dyton mupawaenda
Youth Interactive Writer
NINE-YEAR-OLD Skanyiso Ngwenya is a remarkable talent in the film and television industry.
Recently, he shone brightly at the 23rd National Arts Merit Awards ceremony, where he won the Outstanding Actor award.
His maturity and composure far exceed his age, showcasing his natural ability as an actor. Skanyiso’s acceptance speech was concise and impactful, further affirming his innate talent. “My name is Skanyiso Ngwenya. I want to thank God, and I want to thank everybody responsible for my success,” was Skanyiso’s short and sweet speech, sending the entire auditorium into delirium.
Given his impressive skills at such a young age, the future of film and television in Zimbabwe is undoubtedly in capable hands.
In a competitive field, Skanyiso triumphed over two veteran actors: John Mabuyane, known for his role as Tembani Dube in Inkaba, and Tapiwa Mavindidze, who played Tawanda in Nhoroondo.
Skanyiso, who starred in Rise as the main character, left the event as the clear winner, returning to his home in Victoria Falls with accolades in hand.
A young boy of many talents, Skanyiso is also into boxing. However, he has since made his mark in film and television.
Before he even made it into film and television, theatre and drama remained some of his favourite hobbies.
With theatre, the cast is exposed to a live audience where there are no retakes, while in filmmaking, there is a need for perfection.
His parents — Nkosinathi Ngwenya and Rumbidzai Chikamhi — have blessed Skanyiso’s journey as a creative.
They have just convinced the national and film sector that he is super talented and deserves to be ranked among the best.
“Our son loves anything to do with acting, especially drama and theatre.
“He has joined a drama group here in Victoria Falls, and I am now convinced that he is learning quite a lot from that group. “We are fully behind him, and he must follow his heart, although we still have a big role to play to ensure that he doesn’t lose focus and the plot,” stressed Skanyiso’s father.
“He is turning 10 in November and attends Chinotimba Primary School here in Victoria Falls.
“His performance in school is quite encouraging, and we are always wishing him the best in whatever he does.
“We cannot afford to stop him from following his passion because you never know where his calling is.”The father has promised to honour Skanyiso with something big.
“We have not given him anything in appreciation of his talent, but something is coming, and we want him to know that we are fully behind him.
He has made us proud, and we want him to continue raising the flag higher.
“Our family name is now known because of him, and that alone makes us proud to have a talented son like him,” he said.
His mother, Chikamhi, was equally ecstatic as the boy has been doing well.
“We are still happy that the boy has done it at the NAMAs. We are grateful to God who blessed us with this jewel of ours,” said the mother. Like any other youngster growing up in the ghetto, Skanyiso is also multitasking. He is said to be passionate about boxing, where they are groomed to man up and be role models. Largely inspired by Arnold Tongayi Chirisa, Skanyiso is not only a young celebrity but a torchbearer for the local film and television sector. With proper funding and regulation, film and television is a billion-dollar industry that has boosted the economies of other countries. In Skanyiso’s case, he needs proper management to ensure that he remains focused on his work.
Still under the custody of his parents, Skanyiso is in safe hands, according to the family.
Online Reporter