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Nkululeko Nkala
Ita��s with a heavy heart that I write this piece but somehow I am smiling. I never quite knew Micah except for my on screen interactions with him.
Forgive my mannerism and assumptions. The Bulawayo community lost an amazing son of the soil in Richard Phiri aka Micah. The talented actor passed on last week after a long illness.
Do you remember Micah? I am sure you do. Anyway he was that short funny man who lit our screens as part of the popular drama series Amakorokoza, the guy always had a funny line and made stammering look cool.
I was at West Park Cemetery on Monday along with the many relatives of the late and creatives who came to pay their last respects. The brother got a proper send-off.
It may have been a silent gun salute but it made me smile to see Josh Nyapimbi, Zenzo Nyathi, Prince Voni Zulu, Fortune Ruzungunde, Memory Kumbota and Sarah Mpofu carry the arts hero to his final resting place.
Other creatives who graced the send-off were Babongile Sikhonjwa, Desmond Ntini, Precious Makhulumo, Sithandazile Dube and the media.
This is what I got from Zenzo Nyathi who was Mzambane in Amakorokoza.
a�?I only got to know that Micah was 63 after he passed on, I swear the guy had a young heart and good spirit. He was a brother, friend, father, uncle and colleague all in one. I remember when I was doing my primary education, he and Madlezibabayo would come and entertain us. I never imagined that one day I would share the stage with him.
a�?Even when he started ailing he kept performing in schools, I worked with him as I also imparted the knowledge he imparted to me. On the small screen Micah was amazing to work with. I very much enjoyed every scene I played with him. He would take full ownership of the script and turn it around to suit both his character and ours. He never ran out of lines or words to say. He was fun to be around and never made enemies. May his soul rest in peace.a�?
I then spoke to William Nyandoro who directed Amakorokoza and Memory Kumbota who was his assistant. William had this to say: a�?Richard Phiri was as natural as they came. He embodied an actor every director would love to work with. I first met him on set of my first ever film script around 1992.a�?
a�?The film starred Richard and the late Beater Mangethe. He had a supporting role but gave the role life. I then directed him from 2004 when I took over directing Amakorokoza. We have lost a talented, natural, non-assuming and seasoned comic of our time, a�? said Nyandoro.
Kumbota added: a�?I worked closely with Micah from the moment we cast him for Amakorokoza. He was one guy I knew as very disciplined and humble. He was older than both me as assistant director and the director, but he still respected us. He never missed a call and was never late. Never in all the years I worked on that production in various capacities did I have any problems with Bra Rich. I learnt a lot from him. Till we meet again.a�?
This artiste did his part. We will always remember him. Please continue supporting local artistes and local art. Until next week, be safe. @nkuenkala
Online Reporter