Chronicle Editor
Mbulelo Mpofu, Showbiz Reporter
WHEN it comes to real drama in Skies, journalists like Zimpapers’ Langalakhe Mabhena answer the call because their job is to alert people on what happens in the City of Kings and Queens.
Mabhena, also known as Maroza in the entertainment circles defines himself as a humble guy who is the second and last born raised in the family of two.
Raised in the dusty streets of Iminyela, Maroza played street football and behaved like other boys in the precinct during the era when boys in the hood would assume nicknames from their footballing icons.
For a long time, he has been writing “exceptional” content for B-Metro in the showbiz terrain and such work ethic has seen him getting two consecutive Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) nominations since last year.
Battling out with fellow Zimpapers colleague from sister paper Chronicle, Mthabisi Tshuma, Maroza has two other nominees to worry about. These are Sharon Sibindi from NewsDay and Sithokozile Sibanda from Ilanga.
Langalakhe can smell a “juicy” story from away and on May 28 this year, he wrote a “controversial” story about former Iyasa frontliner dancer, Lethokuhle “Letty” Ncube which sparked a furore online.
Such literary instincts were noted by his literature teacher back in his high school days at David Livingstone.
“When I was doing my form 3 at David Livingstone, I became one of the top literature students. Because of that, my teacher told me I had a potential to become a journalist. So, I started developing a habit of reading magazines (Drum, Bona etc.) I mastered their writing skills and that’s when I discovered that I could become a journalist,” relayed the laid-back journalist.
Professionally, he started journalism in 2017 as an intern for B-Metro and the rest is history. Since then, the Midlands State University graduate has never looked back.
Did you know that Maroza is actually a stage name that he uses when he is behind the mic spitting some bars with Hip Hop crew Red Monkey Nation which was nominated for Best Newcomers at the 2015 Zim Hip Hop Awards?
Asked on how he felt about his RoilBAA nomination, Maroza did not hide his joy and let it all out, chuckling: “It’s awesome. This is the second time I am nominated in a row and it’s a sign that my work is recognised and people love it.” He would not trade journalism for anything but suppose he wasn’t a journo, he would have been a full-time musician or an actor, but he concedes that journalism is his home.
Every journey has its highs and lows and Maroza’s is no exception. The peak of his career has been being able to write life-changing stories while the lows have something to do with dealing with creatives who do not understand constructive criticism in journalism.
“In journalism, particularly showbiz, you meet creatives who just cannot accept constructive criticism and take it as a personal attack. That’s only counter-productive to their craft and makes our jobs very cumbersome as journo’s,” articulated Maroza.
If it were up to Maroza, interviewing the legendary Lovemore “Majaivana” Tshuma would be a good addition to his CV.
“Growing up, his music was all over my surroundings especially eKasi. I’d someday like to have a lengthy conversation on what inspired his craft and question his prophecy vested in his music.”
Chief among the lessons that he has learnt in his career, Maroza was quick to point out strength as one must-have quality that a journalist must possess as in this cut-throat industry, anything can happen.
“Journalism has taught me to be strong and considerate at the same time. We’re tasked to write stories, either good or bad. We don’t know what that story will cause to that person. Even if it’s hard to sometimes write negative stories about someone, the job has to be done and that has made me strong and considerate throughout my career,” said Maroza.
As a parting shot, Maroza had some few words for wannabe journalists. “Stay focused! Know what you want to achieve and be truthful to yourself and keep on writing.” — @eMKlass_49
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter