Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
UNITED Kingdom-based actress, brand strategist and director of ceremonies, Rumbidzai “Miss Rue” Musarurwa, is living her dream.
After years of working with various theatre production houses back home, she has managed to enhance her knowledge of filmmaking and choreography abroad. Now, this multi-talented individual, who is a mother of one, has returned to her true passion – event directing.To many, who saw her at the recent ZimFest in the UK and last year’s Doek Festival (not Doek & Slay), she may seem like a newcomer.
However, back in Zimbabwe, she was already a well-established figure in the entertainment industry.
“I have always been a director of ceremonies for several major corporations, such as Econet, conducting their roadshows in Zimbabwe around 2014,” she said in an interview from her base in Cardiff, Wales.
“I was never shy to express myself, which has shaped the personality I have today. I have been living and working here for the past three years and it was only last year that I had the opportunity to showcase what I am made of at the Doek Festival. Everything since then has become history.
“I am glad that event managers here have been recommending me to preside over major events.
“Just last year, I served as the director of ceremonies at the JamAfro Festival after being recommended by people who had seen me on stage.
“I don’t joke on stage because this is my calling since childhood, and it truly defines who I am.”
Born in Harare, and raised in Highfield, Miss Rue recalled how she was introduced to large crowds as a teenager, which contributed to her becoming the bold and versatile actress she is today.
“I have always loved and enjoyed performing in front of large audiences since my days in Highfield.
“I worked with several theatre companies, such as Shooting Stars Performing Arts under Patrick Tembo, who introduced me to theatre.
“In theatre performances, there are no retakes since we are dealing with a live audience, and one must fully understand and interpret the script.”
She vividly remembers her early years before becoming an instant hit with many people.
“I worked with Patrick Tom for close to eight years and, in between, he would recommend me to other production houses but he was the one who showed me the way.
“He also referred me to Jasen Mphepo and I worked with him under Patsime Trust. We did several plays together, including ‘The Father,’ which was popular back in the day.”
In addition to Tembo and Mphepo’s influence on her career, Miss Rue had the opportunity to further hone her skills under the guidance of other producers.
“I was very fortunate to work with people who believed in my talent as they kept referring me to other producers who appreciated my performances.
“At one point, I collaborated with Peter Churu and participated in several theater plays with students from the University of Zimbabwe Theatre.
“One of the plays we produced around 2014 was ‘Tokwe Mukosi,’ and it was during this production that I realised I had matured as a person.
“Prior to that, I had performed in other plays as a teenager at HIFA (Harare International Festival of the Arts) and gained valuable insights from the late playwright Walter Mparutsa.”
Determined to further improve her skills in theatre, Miss Rue flew to China for training in theatre and filmmaking but eventually returned to her Zimbabwean roots due to Covid-19.
“My time in China was an eye-opener as I was exposed to another platform where art thrives. I don’t regret that experience because it provided a valuable learning opportunity for me.
“I am glad to be here now, applying what I have acquired over the years through hard work,” she said.
She also shared her experiences as a marketer of major brands, a concept she mastered at a young age.
“I have created several promotional jingles and advertisements back home, including the PSI circumcision jingle, which featured top artists like Winky D.
“At school in Highfield, I enjoyed anything related to spoken word, poetry performances and acting. After O-Level, I went straight into acting, which has always been my passion.”
Now that she has settled in the UK, Miss Rue is determined to make an impression overseas and leave her mark on the showbiz scene.
“I can’t stop doing what I love most because this is my passion and my calling,” she said.
