Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ARTISANAL miners can sometimes be a nuisance but pole dancer Noleen “Zoey” Sirani has discovered a good way to charm them.
Known for her popularity among artisanal miners, affectionately called Makorokoza, Zoey has spent much of her time with them.
She has even criticised copycats mimicking her style, prompting her to seek out new markets among these miners.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Zoey revealed how effortlessly she wins the hearts of artisanal miners. “It just happened that I am in good books with them, and I don’t regret this move.
“I had to find a new market and the artisanal miners embraced me, despite their notorious reputation.
“I have never faced abuse from them because I know how to win their hearts.”
She acknowledged the unpredictability of her audience, noting how some well-known musicians hesitate to perform for this crowd.
“I always perform in Shamva, Bindura, Headlands and Zvishavane, among other small mining towns, whenever there’s demand for my performances,” she said.
According to Zoey, artisanal miners reward performers well, provided they deliver what the audience wants. “I’ve noticed that every dancer who bleaches her skin and starts learning pole dancing tends to imitate me, which is disheartening.
“This has pushed me to explore new markets because we can’t all do the same thing at the same venues.
Zoey also revealed that she trades second-hand clothes, known as Mabhero in street lingo.
“When I visit places like Shamva and Bindura, popular with artisanal miners, I also carry my clothing for sale, and I have no regrets about it.
“You must think outside the box to survive. I have always been a multi-tasking woman who does not put all her eggs in one basket, and I am glad we, as pole dancers, have set the pace.”
A talented individual, she can sing and has collaborated with Suluman Chimbetu on the love song “You Are My Valentine.” “I feel like the happiest pole dancer right now because I can dance and sing.” Zoey gained acclaim over 15 years ago as a pole dancer at Londoners in Harare.
