adminWalter Mswazie Showbiz Correspondent
POPULAR comedian, Sabhuku Vharazipi (real name David Mubaiwa) says he is now focusing on staging promotional shows for companies and humanitarian organisations as the pickings are better compared to selling his comedy DVDs.
Though the Sabhuku Vharazipi comic drama went viral with the hilarious drama winning the hearts of many, Mubaiwa said it was disheartening that he did not pocket much from the production.
Speaking to Saturday Leisure on the sidelines of the Batanai HIV and Aids organisation (BHASO) promotional show held recently in Mwenezi, Mubaiwa said he was now focusing more on promotional shows as they were paying better compared to dramas.
“I have since resorted to doing commercial shows where I do advertising for companies and promotional plays for organisations. I have realised that selling discs from our productions does not pay because of piracy.
“The sharks are always ready to pounce on your production, even before it hits the streets so it’s a raw deal,” said Mubaiwa.
Mubaiwa said through his group, ZIYA Cultural Arts Trust, they have established a relationship with a number of organisations who normally hire them to assist them in selling their programmes.
“We have formed a rapport with a number of corporate organisations and we have done commercial shows for them. This is paying because you will not fail to go home with a loaf of bread for the children.
“This has given us an opportunity to be known throughout the country as we are moving as far afield as Mt Darwin, Beitbridge and Victoria Falls,” said the comic character.
The Masvingo-born and bred actor said the group helps humanitarian organisations on awareness campaigns and the messages were well received by the audience.
“We are carrying our awareness campaigns for HIV and Aids service organisations and water and sanitation groups. We have held a number of shows and we cannot complain on the remuneration,” he said.
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