Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Lifestyle Senior Writer
IF “multi-tasking” had a face, it would undoubtedly belong to this figure.
Her busy schedule is not for the faint-hearted.
Fuelled by an unmatched drive, passion and stamina, she was born a winner.
Imagine, she lost her mother at 14 and was placed in a foster home that promised her sanctuary and safety.
At such a tender age, she had to call another man her real dad as misfortune hit her hard.
At 20, her biological father passed away, but she had known a “stranger” as her real father, who clothed, bathed and educated her.
While taking risks remains a concern, she has embraced challenges with open arms.
At only 35, she has already made her mark in the entertainment industry.
Her diverse experiences range from being a cleaner, bartender and supervisor to taking on managerial roles.
In the realm of artistic management, she has worn many hats, including cashier, booking agent, publicist, marketer and a manager.
As unconventional as it may sound, this is the life of Precious Nyandoro, affectionately known as Gugu.
She is both an outspoken and calculating figure, navigating her multifaceted career with grace and determination.
Now managing the affairs of the red-hot Chimurenga musician Kurai Makore, Gugu has come a long way.
Her story is one of rejection, resilience and hard work combined with the courage that has made her one of Zimbabwe’s multi-tasking showbiz warriors.
Reflecting on her past as one of those figures who were overlooked, Gugu stressed that her journey was full of thorns and stones.
“I know many people now respect me because I am managing one of the most sought-after brands in Zimbabwe, Kurai Makore, but it was a long journey,” she shared.
“I suffered a lot in my life, but I find comfort in the Lord, who gives me the courage to manage the affairs of important personalities like Mukoma Kurai. I call him Mukoma Kurai because I closely watched and witnessed his ascendancy before his camp made me their manager.”
With the Chimurenga prince now enjoying phenomenal success under her management, she emphasised that she will remain level-headed.
“Before I assumed this role, there were people who sat me down and empowered me with nuggets of wisdom. It’s not easy to find people willing to be part of your journey and who embrace you as you are. I believe God is in this, and I will always do my best not to disappoint Him,” she stated.
Poor Upbringing
Chronicling her childhood, Gugu acknowledged that she did not have it easy.
“I was born into a family of three in Harare, where I completed my primary education. Sadly, I lost my mother in 2004, and we had to be taken into a foster home by Mr Kanhamo Chiweshe, who looked after me and sponsored my education until 2008 at Mutoko Government High School before he moved to the United States of America. After my benefactor relocated to the US, my world almost crumbled.”
Determined to move on, Gugu recounted how she became a hustler in Mutoko.
“I managed to write my A’Levels, pursuing arts subjects.
“With the help of Abel Mavura, who ran an organisation called MAYO (Marvel Act Youth Organisation), my dreams were revitalised, and I managed to study many programmes.
‘‘Some were diplomas, short courses, and certificates of attendance, but it all worked in my favour. I studied marketing, theatre education, and conducted several campaigns on gender-based violence,” she recounted.
When reality hit that she had to be strong, Gugu opted to learn the ropes from other successful female influencers.
“After all I had acquired in terms of education and lifestyle, I joined Mtaka Media, run by Florence Chaurura, a philanthropist and loving mother.
“She recommended that I become a manager for Music Crossroads winner Samson Gohwa, better known as Droba (not Drogba), in Mufakose. I worked with him from 2016 to 2018, and I still cherish those years that transformed my life for the better.”
After making a name for herself with Droba, many upcoming artistes sought her services, as she was seen as an instant game-changer.
“After leaving Droba, I worked for Carlos Green between 2018 and 2020. I did my best for him, but I was never short of admirers as Romeo Gasa also sought my services during that time,” she continued.
During the Covid-19 lockdown, Gugu continued doing charity work with several arts promoters and event management gurus who came before her.
“As a multi-tasking person who had also studied culinary courses, I found a job at Bar Rouge (now The Yard) as an African [cuisine] waitress. I juggled between Bar Rouge and Londoners in Strathaven, and I am glad everything went according to plan.
“In between, I worked with the likes of Mahwindo (Wanisayi Mutandwa) and Dee Nosh as one of the event managers for the Hwedza Festival, which used to be run by Honourable Tino Machakaire,” she narrated.
Her career would mean nothing without mentioning brand strategist, businessman and events manager Benjamin Nyandoro of Jive Zimbabwe.
“When Benjie opened Padziva Caravan, I was one of the people he recruited because we are related by totems. Benjie was tough on me because he wanted me to perform at my best.
“Once I messed up at work, he would make me an example in front of others, which made me strong,” she chuckled. “At one point, I almost gave up, but he would not tolerate that after he saw my potential. He still monitors me to this day, and I am glad to have a loving brother who expects the best from me.”
Gugu, who is never short of business suitors, found herself working for Moojah’s Bar in Southerton, run by businessman and entrepreneur, Itai Motsi.
“From February to May, I worked at Moojah’s Bar as a supervisor, but I had to leave. It was here that Kurai Makore sought my services, and I am glad to be part of his management. I consider him my brother, and I enjoy our relationship as brother and sister managing each other’s brands,” she added.
She also shared some of her short-term plans with her current employer.
“We are looking forward to a successful launch with Kurai on the 8th of August at Sherwood Gold Club. I have settled in well here, but I wouldn’t want to be in a comfort zone, considering what we have achieved together as a band. I have also lined up a series of shows in Joburg, Cape Town, and very soon he will be flying out to the United Kingdom for a show with his father figure and uncle, Thomas Mapfumo.”
Family Time
With such a busy schedule, Gugu insists she still has time for her children.
“I have two kids, a 13-year-old son and a 10-month-old daughter, along with a loving husband. I always make time for family because these days you can work online, and my main priority is Kurai, whom I should monitor to ensure he is in the right place at the right time.
“On that note, Benjie, who is part of my journey, sat me down before I took this responsibility, and I am glad we are winning together. The same can be said of Phathisani, with whom I have worked for a long time and consider family.”
Future
After going full circle in search of fame and fortune, Gugu firmly believes that she belongs to a rare breed of stars.
“All that I have achieved in this short time cannot be achieved overnight. I am just grateful that God has been on my side, and I am determined to leave a lasting impression. Only God knows where my story will end, and I am happy,” she stressed.
As Gugu reflects on her career, she has every right to believe that she is a gem in her own right. She is simply precious!
