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Auxilia Katongomara Entertainment Correspondent
ZIMBABWE’S longest running soap, Studio 263, is on the verge of a comeback after one of Godwin Mawuru’s children, Joe, decided to revive its production. Mawuru, the producer of the popular soap, died in May dealing a cruel blow to plans for a comeback of the show.The soap went off air a few years ago due to financial constraints that saw a mass exodus of its actors.
Joe has decided to take up from where his father left off and carry on with the project.
Speaking to Chronicle Entertainment, Joe said plans to revive the soapie were underway.
“We are hoping to start production in January but we are still making consultations,” he said.
Mawuru said the major setback was finance as they were still in negotiations for funding with the corporate sector.
“As soon as we get funding we will set the ball rolling,” he said.
The brains behind the soap, veteran actor Stephen Chigorimbo, said he would be working with Joe on the production.
Chigorimbo, who played Baba Huni in the soap opera, worked closely with Godwin since the inception of the soap.
The soap opera, which became one of the most popular television programmes, hit the screens in 2001 and became a darling of many Zimbabweans.
The film focused on several themes such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, disabilities as well as cultural and identity issues.
Studio 263’s original cast included the likes of filmmaker and actor Ben Mahaka (Tom Mbambo), Tinopona Katsande (Joyce), Pretty Xaba (Mai Muwengwa), Denzel Burutsa (Jabu), Charmaine Mangwende (Mai Huni), Ben Sibenke (Mr Shereni), Chipo Bizure (Eve), Anne Nhira (Vimbai), Tatenda Mavetera (Tendai Jari), Joe Pike (Mr Huni) and Kizito Mawoko (Dread Welly). Joe said although most of the actors had left the country or ventured into different fields, the new soap was expected to lure back all the original cast members.
Sadly, others like wordsmith Nevernay Chinyanga (Muwengwa) and Benhilda Marume (Tamara) have since passed on.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter