Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
BEING a child celebrity can often feel like a nightmare, especially in Zimbabwe.
The expectations are always high and managing fame can be extremely challenging.
It also comes with numerous demands, ranging from the need for professional guidance to the constant management of public attention.
There is also exploitation, harassment and ill-treatment.
At school, they may struggle to focus on their studies, as they are often treated like rock stars.
Trying to navigate the fast-paced lifestyles that come with their status can often be treacherous.
It messed up a lot of young lives, including Makanaka Wakatama, a child television presenter who co-hosted “Star Kids” on ZTV alongside Tinevimbo Chimbetete.
She became a victim of early marriage, abuse and intense public scrutiny during her teenage years.
At 15, she was impregnated and married by a local businessman, a controversial development that stirred public debate due to her status as a minor and public figure.
Her career as a television presenter ended prematurely as a result.
Zimdancehall singer Ras Pompy, real name Reginald Mano, now 24, is another victim of fame.
At 13, he was already living life in the fast lane, performing at major gigs and clubs, and mingling with the country’s top celebrities — often at the expense of his schoolwork.
He unsurprisingly flunked his Ordinary Level exams and later had brushes with the law.
He is currently serving a six-month jail term after being arrested for unlawful possession of restricted medicines in July 2025.
This is precisely the reason some are already raising concerns over Ngwere Diki, born Tafadzwa Gakaka, who currently seems to be caught up in all the attention and trappings that come with fame.
The eight-year-old singer’s demanding schedule requires extraordinary stamina for someone of his age.
Just recently, he performed in Beitbridge, travelling more than 1 000 kilometres by road to and from Harare.
During the festive season, he has a series of shows lined up, starting on November 28 in Kadoma.
He will perform in Highfield, Harare, on December 13; and the City Sports Centre, at the Zimbabwe Cup Clash gig, on December 20.
Two days later, on National Unity Day, Ngwere Diki will hold another show in Bikita.
He will wrap up his schedule in Bulawayo on December 27 at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Hall.
His management continues to accept bookings, raising genuine concerns about his safety, physical health and mental well-being.
Manager Shepherd Munarwo, however, insists Ngwere Diki is in safe hands.
“I always make it a point to ensure his safety is the main priority wherever we are called to perform,” he said.
He also said the team always takes precautions against dangers such as alcohol and drug abuse, as well as troublemakers.
“Before we visit a location, we make specific demands with the promoter regarding the boy’s security. He is still young and we are acutely aware of the challenges he might face in his career,” he said.
“We have made it a point that he prioritises his schoolwork. He is now learning in Glen Norah, where special transport is arranged to take him to and from school.”
Ngwere Diki’s father, Julius (47), a brick moulder in Hopley Zone 3, Harare South, downplayed concerns about his son working overtime or missing school.
“We always make it a priority that he does not perform during school hours. Most of his shows take place on weekends and holidays, which is fair for him. We do not want the boy to compromise his studies,” he said.
He said at home Ngwere Diki is treated like any other child.
“He might be a celebrity outside, but not in my house. He performs all the duties expected of him and we have no complaints or regrets. As a young boy, we always teach him to respect the elderly, and he knows that well,” he said.
He expressed gratitude for the support his son has received.
“I am grateful to God for giving me this talented son, who has brought joy to my family,” he said. “He was gifted a residential stand in Harare South and 10 000 bricks by Comrade Kuda Tagwirei. We cannot ask for more and we cannot thank God enough for this generous gesture.”
While celebrating the emergence of child celebrities, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Napoleon Nyanhi emphasised the need for maximum protection.
“Child celebrities need protection at all costs against all forms of abuse as they are vulnerable. They must also be shielded from social media, which can be brutal. If they are performers, they should never be seen performing in bars or areas where alcohol is sold, as stipulated by the law,” said Nyanhi
He also said those who are under 18 should not perform at events promoting alcohol or cigarettes, nor at events extending beyond 8pm.
“Our goal is the maximum protection of these kids, ensuring they do not lose focus on what they are doing,” he said.
Music promoter Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza, who discovered Ngwere Diki, said the young singer “must slow down and take fewer bookings”.
“He is not at a stage where he can handle many bookings, and his management needs to address this issue. However, he is very talented; he should focus on fewer shows of better value and have time for school,” said Chimbodza.
Reports of non-payment for gigs have also surfaced, raising questions about the boy’s handlers.
At the 2025 Cup Clash prize-giving ceremony in Donnybrooke, Harare, Godfatha Templeman publicly encouraged Ngwere Diki to concentrate on school.
He gave similar advice to the Harare Cup Clash junior category winners Young Silent and Jah Kancho.
Tinaye Agere