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Columbus Mabika-Arts & Culture Reporter
Veteran actress Rhoda Mtembe, popularly known as Mai Sorobhi in the popular Paraffin local television drama series that dominated the screen in the 90s, died yesterday, plunging the arts industry and television followers into mourning.
The decorated actress was 79 at the time of her death. As news of her death started filtering, condolences came from the arts sector and the general public, with many describing her as a genius who turned the face of local film industry for the better in the early 90s.
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) said her death was a blow to the arts sector in Zimbabwe.
“It is with a heavy heart and intense sadness that the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe NACZ board and management hears the sad passing on of the legendary actor Rhoda Mtembe,” said NACZ communications officer Mr Rodney Ruwende said.
“She was an extremely gifted person in the arts and media sector. This is a woman who touched a lot of our people’s hearts in this country.” Veteran actor Timothy Tapfumaneyi of the famous “Timmy naBhonzo” drama series said Mai Sorobhi could not be replaced in the local film industry.
“I am at loss for words,” he said. “It is only yesterday that I talked about her illness and how I was really worried about it. We have been robbed, a legend is gone.
“We were on the screen during the same periods together with Mutirowafanza, Paraffin anda Gringo and we made it vibrant on the screens. It’s unfortunate she is gone. She is just irreplaceable.” Mai Sorobhi rose to fame in the early 1990s in the drama series Paraffin that made her a household name.
Before venturing into acting, she worked for the City of Harare as a health promoter at a clinic in Glen View.
She then started acting in dramas that focused on child abuse, HIV and Aids while at work. Funeral arrangements will be released in due course.
Online Reporter