Online Reporter
Gift Moyo, [email protected]
NYAMI NYAMI, a new television series inspired by the legendary Nyami Nyami folklore rooted in BaTonga culture and the Zambezi River, is set to premiere on local screens this month. Filmed primarily in Binga and Victoria Falls, the production arrives at a time when there is growing demand for authentic Zimbabwean stories to take centre stage on mainstream television.
A collaboration between Savanna Trust and ZBCtv, the series is led by producers Charles Munganasa and Daniel Maposa. The script was written by Raisedon Baya, while direction is shared by Daniel Maposa, Joe Njagu and Charles Munganasa.
The cast features talent drawn largely from Matabeleland North, including David Mungombe, Brenda Muleya, Tchonga, Chililwa Mbuumi, Shepard Mudenda, Tanyara, Marvelous Tshuma and Lawrence Munkuli.
Productions such as Nyami Nyami signal a shift towards high-impact, high-quality Zimbabwean storytelling on screen. As local audiences increasingly engage with global platforms, expectations around visual quality and storytelling continue to rise. This series aims to meet those standards while remaining firmly rooted in local culture.
The production also embraces emerging technologies, incorporating Artificial Intelligence and CGI to enhance storytelling, expand creative possibilities and position Zimbabwean content more competitively on the global stage.
The Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub spoke to co-producer Daniel Maposa about the project. Below is the interview.
Q: In your own words, how would you describe the story told in the series?
A: The story follows two rival chieftainships divided by a river. Tonga, a reluctant heir, is falsely accused of killing a chief and sentenced to death, forcing him into a perilous journey of survival. Meanwhile, Mwembe, the slain chief’s son, embarks on a desperate quest to find the sacred Nyami Nyami relic stick to legitimise his rule and secure the river god’s blessing.
Q: What role does this series play in shaping national identity?
A: The production brings together a large and diverse cast and crew from across Zimbabwe, making it a truly national project. It incorporates multiple local languages, including ChiTonga, Shona, Nambya and Ndebele, as a way of celebrating the country’s cultural richness and diversity. Filmed primarily in Binga and Victoria Falls, the series places strong emphasis on authentic representation of the BaTonga people, highlighting their culture, language and lived experiences. In that sense, Nyami Nyami stands out as a distinctly Zimbabwean story, contributing to a deeper sense of shared identity while showcasing the nation’s cultural heritage.
Q: How long did it take to bring such a series to life?
A: The series is still in production, with the team working tirelessly to ensure it is ready for release in mid-May. The project began in early 2025 with the initial concept development and writing process, meaning the final product represents nearly a year of continuous work, refinement and collaboration.
Q: What was the approach to directing this series?
A: Given the scale of Nyami Nyami, a large and diverse team was assembled, each contributing different skills, perspectives and experiences. With so many creative voices involved, the production adopted a collaborative directing approach. This allowed the three co-directors to work closely together, combining their strengths and ensuring that the various creative elements were effectively harnessed to shape a cohesive final production.
Q: How did you work with the cast to bring out the authentic performances?
A: The cast underwent a structured preparation process that included a one-week training session followed by a week of rehearsals before filming began. This ensured that everyone was fully prepared for the demands of production. The team worked closely with the actors to help them deliver truthful, believable and compelling performances that aligned with their characters. At the same time, the performers were given creative freedom to interpret and fully embody their roles, allowing them to bring an authentic and natural depth to the screen.
Q: When is the series expected to be released?
A: Although it is still under production, the series is expected to be ready for viewing in the middle of May and will be broadcast on ZBCtv, as well as online on a platform that will be announced at the time of the release of the series.
