Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ACTOR Blessing “Mbudziyadhura” Chimhowa says he is disappointed that his colleague William “Gweshegweshe,” was not given the honour he deserved while he was still alive.
Mbudziyadhura says he believes Gweshegweshe, who died on Saturday, deserved to have been celebrated while he was still alive.
“It is sad that in this country people are only recognised and given their flowers when they are gone. “That is when everyone starts talking about them.
“I am not saying people should not attend funerals but using someone’s death to create content is not honourable,” he said.
The death of veteran actor has left his fellow Gringo cast members mourning a mentor whose humility, discipline and commitment helped shape the popular television comedy.
Gweshegweshe, who died aged 65, was best known for playing Gringo’s long-suffering boss in the hit ZBC comedy, alongside the late Lazarus Boora, who played the title character. Mudziyadhura said working with Gweshegweshe was an honour.
“Whenever we were on set, he was always humble. He was very passionate about acting, so this is a great loss to everyone.
“We have lost a legend, a father figure, a friend and a teacher.
“His acting was so natural that people sometimes thought what they were watching was real life. “He was disciplined both on and off set. We only learnt later in life that he was a war veteran and had served in the army but he never showed off about his background.
“That is why I say we learnt humility from him,” he said. Mudziyadhura said Gweshegweshe’s commitment to the Gringo productions was evident.
“He was one of the people who worked extensively on the Gringo series.
“Even when his job demanded a lot from him, he would still find time for us.” He said Gweshegweshe had also taken a fatherly role in helping to continue the Gringo story after the death of Boora.
“After Gringo died, he started working on The Return of Gringo alongside the late actor’s son, Taurai Boora.
“Taurai is still young and Gweshegweshe was there to guide and father him.
“Gweshegweshe was at the centre of the Gringo story. “His death is a huge loss to the cast. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Another actor, Chati “Chatikobo” Butao, described him as a professional man and father figure.
“He was a professional and seasoned actor. This is a great loss to the industry, especially to those of us who worked alongside him.
“When Gringo died, we had to bring in his son, Taurai, to continue the story. Now that we have also lost Gweshegweshe, we do not know how things will unfold.
“He taught me to always be punctual and competent in whatever I do.”
Gweshegweshe became a household name through his role as Gringo’s boss in the popular ZBC comedy.
He also featured in Gringo Troublemaker (2013).
Mourners are gathered at 12 Mupangara Road in Zengeza 5 Chitungwiza, with burial scheduled for later this week.
