.
The trip to Nigeria was also an opportunity for Mushambi to observe how those in the industry outside Zimbabwe handle scale, logistics, and business in entertainment.
From production standards to networking practices, he found the experience illuminating.
He learnt about marketing strategies, audience engagement and business side of entertainment, including contract management and monetisation of content, which he said will inform his approach back home going forward.
“Being in Nigeria, I saw how seriously they approach art as a business. It is not just performing or entertaining, but it is creating an industry where talent can sustain livelihoods, build legacies, and contribute to the economy. I learnt about discipline, punctuality and investing in our craft. Every aspect of Nollywood is designed to empower the actor, crew, and community around them,” he added.
Back in Zimbabwe, the talented actor continues to build on the momentum.
His social media presence, comedic sketches, and engaging storytelling have made him one of the most recognisable content creators in the country.
He described Mama Azuka as a “fountain of artistic inspiration,” noting, not just her energy and work ethic, but also her humility, generosity, and dedication to her craft. For a young artist like him, this combination of excellence and humanity offered a blueprint for success.
“I watched how she engages with everyone on set, how she maintains professionalism while being approachable, and how she values both her craft and the people around her. That is a lesson I will carry forever. It taught me that talent alone is not enough, but respect, discipline and consistency are what make a career sustainable,” he said.
With his characteristic energy, charm, and Bocha dialect, Mama Vee continues to captivate audiences while inspiring a generation of artists in Manicaland and beyond.
His recent trip to Nigeria serves as a reminder that with talent, discipline, and ambition, borders do not limit creativity, and that international exposure can elevate not only individual careers but also local arts communities.
He said his experience in Nigeria will undoubtedly shape the next chapter of his career and set a benchmark for Manicaland’s creative community, reinforcing the province’s place in Zimbabwe’s entertainment hall of fame.
